Breast Augmentation Surgery

Popular reasons for a breast augmentation procedure include:

Enhance existing breast size.
Improve the shape and symmetry of breasts.
Correct congenital breast deformity.
Restore lost volume from childbirth and breastfeeding.
Improve personal confidence.

Breast augmentation involves the use of an implant to augment the existing breast volume. There are many reasons why women choose to undergo breast augmentation. Some patients are looking to enhance their existing breast size and shape to improve the way they look and feel in clothing. Others may have a congenital breast deformity, which can be corrected with implants to provide confidence and a sense of normalcy.

After childbirth and breastfeeding, the expanded breast tissue undergoes a period of deflation, which creates volume deficiency at the top part of the breast. An implant restores this lost volume to improve the way patients feel in and out of their clothing.

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Learn About The Surgery

Breast Augmentation Procedure

ENHANCING BREAST VOLUME & SHAPE

Breast augmentation, often referred to as a boob job, utilizes silicone or saline implants to enhance both breast volume and shape. The goal is to create a natural appearance that compliments your existing body shape. Beautiful breasts, according to you.

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What to Expect

All procedures are done in a balanced and natural esthetic.

Consultation

Breast augmentations involve an in-depth consultation where we will thoroughly review your goals and expectations. Patients are encouraged to bring photographs of several breast augmentation results that best represent their desired look.

During your consultation, many measurements are recorded, which ultimately facilitate implant choice. Several other factors must be taken into account including chest wall shape, desired appearance (cleavage, upper breast fullness), current breast volume and the capacity of the skin to accommodate an implant. Implants are either silicone or saline, and this is a decision that we will make together. Breast implants have been rigorously studied, demonstrating saline and silicone to have equivalent safety profiles.

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Surgery

Surgery is performed at an accredited surgery center in Newport Beach, California, USA and typically lasts 1.5 hours. Under the care of a Board Certified Anesthesiologist, general anesthesia (fully asleep) is used to ensure maximal comfort and safety.

The incision is placed at the breast crease (inframammary fold), the armpit (transaxillary) or around the nipple (periareolar). The risks and benefits associated with each incision will be thoroughly discussed in order to determine which approach will work best for you. Implants are almost always placed below the chest wall muscle; maximizing the soft tissue coverage and minimizing the chance of implant visibility.

Recovery

Patients are discharged home the same day and generally experience very minimal discomfort, often returning to work in the days following surgery. I put all of my breast augmentation patients on an enhanced recovery plan. This involves an immediate return to light everyday activities, which promotes muscle activity and blood flow, preventing lasting discomfort. I ask my patients to gradually resume their exercise regimen over 3-4 weeks following the procedure in order to ensure optimal healing.

Results

The increase in breast volume will be apparent immediately following surgery. Breast implants initially appear high on the chest wall, eventually settling into a more natural position following a gradual relaxation in the skin beneath the nipple. The results are expected to be long lasting provided patients’ native breast tissue doesn’t undergo significant change (i.e. pregnancy).

Breast implants are not considered lifetime devices, which means at some point they will need to be replaced. The longevity of the implants is difficult to predict and varies by patient. Saline implant rupture manifests as a complete deflation of the breast, while detection of a silicone implant leak may require further investigation.

FAQs

How do I choose an implant size?

I take implant choice very seriously as I believe that this is the key to a successful surgery. During your consultation we will spend time discussing your vision and how this can be achieved. I take several measurements of your breasts and chest during the consultation and we will discuss how these influence our implant choice. Finally, we will review pictures that are representative of the look you are trying to achieve. Using all of this information, we will decide on a range of implant shapes and sizes.

During your surgery, I have your pictures in the room and use them for reference as I try the different implant sizes we discussed until a match is determined. In this way, your wishes are my guide during surgery. Implant size and shape is a choice we make together. Some patients become fixated on achieving a specific bra cup size. I steer my patients away from this thinking because it is poorly standardized and has high inter-brand variability. A visual representation removes this ambiguity, allowing me to better understand what you want to achieve so that we can develop an accurate operative plan.

Will I have to have another surgery to replace my implants?

While there is no formal expiration, breast implants are not forever devices. The FDA recommends MRI screening for silicone implant integrity at 3 years and every other year thereafter. Saline implant rupture is easily detected as an immediate loss of breast volume. Approximately 20-40% of women with breast implants will undergo additional surgery within the first 8-10 years to revise the size of the implants or shape of the breasts, however this is not mandatory. The native breast tissue changes with time and life events such as pregnancy, which commonly motivate women to seek revisionary procedures.

Can I breast feed after I have a Breast Augmentation?

Absolutely. Several studies have examined the ability of patients to breast feed following breast augmentation and clearly demonstrate that the rate of lactation issues is similar to those reported in postpartum women who did not undergo breast augmentation.

Will my nipple sensation change?

Rarely. The incidence of a change in nipple sensation following breast augmentation is less than 1% at 6 months. A majority of these patients experience hypersensitivity/hyposensitivity that resolves with time with a smaller percentage experiencing complete loss of nipple sensation.

How do I know if I will or will not get capsular contracture?

