Breast augmentation Boston, or a “boobjob” as it’s commonly known, continues to be the top cosmetic surgical procedure carried out in America, and has been since 2006. And, it seems, in most cases, the procedure delivers the desired results. 98% of patients posting on RealSelf.com who’ve undertaken 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 the patient-user website, 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 in 88% of cases, silicone implants were used, costing patients more than a collective $1 billion.

But there are options other than implants for patients to consider. Using a patient’s own fat reserves can also improve breast volume too – a process known as a fat transfer breast augmentation.

Who is a good candidate for Breast Augmentation?

As with many cosmetic surgeries, breast augmentation is a major procedure and isn’t suitable for everyone.

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 should be 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, surgeons also perform the procedure on patients who would like their breasts reconstructed as part of their treatment for breast cancer.

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. Surgeryvp.com reports that the idealized female body type featuring huge breasts and a tiny waist is declining and a more subtle change in breast size is on the rise.

This may also lead to a move away from implants being placed high to a more natural look with a curved but not overly voluptuous cleavage. Thenaturalresult.com recommends that proportion is more important than size, and patients should consider the whole picture of their figure rather than focussing on the cup size alone.

To achieve the look and feel required, there are different types of implant 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 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).

What kind of surgical techniques are involved in Breast Augmentation Surgery?

Once a patient has settled on the type, shape and size of their implants, it’s time to agree with their surgeon where they will be placed, and where the surgical incisions will be made.

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 future. However, there could be a higher rate of capsular contracture.

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 performed 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 is made in the armpit which allows your doctor to position the implant without scarring the actual breast itself.

Finally, the Trans-umbilical is an incision that’s 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 the patient and their surgeon agree is the best choice for them as an individual.

What is the recovery process for Breast Augmentation Surgery?

Breast augmentation surgery can take from one to several hours on an outpatient or inpatient basis and is carried out under local or general anaesthesia.

Everyone’s recovery journey is individual to them but surgeons can offer guidance depending on a patient’s age, their overall health and wellbeing and the extent of surgery.

In general, Healthline.com advises that 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, patients should be nearing full recovery.

How long will it take to see the Breast Augmentation end result?

Lots of patients, including users of realself.com, 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 patients talk this over with their 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 specialise 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 afterwards for the implants to drop”.

What are the benefits of a Breast Augmentation?

The aim of the procedure is 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 means that the procedure is now highly customizable to give patients choice when deciding how to achieve their goals and the aesthetic they desire.

Patients who are satisfied with the results have reported, “I love my new breasts and I have finally 100% fell in love with them” and “I am 4 weeks post op and I could cry with happiness.”

In fact, a 2007 study published in Plastic Surgical Nursing found a positive correlation between breast enhancement surgery, self-esteem and feelings of sexuality. And this is backed up by patients on realself.com, one of whom reports, “Unbelievable Results, Never Felt More Confident with my New Cleavage!”

What are the risks of Breast Augmentation Surgery?

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

Specific to the 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 surgeons 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 there too. 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.

Livescience.com also reports that women with breast implants are at increased risk of developing a rare type of cancer of the immune system, but the overall chance of getting this cancer from implants is very low, according to a new study from the Netherlands.

Will I need my Breast Implants replacing?

There are different schools of thought regarding the need to repeat breast augmentation surgery.

The American Association of Plastic Surgeons states it is not strictly accurate that all breast implants need to be replaced every 10 years and quoted an FDA report in 2011 that said after 10 years of an initial breast augmentation, 1 out of 5 patients need some form of revision procedure. This is due to capsular contracture or leaking implant cases, for instance.

However, since this report was published, newer types of implants have been introduced.

This is a question to ask your surgeon – and to keep asking over time – if it’s something you want to monitor effectively and be as sure as you can be about.

How much does a Breast Augmentation cost?

Bankrate.com reports that the average cost of breast augmentation starts at $3824 with a final total of up to $12000. There can be extras to factor in too – like the type of implants used, the cost of anaesthetic and surgical fees incurred. 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.

Conclusion

As with all aesthetic surgery, make sure to do your research and find a Breast Augmentation Boston specialist and board-certified plastic surgeon 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 lots of different implants in your bra during your consultation and be open about discussing your life and family history with your surgeon.

They will want to know whether you intend to breast feed, whether you have a family history of breast cancer, what your lifestyle and diet are like – and the desired look and feel you have in mind.

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