Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation (also called breast enlargement or breast implants) is a surgical procedure that adds volume and restores fullness of the breast. The procedure involves placing silicone or saline implants into the breasts through small incisions.

Getting breast implants is a highly personal decision, and can be motivated by a variety of factors. Some women feel as though a larger chest would make them feel more feminine, sexier, or simply more proportionate.

Some women choose to undergo breast augmentation after breastfeeding, which can reduce the volume of breasts.

Exercise can also reduce the size of small breasts - some athletes choose to get breast implants to make up for this loss.

Regardless of your reason, it's important that you know what your goals are. The more informed you are going into your consultation, the better you'll be able to communicate with Dr. Majewski about your needs! Read this page to learn more about breast augmentation surgery.

See Before and After Photos

Decisions

There are several decisions to make about the type and size of implant used, as well as where the implant is placed - over or underneath the muscle. During your consultation, Dr. Majewski will provide his recommendations for how to achieve your desired look.

Size

One of the most important - and most personal - decisions to make is what size breast implants you'd like! To determine this, you'll first need to do a little reflection and research.

Take some time to think through your daily life - what kinds of activities do you do day to day? If you're active, you might opt for moderately-sized implants so your breasts don't interfere with your running, jumping, or lifting. If you're looking for large, full breasts with lots of cleavage (think: Sofia Vergara or Kate Upton), go for it! But note that your anatomy might limit how large you're able to go.

Do you plan on having children? You can breastfeed with implants, but many women choose to wait until they're done breastfeeding before getting the surgery.

It's important to note that implant size is measured in cubic centimeters, or cc's - not cup sizes. Since cup sizes differ quite drastically between bra manufacturers, it's not an accurate way to measure breast implant size. As a frame of reference, each 130-150cc will roughly increase the size of the breast by one cup size. A patient with an 34A bra size who gets 300cc might end up with a 34C or 34D bra size. 350-400cc might increase her size to 34DD.

Although large implants (450cc or more) have been popular in the past, today many women are opting for more subtle breast implants - from 250-400cc. Everyone's body is different - 300cc might look dramatic on someone with a smaller frame, while not making a noticeable difference on someone taller or with a broader chest.

Dr. Majewski always recommends that patients find women with comparable body types on RealSelf.com. On the Breast Augmentation page, you can search by existing size/size increase - A to C cup, A to D cup, etc. - to visualize what your body might look like with a variety of breast implant sizes.

SILICONE OR SALINE?

There are two types of breast implants available: silicone-filled and saline-filled implants. The shells of all implants are made of silicone rubber; the difference is in a material filling them. Implants come in variety of sizes, shapes (round vs. shaped), surfaces (smooth vs. textured) and profiles (from moderate to ultra high).

You can learn more about the different types of implants here.

Dr. Majewski will provide his recommendations for the most appropriate implants during your consultation. Note that your anatomy (chest width, rib cage shape, soft tissue thickness and quality) will determine what options may or may not be well-suited for you.

OVER OR UNDER THE MUSCLE?

Another decision to make is whether you'd like to have the implants placed over or under your chest muscle. The chest muscle provides additional soft tissue coverage, and it can help shape the upper portion of the breasts.

In women with very little of their own breast tissue, you generally want to place as much tissue as possible over the implant so that it will look as natural as possible. Placing implants under the muscle is usually the best option for women with little existing breast tissue, or who are receiving a breast lift and augmentation at the same time.

Under the muscle is also a good choice for many women because it helps create a natural slope on the top part of the breast. Since saline implants are stiffer than silicone, and require more pressure on them to achieve that slope, many surgeons decide to go under the muscle with saline implants.

However, for women who already have some breast tissue (B cup or larger), over the muscle could be the better option. Dr. Majewski will explain the various options to you to help you make a decision that meets your goals!

You can learn more about the various decisions involved in breast augmentation surgery on our blog: Preparing for Breast Augmentation Surgery.

See Before and After Photos

WHAT BREAST AUGMENTATION WON'T DO

The implants will increase the size of the breast - they will not correct sagginess (ptosis) of the breasts. If you're looking to add volume and lift to your breasts, Dr. Majewski will likely recommend a breast lift (mastopexy), with or without implants depending on the size of your existing breast tissue. You can learn more about the differences between these two procedures in this article by the Plastic Surgery Channel.

IS IT SAFE?

This procedure is safe and FDA-approved. In the US, over 300,000 women undergo the procedure every year. It is the most common elective cosmetic surgery performed today in the US.

RECOVERY

Learn all about how to prepare for a successful breast augmentation recovery and what to expect on our blog: Preparing for Breast Augmentation Surgery.