Breast Augmentation (Breast Implants)

Breast Augmentation is tremendously popular for good reason: it’s a safe, customizable procedure that will have you enjoying your new shape within a few weeks.

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Breasts can be a very sensitive point for a woman’s self-confidence. Women with small or deflated breasts, asymmetrical breasts, or underdeveloped breast tissue can pursue a breast augmentation as a viable solution. At Anderson Sobel Cosmetic Surgery, we are dedicated to patient education and desirable, natural-looking results to help you look and feel your best. The breast augmentation procedure and methods described below can be fully discussed during your consultation, when you and Dr. Alex Sobel will develop a personalized procedure plan that best suits your needs and delivers the body contours you’ve been dreaming of.

Overview

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After your breast enhancement procedure with breast implants, we want to offer you a choice of one complimentary treatment or product:

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Limited time offer available to patient who have completed a breast enhancement procedure with breast implants. Contact us today to book your breast augmentation and claim your gift!

Breast augmentation overview: What is it?

A breast augmentation (or augmentation mammoplasty) is a body contouring surgery that enhances the breast shape using implants to increase their size and fullness. For our breast augmentation patients, it is our aim to help your achieve your aesthetic goals with a natural look, balanced body proportions, and an irreplaceable lift to your confidence.

Key Benefits
  • Enhanced Breast Size: The increase in breast size and volume can help women achieve a more proportionate body shape.
  • Improved Breast Symmetry: Breast augmentation can correct natural asymmetry, where one breast is noticeably smaller than the other, leading to a more balanced appearance.
  • Better Body Proportions: By increasing breast size, the procedure can help balance a woman’s figure, enhancing the overall body shape and proportions.
  • Restoration of Breast Volume Post-Pregnancy or Weight Loss: Pregnancy, breastfeeding, and significant weight loss can lead to a loss of breast volume; augmentation can restore this lost volume.
  • Expanded Clothing Options: Many women find that clothes fit better and are more flattering after breast augmentation, thus expanding their fashion choices.
  • Reconstruction After Mastectomy: Breast augmentation can be part of reconstructive surgery after a mastectomy, helping to restore the breast’s appearance.
Glossary
  • Anatomical Implants: Also known as teardrop or contoured implants, these are breast implants designed to mimic the natural shape of the breast, with a sloped contour that fills out more at the bottom.
  • Areola: The pigmented skin surrounding the nipple. Breast augmentation surgery may involve incisions around the areola.
  • Axillary Incision: An incision made in the underarm area for breast augmentation, allowing for the placement of implants with no visible scars on the breast itself.
  • Breast Asymmetry: A common condition where one breast is different in size or shape from the other. Breast augmentation can correct or improve asymmetry.
  • Breast Implants: Medical devices placed in the breast to enhance size and shape. They can be filled with either saline or silicone.
  • Capsular Contracture: A complication of breast augmentation where scar tissue forms around the implant, causing the breast to feel firm or hard.
  • Cohesive Gel Implants: Also known as “gummy bear” implants, these are silicone implants known for their firmness and ability to maintain shape.
  • ​​Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation: A procedure that involves harvesting fat from another part of the patient’s body through liposuction and then injecting it into the breasts to enhance their size and shape. This technique offers a more natural alternative to traditional implants and is generally used for moderate enhancement.
  • Inframammary Incision: An incision made in the crease under the breast, commonly used in breast augmentation for direct access and discrete scarring.
  • Mammogram: An X-ray of the breast. Women with breast implants may require specialized mammograms to see around the implants.
  • Mastopexy: Also known as a breast lift, this procedure is often performed in conjunction with breast augmentation to lift sagging breasts.
  • Periareolar Incision: An incision made around the edge of the areola. This approach is used for breast augmentation to minimize visible scarring.
  • Polyurethane-Coated Implants: Breast implants coated with polyurethane foam, designed to reduce the risk of capsular contracture.
  • Prosthesis: In the context of breast augmentation, this term refers to the breast implant itself.
  • Ptosis: Breast sagging, which is classified into different grades based on severity. Breast augmentation can be combined with a lift to address ptosis.
  • Recovery Period: The time required for a patient to heal and recuperate after breast augmentation surgery. 
  • Rippling: A potential complication of breast augmentation where the surface of the skin over the implant appears wavy or wrinkled.
  • Saline Implants: Breast implants filled with sterile salt water. They are filled after being inserted, allowing for smaller incisions.
  • Silicone Implants: Breast implants filled with a silicone gel, known for their natural feel and consistency.
  • Subglandular Placement: Placement of breast implants on top of the chest muscles and under the breast glands.
  • Submuscular Placement: Placement of breast implants under the chest muscles. This placement can offer a more natural look and feel.
  • Transaxillary Incision: An incision made in the armpit area, used for placing breast implants without creating scars on the breasts.
  • Transumbilical Breast Augmentation (TUBA): A breast augmentation technique where implants are inserted through an incision in the navel, leaving no scars on the breasts.

