Breast Augmentation

Consultations offered at our three convenient locations in Austin, TX, San Antonio, TX and Westlake Hills, TX

Breast Augmentation Austin, TX

Breast augmentation is a cosmetic surgery that enhances the size and shape of the breasts. It can involve the placement of implants or a transfer of fat from one area of the body into the breast tissue. This procedure increases the volume of the breasts while transforming the shape which gives them a fuller look. 

At Austin Plastic Surgeon, our team of experienced plastic surgeons provides breast augmentation procedures for patients in Austin, San Antonio, and West Lake Hills. To learn more about breast surgeries and how our team can help you achieve the balanced and natural-looking breasts you desire, contact us today. To get in touch, visit our contact page or call one of our three locations:

Online consultations are available for our out-of-town and out-of-state patients.

Before and After Photos

About Breast Augmentation

As a woman, your breasts play an integral role in your femininity and self-image. If you are unhappy with the size, shape, or fullness of your breasts, our surgeons can help. You can achieve a look that’s right for you with breast augmentation surgery in Austin.

Breast augmentation is among the most popular aesthetic surgical procedures year after year. It allows you to improve the shape and size of your breasts with breast implants or fat transfer while giving your bust a more youthful and perky appearance. We encourage you to visit our before and after gallery to see examples of our outstanding results for yourself.

Considerations

The vast variety of breast implant choices can feel overwhelming. There are several important factors to keep in mind when choosing a breast implant:

  • The implant needs to fit your body frame.
  • Silicone implants will be softer and more natural in appearance compared to saline breast implants.
  • The amount of natural breast tissue that you have will act as a natural buffer for your implant.
  • The size of the implant will affect the final appearance of your breasts.
  • Gummy Bear Implants are fifth-generation breast implants that have become very popular as they decrease the risk of visible rippling after your breast augmentation procedure. These fifth-generation breast implants are a unique technology that creates a cohesive gel that creates a perky appearance while still being very soft. 

In most cases, you want to find a size that you can dress up (for a night out on the town) or dress down (for work or dinner with the in-laws), depending on the situation.

Implant Types

Most women seeking breast augmentation in Austin want to achieve a full, youthful, and natural-looking appearance. Fortunately, there is a wide variety of implants available to help you achieve the results you desire. These include:

  • Silicone Implants: Silicone implants tend to create a much softer and more natural-appearing breast. In very thin patients, we recommend silicone implants because they do not have as much breast tissue to cover the implant.
  • Gummy Bear Implants: These highly cohesive gel implants are made of a more cohesive silicone gel than traditional silicone implants. They have been nick-named “gummy bear” implants due to their ability to hold their form, even when cut in half. There is a range of gummy bear implants in terms of the degree of cohesiveness that can be tailored to each individual’s specific needs. In general the more cohesive the less likely a patient will have visible rippling after their breast enhancement. 
  • Saline Implants: Saline implants are firmer than silicone, and in larger sizes can give patients more of a round and hard appearance. For some thinner patients, the edges of these implants may be visible. 

Teardrop vs. Round Silicone Implants

Teardrop-shaped implants in the past were used for breast reconstruction and in thinner patients, as they create a more natural slope of the breast. (1) The use of fifth-generation gummy bear implants and supportive structures such as internal bras have allowed plastic surgeons to gain many of the benefits that were traditionally associated with teardrop-shaped implants. In the past, they were also good for patients who were interested in getting larger implants but still wanted to prioritize a realistic look. The more cohesive gummy bear implants have become the implant of choice for patients wanting a more full look, but natural feel. Round implants create a fuller and more noticeable shape, resulting in more substantial cleavage. Round implants are the most common implants in the United States as patients do extremely well with them. At smaller sizes and with the use of the gummy bear implants the differences between teardrop and round implants become less apparent. 

