Breast Implant Options

Consultations offered at our two convenient locations in La Jolla and Carmel Valley, San Diego

Breast Implant Incision Site

Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure that uses implants to improve the shape, size, symmetry, and fullness of the breasts. Breast augmentation is one of the most popular cosmetic surgical procedures in the country, with more than 300,000 procedures performed in 2024 alone. (1)

If you are interested in enhancing your breasts, look no further than Dr. Daniel Brown! Dr. Brown is a board-certified plastic surgeon with more than 20 years of experience who specializes in breast enhancement procedures. With more than 15,000 procedures performed throughout his career, he has helped patients across Southern California and beyond with natural-looking yet transformative results that they can feel confident about.

To get started at either our La Jolla or Carmel Valley office, please schedule a consultation online or call (619) 461-1500.

Before and After Photos

Breast Lift & Implant Before & After Patient #9720
Breast Lift & Implant Before & After Patient #9720
Breast Lift & Implant Before & After Patient #9709
Breast Lift & Implant Before & After Patient #9709
Breast Lift & Implant Before & After Patient #9698
Breast Lift & Implant Before & After Patient #9698
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About Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure that enhances the size and volume of the breasts using implants composed of either silicone or saline. Scientifically known as augmentation mammoplasty, this procedure can help restore the appearance and fullness of the breasts after significant events such as pregnancy, weight loss, or breastfeeding. This procedure may even be performed after a mastectomy or sustaining trauma to restore the natural appearance of the chest. Breast augmentation is highly customizable, and Dr. Brown offers many different options for implant type and surgical technique to tailor each aspect of your procedure to your individual anatomy and goals.

Types of Breast Implants

We offer different types of breast implants to help you reach your desired appearance. Implants can vary in size, shape, projection, and composition to provide different desired results. (2) During your consultation, Dr. Brown will help you find the best implants for your specific goals, ensuring that results align with your desired aesthetic while still maintaining a natural-looking appearance.

Implant Material

  • Saline Breast Implants: Saline breast implants have a silicone outer shell and are filled with a sterile saline filling. These implants are filled after being placed.
  • Silicone Breast Implants: Silicone breast implants are composed of a silicone shell and filled with a cohesive silicone gel. These implants provide a softer and more natural feel, and they are suitable for patients with less or thinner breast tissue. (3)
  • Gummy Bear Implants: “Gummy bear” implants are what the newest generations of silicone implants are commonly referred to. They have a highly cohesive silicone filling, designed for optimal projection and shape retention while feeling soft and natural as well.

Benefits

There are many benefits of undergoing breast augmentation, including:

  • Corrected Asymmetry: Breast augmentation can create a more balanced and even appearance between the breasts.
  • Enhanced Fullness: The use of implants helps restore lost volume and improve the overall fullness of the breasts, especially after events such as pregnancy or weight loss.
  • Long-Lasting Results: Patients can often have their implants for 10-15 years or longer before needing to schedule a replacement. Most modern implant manufacturers offer 10-20 year warranties for all their implants.
  • Highly Customizable Options: We offer implants that range in size, materials, profile, and shape, allowing you to tailor every aspect of your treatment to your desired appearance.
  • Elevated Confidence: Many patients report an improvement in their self-esteem and body confidence after seeing their renewed figure.

Candidates

Candidates for breast augmentation include women who are interested in enhancing the shape, symmetry, and fullness of their breasts using implants. Those interested in reconstructing their breasts after undergoing a mastectomy or sustaining an injury may also make suitable candidates.

Anyone interested in undergoing breast augmentation should be in good general health, maintain realistic expectations for their results, and be willing to collaborate with Dr. Brown to plan their ideal treatment.

Pregnant or breastfeeding women are not recommended for this procedure, as well as anyone with an active infection, a history of autoimmune disease, or known sensitivities to silicone. Those who do not qualify for this procedure are still encouraged to contact us so that our team may find them a suitable alternative. Dr. Brown will determine each patient’s eligibility for breast augmentation during their consultation.

Personal Consultation

The first step towards achieving beautiful, fuller, youthful-looking breasts is calling our office to speak with one of our friendly and expert staff members to hear about your options. Then we typically recommend attending an in-person consultation at one of our offices in La Jolla or Carmel Valley. During this consultation, Dr. Brown will meet with you to gain a better understanding of what you hope to achieve through this procedure. He will ask about your medical history, concerns, and desired appearance, as well as evaluate your breasts and overall anatomy. He will then use this information to create your personalized procedure plan.

To schedule this consultation and receive your personalized procedure plan, please contact us online. If you have any questions or would prefer scheduling a consultation over the phone, you can reach our La Jolla and Carmel Valley offices by either calling or texting (619) 461-1500.

Preparation

When preparing for breast augmentation, you should follow all preparatory steps to ensure a successful procedure and smooth recovery.

  • Refrain from smoking or using nicotine products for at least three weeks before your procedure date.
  • Refrain from taking blood-thinning medications or supplements with approval from your primary care doctor.
  • In some cases, Dr. Brown will advise that you undergo a mammogram or other tests.
  • Prepare to take at least some time away from your job and social commitments.
  • Arrange transportation home from your procedure with an adult that you know.