Am I a good candidate for breast augmentation?

The ideal candidate for all cosmetic surgery procedures is physically healthy and has realistic expectations about their results. Due to the nature of a breast augmentation, it is crucial that the breast tissue be completely developed in order to achieve the best results. FDA regulations require that a patient be at least 18 years old for saline implants or at least 22 years old for silicone implants.

Many women seek out breast augmentation because they are unsatisfied with the current appearance of their breasts and desire breast enlargement. Common issues include asymmetry, loss of volume or shape due to breastfeeding or weightloss, and the underdevelopment of breast tissue (tuberous breasts). While breast augmentation does not address sagging on its own, it is commonly paired paired with a breast lift (mastopexy) to lift the breast to a more youthful position. For a fully rejuvenated look, a breast augmentation can also be paired with a tummy tuck, as is done typically done in a mommy makeover.

Video transcript »

“The question of who needs or doesn’t need a breast lift with an augmentation is a wonderful one, but generally women know. I don’t mean to trivialize things because we look at measurements, we look at body proportions, and there are a lot of things that we can use to guide a patient in that matter, but ultimately the decision is theirs. Some  women tolerate a lower breast position than others, so strictly speaking breast lifts aren’t needed, they’re desired” – Dr. Alex Sobel, cosmetic surgeon

Common reasons to women choose to have a breast augmentation

Asymmetry of the Breasts

It is not uncommon to have different sized breasts. In fact, most women have some level of asymmetry. Women can be born with this or develop it overtime. For some, the difference is apparent and causes the patient to feel self-conscious. To correct asymmetry, two different sized breast implants are inserted during surgery, achieving a natural balance that is virtually undetectable.

Loss of Volume or Shape in the Breast

Whether due to pregnancy, breastfeeding, severe weight loss, or the natural process of aging, breasts can lose their original “fullness” or shape. Breast implants can rejuvenate deflated breasts, making them voluminous and more youthful. If breasts have begun to sag drastically, a breast lift with augmentation may provide the most benefit, giving you the additional lift you desire.

Tuberous or Underdeveloped Breasts (Hypoplasia)

The direct cause of breast tissue underdevelopment is not entirely known. It is, however, a congenital defect, and one that is easily corrected with cosmetic surgery. Tuberous breasts can occur in both men and women in either one or both breasts. The breast or breasts will appear tube-like and can be a source for self-consciousness for some.

If you are concerned with one of the aforementioned issues, or that your breasts are just generally undersized for your frame, breast augmentation is the solution. Dr. Sobel will be able to discuss your main concerns and your motivation behind the procedure during your consultation. To delve into the matter of your candidacy and potential results, schedule a consultation with Anderson Sobel Cosmetic Surgery.

Breast implant options: What decisions do I need to make for beautiful breast augmentation results?