Textured vs. Smooth Implants

When choosing between textured or smooth implants, consider the following:

Textured Implants

  • Teardrop implants should always be textured as this will keep the implant in position. (2)

Smooth Implants

  • Smooth implants can usually be placed through a smaller incision than their textured counterparts.
  • Smooth implants tend to give the breasts a softer feel.
  • Smooth implants will move around more within the breast, giving them a more natural feel and appearance.
  • Soft tissue support structures such as an internal bra can often be combined with a smooth breast implant to improve the longevity of the results. 

It is important to discuss your breast implant options with our surgeons to determine which choice is right for you. At Austin Plastic Surgeon, we will guide you toward implants that will meet your specific needs.

YT Video: Am I A Good Candidate for Breast Augmentation?

Who is a Candidate for Breast Augmentation?

Generally speaking, breast augmentation may be the right choice for you if:

  • Excessive weight loss or pregnancy has changed the size and shape of your breasts
  • You have difficulty finding clothing that fits proportionately
  • You have significant asymmetry in your breasts
  • You want to enhance the size of your breasts
  • You are in relatively good health and can recover properly from surgery
  • You have a positive attitude and realistic expectations

Personal Consultation

The best way to find out if breast augmentation is right for you is to meet with us for a consultation. During your initial meeting, we will discuss your goals and concerns, review your medical history, and determine your candidacy for breast augmentation.

At Austin Plastic Surgeon, we tailor every breast augmentation to each individual patient. Our team will discuss everything from implant options to sizing to ensure that your aesthetic goals are met. Our sizing system also allows you to visualize what your breasts will look like after the procedure, which will help you determine your best options. In some cases, we may recommend that your augmentation be combined with another procedure, such as a breast lift, to create the look you want.

To schedule your consultation, fill out this form or call one of our three locations:

Preparation

We will give you detailed instructions before your breast augmentation procedure. These will help to prepare your body for surgery and increase the safety and efficacy of your treatment. They will include guidelines for your medicinal intake as well as activities to avoid in the days leading up to your procedure. If you smoke or use nicotine products, you should stop until you are fully recovered to avoid complications and improve your ability to heal. Make sure to prepare your home for recovery, as you will have limited mobility in the initial recovery stage. Place everything you will need within reach and set up a comfortable area to rest and relax. You should also arrange a ride home from our facilities for the day of your procedure, as you may be disoriented by the anesthesia. 

Breast Augmentation Procedure

At your consultation, we will work with you to determine the best incision point for your breast augmentation. These options include:

  • Nipple/areolar Incision (periareolar): The areola-skin border is a great place to hide the incision as this natural transition of color will make the incision difficult to see once completely healed. However, if the areolar complex is very small this approach may not be a good option as the implant has to fit through the incision.
  • Under the Breast Incision (inframammary): This incision is very common as it is a direct approach and can hide scars well in the majority of patients. The incision is concealed in the natural fold at the bottom of the breast and is covered in most swimwear. 
  • Armpit Incision (transaxillary): This approach is great in that it avoids any scars on the breast. With the use of an endoscope, the implant placement can be very precise and easier on the body than other techniques. The natural creases in the axilla hide the incision scars.

More About Endoscopic Trans-Axillary Breast Augmentation

Endoscopic trans-axillary breast augmentation is a technique that involves placing implants within the breast through incisions made in the armpit. It is a safe and effective treatment that is becoming increasingly popular as the technology improves. There are several misconceptions about axillary breast augmentation. Contrary to popular belief, we can use both saline and silicone implants with this method.

The incision is small and well-concealed in the natural crease of the armpit. The use of an endoscope – a small surgical camera – makes the procedure very precise. This method avoids putting any incisions on the breast, thus decreasing the chances of affecting nipple sensation. 

Access to the breast pocket through the armpit is direct and precise. We can place the implant underneath the breast muscle without cutting any of the breast tissue, making the results of this technique consistent and predictable. (3)

Implant Placement

When your surgeon has made your incisions, they will place the breast implants in one of several locations in relation to the pectoralis muscle. Breast implants can either be placed under the breast tissue (subfascial) or under the muscle (submuscular). This has been an evolving topic as the gummy bear implant and soft tissue support structures such as internal bras have made the subfascial placement of the breast implant very popular in recent years. In our practice about half of our patients have their implants placed above the muscle and half below the muscle. Our expert team of plastic surgeons will discuss all the options available for breast implant placement from subfascial, to submuscular and dual plane (partially under the muscle) placement of the implant. 

