Breast enhancement procedures are among the most popular cosmetic procedures. Even small changes to breast size, shape, or placement can make a significant difference in a patient’s life, from enhancing self-confidence to improving bodily comfort. Breast augmentation focuses on increasing breast size, though it can also change breast shape. Genetics, pregnancy, age, and weight changes can all impact the size of a patient’s breasts, but breast augmentation puts control back in the patient’s hands.

Dr. Chiu proudly performs breast augmentation for patients in Beverly Hills, with years of success. Additionally, he offers several procedures patients tend to combine with augmentation. Particularly, patients having a Mommy Makeover can benefit from combination procedures. Popular options to have at the same time as breast augmentation include:

• Breast lift
• Liposuction
• Tummy tuck

What to Expect for Your Breast Augmentation Surgery

Each element of your breast augmentation surgery is tailored to bring out your goals. Everything begins with your consultation, during which you and Dr. Chiu can have an in-depth conversation about what you want to achieve. You can learn about implant options, surgical techniques, recovery expectations, and more.

Before the Surgery

Preparing for your procedure is typically straightforward. However, each step is important in promoting a safe and positive experience. One key element is to avoid all tobacco products for at least 6 weeks before surgery. These products can interfere with recovery and impede safety. Additionally, Dr. Chiu will go over your medications and any that you will need to avoid as well. Patients will need someone to drive them home after surgery. So we recommend making plans for a driver ahead of time. Lastly, some patients may need lab work done ahead of time or have a mammogram. However, these cases are less common.

The Day of the Surgery

We know the day of a procedure can be stressful. So we make every effort to create a comfortable atmosphere where you feel ready and at ease. We begin with checking your vitals. Then, a board-certified anesthesiologist will administer general anesthesia, ensuring optimal safety. While under the effects of the anesthesia, you will experience no pain. Dr. Chiu will then move step-by-step through your approved procedure plan. This involves three main steps:

• Creating incisions (always as small as possible)
• Placing the implant for the desired appearance
• Suturing the incisions closed

Once the procedure is complete, the anesthesiologist will bring you back to consciousness. You can wait in a comfortable room while the effects wear off a bit more. Then you can return home the same day with someone to drive you.

Dr. Chiu will provide you with detailed preparation instructions during your consultation so that you have the most satisfying breast augmentation experience possible. Some of the general preparatory measures you should take are as follows:

• Refrain from using tobacco products for at least six weeks prior to your surgery.
• Do not take anti-inflammatory medication or supplements in the weeks leading up to your scheduled procedure.
• Be sure to complete all of the necessary lab work and mammograms before your breast surgery.

Patients have the option of placing their implants beneath the breast tissue and the pectoral muscle (submuscular) or beneath the breast tissue only (subglandular). Submuscular placement will typically achieve a more natural appearance for slender women with thin existing breast tissue to cover the implant, while fuller-figured women may have enough breast tissue for the implants to be imperceptible with subglandular placement. With submuscular placement, Dr. Chiu may recommend dual plane placement. Dual plane placement is a technique that involves placing the implant partially underneath the pectoral muscle, which allows for relaxation of the breast tissues and a more natural result.

Since breast enhancement is an elective procedure, it is not usually covered by insurance. There are rare exceptions involving breast reconstruction or correction of a severe anatomical deformity or asymmetry. During your consultation, Dr. Chiu will determine whether insurance might finance your procedure.

Breast implants are designed to be durable; however, they are not lifetime devices. They typically last between 10 and 20 years, and it is recommended that you undergo MRI scans every few years to ensure that your silicone or gummy bear implants do not have a leak or rupture.

Choosing the size, type, and shape of your breast implant depends on several factors, including your body type, amount of natural breast tissue, and aesthetic goals. The best way to determine the right size breast implant for you is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Chiu. He will give you options and help you decide on the implant size that is optimal for you.

Because breast augmentation involves incisions, there will be some scarring after your surgery. However, Dr. Chiu is skillful and experienced at minimizing the visibility of any scars. Keep in mind that with proper care, your scars will fade over time. Protecting them from the sun and applying silicone scar treatments will also reduce the visibility of your scars.

Most women are still able to breastfeed after breast implants. However, your milk supply could be affected depending on the incision placement. Additionally, pregnancy and breastfeeding can affect the results of your breast augmentation. If you choose to get breast augmentation before you’re done having children, be sure to let Dr. Chiu know so that he can offer advice and answer your questions accordingly.

As with any surgical procedure, there are some risks associated with breast augmentation. However, these risks are significantly less when your surgery is performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon experienced in breast augmentation (like Dr. Chiu). Some of the potential risks and side effects of breast enhancement include:

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Poor wound healing
• Implant leakage or rupture
• Capsular contracture
• Changes in nipple sensation

Following Dr. Chiu’s pre- and post-operative instructions carefully will greatly reduce your breast augmentation risks.

Yes! Many patients often choose to add liposuction, a tummy tuck, or a breast lift to their breast augmentation surgery. You can also add multiple treatments, creating a Mommy Makeover for optimal body contouring results.

Breast implants can affect how accurate mammogram results are, so be sure to inform your technician beforehand so they can use different imaging techniques if necessary.

No, breast augmentation will not lift sagging breasts—only a breast lift can do that. Breast augmentation can restore volume loss after pregnancy, breastfeeding, and weight loss. However, if your breasts are hanging lower than you’d like, you’ll need to add a breast lift to your augmentation procedure to get the results you desire.

Many women experience a change in nipple sensation after breast augmentation because the surgery disturbs the nerves around the area. This is generally temporary, though in rare cases it can be permanent.

While you can stop wearing a bra once your breast augmentation has healed completely, it is not recommended. Your breasts will sit in a more youthful position on your chest, but the natural aging process will continue. This means that your skin will gradually lose elasticity, and your breasts will eventually sag, so it is essential that you wear a bra regularly to keep your enhanced breasts looking perky.