Your reasons behind choosing a breast augmentation will be an integral factor in determining the size, composition, positioning, and insertion of your breast implants. There are numerous variables that contribute to the resulting appearance of your breasts, each of which will be discussed at length during your consultation with Dr. Sobel.

Types of Breast Implants

Implants are used to enhance and enlarge the breast during a breast augmentation come in a variety of types, including silicone and saline, each with their own feel and shape.

  • Silicone implants are filled with a thick, cohesive silicone gel substance that provides a more natural look and feel.
  • Saline implants are created with a saline solution inside a flexible shell that allows for the volume to be adjusted per patient.

Recently, women undergoing breast augmentation have shown a greater preference for silicone gel implants, as the end result feels and looks more “natural.” Silicone implants better mimic natural breast tissue in both appearance and texture. Saline implants, on the other hand, offer more flexibility, like changing the size at the last minute (a frequent occurrence). During your consultation, Dr. Sobel will help you determine the best option for your breast implants.

Fat Grafting Breast Augmentation

Some patients are ideal candidates for a fat transfer breast augmentation. This uses fat grafting as alternative to breast implants. Rather than using foreign implant material as in a traditional breast augmenation, fat is harvested from various sites on the patient’s body and used as the augmentation material to shape the breast. This procedure is often referred to as BAMBI (Breast Augmentation and Mammoplasty By Injection), autologous fat transfer, or free fat grafting. Dr. Alex Sobel has served as a major contributor to the development and research behind autologous fat grafts.

Size of Implants

In order to achieve the desired cup size and end result, your proper implant size will be discussed with Dr. Sobel. Generally, 200ccs (200 cubic centimeters) is the equivalent to an increase of 1 cup size. However, the anatomy of each patient is unique, and implant size needs to be discussed on a patient-by-patient basis.

Incisions Used in Breast Augmentation

Incision placement for your breast augmentation is an important decision that affects where scarring will be. There are different techniques used depending on the patient’s body, implant choice, ultimate goals, and other factors that can be discussed with Dr. Sobel. Each incision site is purposefully selected to skillfully mask any noticeable scarring.

Breast implants can be inserted during a breast augmentation through an incision made around the areola (periareolar), under the breast (inframammary), or in the armpit region (transaxillary).

  • Periareolar: This incision is made along the lower half of the areola, the darker area of skin around the nipple, where it meets the skin of the breast.
  • Inframammary: This incision is made in the crease where the breast meets the chest wall, called the inframammary fold.
  • Transaxillary: This incision is hidden within the armpit and the procedure uses endoscopic techniques to complete the augmentation and shape the breast. Surgery that uses this technique is sometimes called a “scarless breast augmentation” since the incision scar is highly concealed.
Video transcript »

“Patients have a choice in my practice of where their breast augmentation scar will be. Most patients choose the armpit because it tends to be the most concealed with the least amount of attention and just about everybody has a naturally appearing skin crease in that area. However, some patients do choose the underneath the breast fold incision or around the nipple, and rarely patients will make a selection for a belly button incision. However, that is only useful for saline implants, and in my practice in the Seattle Bellevue area, most of our patients choose silicone implants.” – Dr. Alex Sobel, cosmetic surgeon

Placement of Implants

The implant can be placed under the pectoral muscle (submuscular placement) or between the pectoral muscle and the tissue and glands of the breast (subglandular placement). Dr. Sobel will determine which placement is used based on your desired results, amount of breast enlargement, and implant type.

Dr. Sobel aims to deliver breast augmentation results that satisfy each patient’s request, and look natural with the patient’s overall physique. In order to achieve the best possible results, Dr. Sobel will listen carefully to your goals during a comprehensive free breast augmentation consultation.