Procedure

Dr. Brown performs breast augmentation on an outpatient basis. The actual procedure typically takes about 1hour to complete. Upon your arrival, you will meet the operating room staff and anesthetist, and Dr. Brown will see you to mark you for the procedure and answer any last-minute questions. Then we will lead you to a private procedure room where we will cleanse your skin and administer general anesthesia so that you are fully asleep and comfortable during the entire procedure. Following this, Dr. Brown will perform your breast augmentation. He will determine which techniques to use during your consultation depending on your anatomy and goals.

These incision techniques include:

  • Periareolar Incision: This incision follows the lower border of the areola and utilizes the darker pigmented skin to try to conceal any resulting scars.
  • Inframammary Fold Incision: This incision extends within the breast crease, also known as the inframammary fold, centered on the nipple. This placement very effectively conceals post-procedure scarring and has the lowest incidence of any post-operative complications.
  • Transaxillary Incision: Also known as the armpit incision, this technique places incisions within the folds of the armpits.

After making incisions, Dr. Brown will create a pocket for the breast implants to rest in. The pocket can either be beneath the muscle (submuscular placement) or above the muscle (subglandular placement). Both placements offer certain benefits and advantages, and Dr. Brown will explain these during your consultation. Once he places the implants, he will carefully close each incision, and we will then relocate you to our recovery room to rest under the care of our team.

Recovery

After your procedure, you may experience swelling, bruising, or tenderness. These effects are temporary and will subside on their own, usually over a short period of time, but Dr. Brown prescribes medications to help you manage them. Dr. Brown utilizes the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery protocol to help you feel well as quickly as possible. (4) During this time, we require you to wear a specialized surgical bra to help minimize swelling and support the new shape of your breasts as you heal. You must wear this bra at all times until Dr. Brown instructs otherwise. We also recommend resting on your back with your head elevated to reduce swelling.

You will be able to return to work after one to two days and light, non-impact exercise after 2 weeks, but you will need to refrain from heavy lifting and very strenuous physical activities for at least one month after your procedure, or until Dr. Brown clears you to return. Dr. Brown will monitor your healing at regular follow-up appointments and provide additional recovery instructions.

Results

After a full recovery, you will be able to enjoy the results of your breast augmentation. You will be able to experience an improvement in the volume, shape, and size of your breasts, as well as a more symmetrical and proportionate appearance. Any scarring will fade naturally over time and will reduce further with proper care. The results of a breast augmentation are long-lasting, as breast implants last for many years without frequent maintenance before replacement is recommended.

Cost of Breast Augmentation in San Diego and La Jolla

Breast augmentation is a highly customized procedure that Dr. Brown tailors to your individual anatomy, concerns, and goals. Because of this, the pricing for each procedure varies. Our team considers many factors, such as the type of breast implants you select, the surgical strategies Dr. Brown uses, and whether you undergo any other procedures. During your consultation, we will discuss the cost of your breast augmentation based on your personalized treatment plan.

For those interested, Dr. Brown also offers various payment and financing options to make your goals more accessible.

To learn more about our financing partners or the cost of your procedure, please schedule a personal consultation online. If you have any questions or prefer to schedule over the phone, please call our offices directly at (619) 461-1500.

FAQ

Will I still be able to breastfeed after breast augmentation?

Most women can still breastfeed after undergoing breast augmentation, although the outcomes may vary depending on the incision type, implant placement, and individual anatomy. Patients should address breastfeeding concerns with Dr. Brown during their personal consultation.

How long does it typically take to perform breast augmentation?

Breast augmentations often take 1 hour or less to perform.

Will there be visible scarring after my breast augmentation?

As with any surgical procedure, there will be some scarring after the procedure. Dr. Brown places incisions in discreet locations that are very well hidden, and any scarring typically fades over time until barely noticeable.

How long will my breast implants last?

While breast implants are long-lasting, they are not lifetime devices. Many breast implants last 10-15 years, but replacement may be needed before this point.

Can I combine my breast augmentation procedure with another procedure?

Yes, many patients combine their breast augmentation with other breast-enhancement or body-contouring procedures to achieve more comprehensive results and address multiple concerns at once. For further information on combining treatments, we ask that you schedule a consultation with Dr. Brown.

References

  1. ASPS. 2024 ASPS Procedural Statistics Release. American Society of Plastic Surgeons ® Endorsed Partner; 2024. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/documents/news/statistics/2024/plastic-surgery-statistics-report-2024.pdf
  2. Patel BC, Wong CS, Wright T, Schaffner AD. Breast Implants. PubMed. Published 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441998/
  3. Fardo D, Sequeira MB, Pensler JM. Breast Augmentation. Nih.gov. Published July 18, 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482206/#article-18563.s4
  4. Sullivan PS. Commentary on: Enhanced Recovery After Surgery: The Plastic Surgery Paradigm Shift. Aesthetic Surgery Journal. 2018;38(6):686-688. doi:https://doi.org/10.1093/asj/sjx270