Other Options for Augmentation: Fat Transfer

Breast augmentation with fat transfer involves removing fat from an area of the body where it appears in excess, such as the abdomen or thighs, and placing it within the breasts. The fat is harvested using liposuction, a procedure that involves small incisions and medical suction to remove excess fat cells. Our surgeons can perform fat transfer breast augmentations alone or in combination with implants for a softer look and feel. We utilize fat transfer in the majority of our breast reconstruction surgeries because fat is part of the natural makeup of breast volume.

Recovery

Breast Augmentation Austin, TX

We will schedule a follow-up appointment within a day or two after your surgery to ensure everything is going well. For the first couple of days, you will feel pressure on your chest; this typically comes from the implant stretching the muscle surrounding it. Occasionally, patients feel some burning at their incision points, but this is usually minimal. It will take a day or two to get all of the anesthesia out of your system and start feeling more like your normal self. 

It is important to take it easy for the first couple of weeks following your procedure. You can resume all of your normal daily activities after a week. Most patients are back to work within a week, depending on their occupation.

Results

Breast implants tend to sit a little high during the first couple of weeks and then settle as the skin and muscles relax and the implants fall into position. It takes several months for all of the swelling to resolve and the implants to completely settle.

Breast Augmentation Revision

We typically provide revisions to address complications and correct undesirable results from previous surgeries, or if the patient desires to change the implant size after weight loss or pregnancy.  Patients sometimes want to change the size or type of breast implant as their preferences change over time. We recommend that patients wait at least six months after their initial augmentation before undergoing a revision, as this gives the final results enough time to reveal themselves. In the setting of the semaglutide weight loss revolution, the breasts can change as we lose weight. Some of these changes can be visible rippling or ptosis of the breast from the weight loss. These can be treated with a gummy bear breast implant, internal bra, and breast lift. 

How Much Does Breast Augmentation Cost in Texas?

At Austin Plastic Surgeon, we take pride in being transparent and up-front with our pricing. We invite you to visit our comprehensive pricing page to see your range of options and related costs for Austin breast augmentation. 

To schedule your consultation, contact us online or call one of our three locations:

FAQ

Should I receive implants or fat transfer for my breast augmentation?

Fat transfer for breast augmentation can provide more natural-looking results that feel like real breasts. However, it cannot provide as much enhancement in size as implants. Implants can also provide longer-lasting results as the implants will not change over time, unlike fat which will be subject to weight change. 

Should I choose round or teardrop implants for my breast augmentation?

Round implants can provide a fuller look. They also pose no risk of changing the shape of the breast if they move around. 

Can breast implants affect breastfeeding?

Breast implants should not interfere with breastfeeding; however, it is important to discuss this concern during your consultation. Proper implant placement techniques can help preserve glandular breast tissue and reduce the risk of interference with lactation.

Will I have visible scars after breast augmentation surgery?

While there will be some scarring after breast augmentation surgery, surgeons employ meticulous techniques and strategically place incisions to minimize scarring as much as possible. Incisions are typically made in discreet locations, such as beneath the breast fold, around the nipple, or in the armpit, to ensure optimal concealment.

References

  1. Khavanin N, Clemens MW, Pusic AL, et al. Shaped versus Round Implants in Breast Reconstruction. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 2017;139(5):1063-1070. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/prs.0000000000003238 
  2. Gabriel A, Maxwell GP. Implant selection in the setting of prepectoral breast reconstruction. Gland Surgery. 2019;8(1):36-42. doi:https://doi.org/10.21037/gs.2018.11.09 
  3. Sim HB. Transaxillary Endoscopic Breast Augmentation. Archives of Plastic Surgery. 2014;41(5):458. doi:https://doi.org/10.5999/aps.2014.41.5.458