About the breast augmentation procedure

During each of our breast augmentations, general or intravenous anesthesia will be used to ensure your total comfort during the procedure. Patient safety and comfort is our number one priority at Anderson Sobel Cosmetic Surgery. Milder forms of sedation can be discussed during your consultation. The doctor will make an incision under the breast, around the areola, or in the armpit region, depending on the goals of your specific procedure. Dr. Sobel will then insert your implant or fat graft and close the incision with sutures. In total, a breast augmentation procedure can take 1 to 2 hours, depending on your specific circumstances.

What will recovery be like after breast augmentation?

It is recommended that you rest for the two to three days immediately following the cosmetic procedure. This helps ensure successful results, decreases discomfort, and lowers chances for complications or infection. We advise that you walk for 30 minutes, three times a day, every day immediately following the procedure. Patients should avoid any vigorous activity for six weeks. Push-ups and any chest-focused exercises should be avoided for 12 weeks or more. During your consultation with Dr. Sobel, you can create a personalized timeline for safely returning to your routine.

After breast augmentation, it is common for the breasts to be tender and swollen after breast implant surgery. You will be given medication to minimize discomfort, swelling, and chances for infection. The amount of swelling or discomfort involved in the recovery process will depend upon the patient, their health prior to the procedure, and the level of enlargement.

Video transcript »

“Breast augmentation recovery is completely predicated on the type of procedure that patient has chosen for augmentation, first and foremost. There are some patient factors that may lead to a faster or slower recovery, but in general the techniques that involve above-the-muscle placement of the implant and underneath-the-fascia placement of the implant tend to result in the fastest recovery. In general some of those patients will return to work three to five days after the procedure. The slower recovery procedures or the under-the-muscle techniques are where patients oftentimes won’t feel comfortable with with moderate activity or return to work place in about seven to fourteen days” – Dr. Alex Sobel, cosmetic surgeon

What about breast augmentation scars?

Dr. Sobel works to keep breast augmentation scarring to a minimum and locate incisions where they will not be easily noticed. Scarring differs from patient to patient depending on skin tone and elasticity. Scarring may also vary when the breast augmentation procedure is paired with a breast lift. If post-procedural instructions, such as applying ointment, are strictly followed, your chances for scarring will be drastically minimized.

View real patient augmentation results

Explore our gallery of before and after photos to see real patient’s results from breast implant surgery.

Why choose Dr. Alex Sobel for your breast augmentation?

Dr. Sobel is certified by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery and the American Osteopathic College of Otolaryngology. Over the years, Dr. Sobel has performed thousands of cosmetic procedures, including breast implant and autologous fat transfer procedures. He has not only served as an examiner and Trustee for the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, and a fellow of the American Academy of Cosmetic surgery, but he has also been a major contributor in researching and developing the fat transfer procedure, and has mentored several surgeons, training them in the art of cosmetic surgery. Dr. Sobel is specifically interested in body contouring procedures such as breast augmentation and breast lift procedures.

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 Patient Testimonials

I have to say that my experience here was off the charts! I am absolutely AMAZED with the results of my breast augmentation! My confidence has skyrocketed! Not only that, the recovery was SO FAST! When he said a week, he was not joking.  I love the vibe and knowledge of the Sobel team! I am already thinking of what I’ll get done next. Thank you for doing such a great job!!!!

—Alicia Vannoten

Dr. Sobel and his staff have a way of making you instantly comfortable. Sobel is a master of his craft, and pioneer, and will provide an honest and thorough assessment of any procedure you may be looking to pursue.

— Meg Good

Schedule a free consultation for your breast augmentation

Schedule your free breast augmentation consultation today in order to discuss the possibilities for your specific situation and anatomy. Dr. Alex Sobel will analyze your goals, health, and overall physique in order to deliver the best possible outcome—beautiful breasts that enhance your natural beauty and confidence. Just fill out our simple online form, contact Anderson Sobel Cosmetic Surgery directly at (425) 453-9060, or visit us at our location in Bellevue, 20 minutes outside Seattle.

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Schedule your free breast augmenation consultation today!