The human body responds to implanted foreign objects by depositing a layer of scar tissue, commonly referred to as a capsule. As it pertains to breast implants, for reasons that are largely unknown, this scar tissue can shrink and squeeze the breast implant, causing an unnatural appearance and ultimately discomfort. Unfortunately, there is no way to predict who will experience a capsular contracture. Although the percentage of patients who ultimately get a capsular contracture is low (2-15%), it is a risk that we will discuss. Fortunately, this condition is not dangerous to your health and is remedied by removing the scar tissue and replacing the implant.

How long do I need to be off work and when can I drive?

Typically, a couple of days off of work is sufficient. At three weeks you can begin light exercise., however I ask that you avoid any heaving lifting or stooping for 6 weeks. You may drive when you are no longer taking pain medication and you feel safe to do so.

How do I know if I need a lift?

During your consultation we will discuss your goals and expected result. The need for a lift is determined by your desired breast size, skin quality and the current position of your nipple with respect to your breast crease. For example, a breast with poor skin elasticity and a nipple that is below the crease typically require a lift at the same time as the augmentation.

Will the implants affect my ability to get mammograms?

Studies show that mammography is an effective means of screening for breast cancer in women who have breast implants. Special views are required so that the breast tissue can be completely imaged so it is important to make sure that your imaging center has experience with women who have breast implants.

Do breast implants need to be monitored?

The FDA recommends MRI screening for silicone implant integrity at 3 years and every other year thereafter. Studies show that the risk of silent rupture of silicone gel implants is approximately 15% at 12 years. This guideline is not meant to supersede the need for yearly mammography and breast examination as a part of formal breast cancer screening.

Before & After

Stunning, natural breast augmentation results from patients.

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BREAST AUGMENTATION

Receive an in-depth consultation where we will thoroughly review your goals to personalize a plan focused on a natural and aesthetic result. Dr. Donald S. Mowlds, MD is located in beautiful Newport Beach, CA but is also available via a virtual consultation for out-of-town patients.

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Breast Procedures

All procedures are done in a balanced and natural esthetic.

Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation utilizes silicone or saline implants to enhance both breast volume and shape.

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Breast Lift

A breast lift, or mastopexy, involves repositioning the breast tissue and nipple on the chest wall, restoring a youthful appearance and feel.

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Breast Revision

Breast implants are not lifetime devices. As such, many women ultimately require revisionary breast procedures to replace their implants. Breast shape changes with time so revision breast surgery often includes additional procedures designed to create a natural, youthful breast.

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Breast Implant Replacement

Implant removal surgery involves removing existing breast implants and the surrounding scar tissue (capsule). The breasts are often re-shaped to optimize aesthetics.

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Breast Reduction

During breast reduction surgery, breast tissue and skin are removed, contouring the breast into a smaller more aesthetically pleasing shape.

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Breast Reconstruction / Breast Cancer

Restoration of form and function is one of the tenants of plastic surgery and breast reconstruction, specifically, epitomizes this mantra.

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Patient Reviews

Scarlett A.

Neck Liposculpture

Dr. Mowlds did liposuction under my neck to get rid of my double chin and define my jawline. It was the best decision I have ever made. He made me feel so much more confident and the results were more than I could have ever hoped for. The surgery was easy and recovery was smooth. Dr. Mowlds checks up on his patients every 2-3 weeks to make sure the results are perfect. Highly recommend this surgery and Dr. Mowlds!!

Scarlett A.

Abigail S.

Skin Tightening & Scar Revision

After consulting with numerous plastic surgeons I decided on Dr. Mowlds for my c-section scar revision and Renuvion skin tightening. I had 3 emergency c-sections that had left me with a terrible looking scar. After a virtual consultation, I knew Dr. Mowlds was the right choice. The added bonus was that he has the Renuvion skin tightening machine which is the gold standard in skin tightening and I am amazed at my results just 3 weeks out. I am so happy with my decision and would highly recommend Dr. Mowlds for any cosmetic or reconstructive surgery.

Abigail S.

Andrea R.

Breast Revision

Dr. Mowlds is the absolute BEST at what he does. I had a botched breast augmentation, which was causing me serious health concerns, chronic chest and back pain. I was extremely nervous as I didn’t think my issue could be resolved, let’s just say my breasts needed a lot of work. I loved that Dr. Mowlds never treated me like a patient, but rather a friend who he wanted to have the best experience and results possible. He is a true artist in his field, and my breasts are proof of that. Dr. Mowlds was professional, warm, knowledgeable, talented, and great at listening to my concerns and helping me understand everything along the way. I have already recommended a few of my girlfriends to go see him.

Andrea R.

Melanie L.

Back Surgery

Dr. Mowlds and his staff provided me with outstanding and professional healthcare while treating me with kindness and respect during my visits. It was quite evident Dr. Mowlds takes a lot of pride in the work that he performs! I underwent an extensive back surgery and was not only concerned of the physical results, but additionally, the functional results of an extensive surgical closure. I am so grateful my neurosurgeon recommended and works in collaboration with Dr. Mowlds. I am extremely pleased with the aesthetic results of my surgery and would not hesitate to recommend this professional practice.

Melanie L.

Emma B.

Non-Surgical Procedures

I saw Dr. Mowlds for my Botox and lip filler and I have never been happier! He pays close to attention to detail and got me the results I wanted. He achieved a natural look and the experience was painless! I will definitely be seeing Dr. Mowlds again and would highly recommend him if you are looking for a skilled injector or plastic surgeon.

Emma B.

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