Breast augmentation, or a “boob job” as it’s commonly known, continues to be one of the top cosmetic procedures in America, and has been since 2006. And, in most cases, the procedure delivers the desired results. 95% of patients posting on RealSelf.com who’ve had the surgery say the operation was worth it.

What is breast augmentation surgery?

Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure that uses implants or fat transfer to change the size and shape of the breast. According to RealSelf.com, breast enhancement is used to correct the sagging and volume loss in breasts associated with age, weight loss, pregnancy, or breastfeeding.

Data from The Aesthetic Society shows that breast augmentation was the second most popular cosmetic procedure in 2023, with 249,560 surgeries performed.

However, there are options other than implants for patients to consider. Using a patient’s fat reserves can also improve breast volume, known as a fat transfer breast augmentation procedure.

Who is a good candidate for breast augmentation?

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons says it’s important that a patient wanting their breasts enhanced chooses to do so for themselves, and not to please someone else. In these cases, patient satisfaction is usually high.

Patients should be healthy and not pregnant or breastfeeding. They may be considering implants because they’re unhappy with the current size, shape, or volume of their breasts or feel that they aren’t symmetrical.

Other candidates may include previous breast augmentation patients who chose larger implants in the past but now feel that they don’t suit their active lifestyle or aren’t aligned with the current trend for a more natural look.In addition, while it isn’t strictly classed as breast enhancement, patients who would like their breasts reconstructed as part of their treatment for breast cancer may also consider implants.

What are the different ways to increase the size, shape, and projection of breasts?

The look, feel and positioning of enhanced breasts is a very personal choice for each patient and should form the basis of an honest discussion with their surgeon during the first consultation.

Trends are likely to play a part in a patient’s decision. The 2023 American Society of Plastic Surgeons report highlights a shift in preferences from dramatically large breasts to a more streamlined, leaner appearance. This trend, often referred to as the “ballet body” reflects a growing societal focus on achieving a natural look. 

To achieve the look and feel you’d like, there are different types of implants available in a range of diameters, volumes, and projections. Silicone implants – including the newer gummy bear implant – are filled with a gel, while saline implants are filled with a sterile saline solution.

Patients can choose between a round shape or a teardrop (anatomical) shape. The teardrop shape could prove more expensive and patients may choose it because they think they will achieve a more natural look than if they used round implants. For more information on round vs anatomical implants, check out our guide.A breast augmentation in Boston can also be done via breast fat transfer. This is where excess fat is removed from one area via liposuction and then injected into the breasts. This option could be suitable for patients looking for a more modest increase in breast size and for those who are worried about some of the risks associated with implants (see risks below).

How breast augmentation is done

There are two types of placement and according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, which one is chosen depends on the patient’s body type, their health, the type and size of the implants, and the individual’s goals and desires.

A submuscular – or under-the-muscle – placement goes below the pectoral muscle. This may produce a more natural appearance and a reduced rate of capsular contracture than the alternative. It may also allow for more accurate mammograms.

A subglandular – or over-the–muscle – placement goes between the chest muscle and the breast tissue so it lies below the glands of the breast. This means the implants may move around less when active and that patients can still breastfeed in the future. However, there could be a higher rate of capsular contracture.

Where are breast augmentation scars?

According to the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, there are four types of incision that your surgeon should discuss with you depending on your desired outcome.

  • The inframammary incision is carried out in the crease under the breast. This allows surgeons to place larger silicone implants or gummy bear implants inside and leaves a one to two-inch scar.
  • The periareolar incision is made around the nipple and is often used if a patient has elected to have a mild to moderate breast lift at the same time as their augmentation.
  • The trans-axillary incision is made in the armpit which allows your doctor to position the implant without scarring the actual breast itself.
  • The trans-umbilical incision is made in the naval allowing the implant to be brought into the body and placed inside the breast. This also avoids any scarring on the breasts themselves.

The choice depends on the surgery, the type of implants chosen and the route you and your surgeon agree is the best choice for you as an individual.

What is the recovery process for breast augmentation surgery?

Everyone’s breast augmentation recovery journey is individual, but surgeons can offer guidance depending on a patient’s age, overall health and well-being, and the extent of surgery.

In general, Healthline.com says patients often feel the most discomfort between three and five days, but after a week, they may be able to manage their pain with over-the-counter medications. Soreness and swelling should improve over the following weeks and after about two months, you should be nearing full recovery.

When after breast augmentation can I exercise?

After about two weeks, you can ease into more intense cardio, like walking on a treadmill or uphill. By the one-month mark, most people are ready to get back to almost all types of exercise, except heavy lifting. At six weeks, you’re usually fully healed and can return to your full workout routine.

Will breast augmentation affect breastfeeding?

Most women with breast implants can breastfeed, but factors like the implant’s size, placement, and the surgical technique used might affect milk production. If you run into challenges, a lactation consultant can provide helpful support.

How long after breast augmentation do you see final results?

Lots of patients, including users of RealSelf, become anxious about the so-called “Frankenboob stage” when the swelling in the weeks after surgery is significant and the implant can sit very high.

It’s important to talk this over with your surgeon and also discuss a process known as the “drop and fluff.”

According to zwivel.com, the drop is where the breast skin stretches, the muscles relax and the implants slowly shift downward and outward. The fluff refers to the implants filling in the lower breast tissue below the nipple as the implants finally plump out the pocket.

Some surgeons say implants typically reach their final position after three months.

However, others specialize in achieving the drop very soon after surgery.Breast augmentation Boston Board-Certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Mark Markarian says, “I always try to utilize careful technique to place implants low during surgery so the patient will not need to wait long afterward for the implants to drop.”

Why breast augmentation?

The procedure aims to do one or more of the following:

  • Improve the shape of the breasts
  • Make them higher and fuller
  • Help to create a more youthful figure.

Recent improvements in surgical techniques and implant technology mean that the procedure is now highly customizable to give patients a choice when deciding how to achieve their goals and the aesthetic they desire.

What are the risks of breast augmentation surgery?

Breast augmentation in Boston carries with it the usual risks associated with surgery, which include infection, side effects to the anesthesia, and post-operative bleeding.

Specific to breast enhancement however are changes in nipple or breast sensation, poor scarring, or implant rupture or leakage.

Scarring is inevitable but it can be minimized by avoiding smoking, staying out of the sun, eating nutritious foods, and following your surgeon’s guidelines on physical activity.

With subglandular (over-the-muscle) placement, patients may also experience a higher rate of capsular contracture. This is where the scar tissue or capsule that normally forms around the implant tightens and squeezes the implant. It can be painful and may lead to further surgery to exchange the implant or loosen the scar tissue around it.If a patient opts for a fat transfer breast augmentation rather than breast implants, there are some drawbacks. Verywellhealth.com reports that fat may be reabsorbed, calcifications may interfere with breast cancer imaging and the breast tissue must be expanded for three months before fat transfer.

Can breast augmentation cause cancer?

According to Mayo Clinic, breast implants don’t increase the risk of breast cancer. However, rare cancers can develop in the tissue around the implant.The FDA has linked textured breast implants to a small but increased risk of a rare immune system cancer called breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL).

Will I need my breast implants replaced?

According to ASPS, breast implants typically last 10 to 15 years, but life events like pregnancy, nursing, weight fluctuations, and aging can sometimes shorten that timeline. Medical issues, such as capsular contracture or implant rupture, might also mean it’s time for a replacement.

Keeping an eye on your implants is essential. The FDA recommends regular check-ups with ultrasounds or MRIs, which are better at detecting potential issues than mammograms. Staying proactive with implant maintenance helps ensure everything stays in good condition and avoids potential health concerns.

How much does breast augmentation cost?

RealSelf reports that the average cost of breast augmentation ranges from $3,900 to $12,500, and can depend a lot on the type of implants used and the cost of anesthesia and surgical fees. Where your surgeon is based and their level of certification also influences the price patients will pay. 

As breast augmentation is deemed cosmetic surgery, it isn’t generally covered by insurance, but breast construction after a mastectomy should be covered – at least in part.

We typically work with these insurance providers:

Conclusion

As with all aesthetic surgery, make sure to do your research and find a board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in breast augmentation who has plenty of experience in this field and has a personality you gel with.

Bring as many questions as you can to your no-obligation consultation and check lots of before and after photos that resemble your body type and the look you’d like to achieve.

Make sure you try different implants in your bra during your consultation and be open about discussing your life and family history with your surgeon.

Last but by no means least, make sure you come away from your meeting with an all-inclusive price that covers all of the fees involved.

Then it’s down to the fun part. Choosing a shape, size, and projection that is just right for you.

Disclaimer

Please note: All materials on the Site, such as text, treatments, outcomes, photographs and images and any other material provided on the Site are for information purposes only and are not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding treatments. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this Site.
Though the content of this blog has been carefully prepared, the author of this content is not a medical doctor and the content has not been reviewed by a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon. 
Unless specifically stated, patients referred to in this blog have not received a Breast Augmentation Boston procedure by Dr Mark Markarian. This blog does not endorse the work of any doctors or surgeons mentioned. Stories relating to patients’ personal experiences of the Breast Augmentation Boston procedure should be treated as anecdotal only.
Any application of the material provided is at the reader’s discretion and his, her or their responsibility