Many women have an ideal image in mind of how they’d like their breasts to look and feel. Breast augmentation, or breast enhancement, is a plastic surgery procedure that increases the patient’s breast size through implants or autologous fat transfer. This procedure has been performed safely and has had very high patient satisfaction for more than 50 years.
The board-certified plastic surgeons at Center for Plastic Surgery perform breast augmentation to help women who would like to change and enhance small breasts, uneven breasts, or breasts that have become smaller after pregnancy or weight loss.
American Board of Plastic Surgery · Fellow, American College of Surgeons
Aside from these functional and aesthetic benefits, breast augmentation can also greatly increase a patient’s self-confidence. Many women who were once unhappy with the size or shape of their breasts marvel at the boost in self-esteem they feel after their breast augmentation.
Some patients, especially those who are interested in breast enhancement after weight loss or pregnancy, require both an increase in breast size and shape as well as a rejuvenating lift. In these cases, our surgeons may recommend a combination procedure for breast augmentation with lift. During this procedure, your surgeon can remove excess skin and reposition the breast higher on the chest, along with enhancing the size of the breasts with an implant.
The best way to determine whether breast augmentation is right for you is to schedule a consultation with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons and work closely with them to discuss which options will best suit your needs.
During your comprehensive breast augmentation consultation, one of our board-certified plastic surgeons will walk you through all of the options, discussing the best choice based on your goals and anatomy. But until then, some breast augmentation options include the following:
Breast implant material is one of the first considerations for breast augmentation patients. Center for Plastic Surgery offers the following implants for your personalized breast augmentation.
Saline
Saline breast implants consist of a silicone outer shell that is filled with a saline solution. Saline breast implants can be filled with the solution after they are inserted into the breast pocket, allowing the surgeon to use smaller incisions than other implant types. If a saline breast implant ruptures, the body easily absorbs the solution. Saline implants are usually more cost-effective than other options, but they do run a higher risk of visible rippling and feel less like natural breast tissue.
Silicone
Silicone breast implants consist of a silicone outer shell that is pre-filled with a cohesive, medical-grade silicone. Because these are already filled, silicone implants require a larger incision than saline implants. Silicone implants are incredibly popular, as they feel and move more naturally, closely mimicking real breast tissue.
In addition to implant material, you will also need to choose the size of your implants, how far they extend from your chest or projection, and whether you want round or anatomically shaped breast implants. For more detailed information on your breast implant choices, you can review our breast implant option page here.
There are two placement options for breast implants: behind the breast gland or, more commonly, behind the pectoralis muscle under the breast. Your desired aesthetic, the amount of natural breast tissue you have, and your body type will all play a role in which placement option works best for you.
Over the Muscle Placement (Subglandular): Sublglandular placement is ideal for patients with a decent amount of natural breast tissue, as patients with little tissue or who are very thin may experience implant visibility. This placement option allows for less implant movement during physical exercise and quicker recovery, as fewer tissues are manipulated during surgery.
Under the Muscle Placement (Submuscular): When implants are placed under the muscle, they are typically covered better, reducing the risk of implant rippling or palpability (seeing or feeling the implant through the skin). This option also helps keep your glandular tissue fully visible during a mammogram, and the capsular contracture rate is lower as well. This option does require a slightly longer recovery, as your implants must settle over the course of multiple weeks up to a few months.
Incision placement is determined by your natural anatomy, where you would like your scars, the size and shape of your implants, and the recommendations of your surgeon. Center for Plastic Surgery offers the following options:
Inframammary: This incision runs horizontally across the natural fold of your breast, where the breast tissue meets the chest. The inframammary incision allows for larger implant sizes and is nearly undetectable after recovery.
Periareolar: This incision is made around the lower edge of the areola, where it is concealed by the darker pigmentation of the skin. This is suitable for patients who are most concerned with visible scarring, but it limits the size and material of implants.
Preservation Breast Augmentation is a new advancement in the world of breast augmentation. It is one of the most significant advancements we have seen in breast augmentation in decades.
So what exactly is it? At Center for Plastic Surgery, we like think of it in three ways – a philosophy, a technique, and now a revolutionary new procedure called Preservé™.
The idea of Preservation Breast Augmentation is that by understanding, appreciating, and having detailed knowledge of the structural elements of the breast, we can perform breast augmentation in a manner that preserves these structural elements. This can lead to more natural and longer lasting outcomes along with fewer complications in breast augmentation.
The first iteration of Preservation Breast Augmentation was to apply this philosophy to our current approach of breast augmentation with implant placement above the muscle. Our surgeons at Center for Plastic Surgery were part of a group of the first aesthetic plastic surgeons in the country to be invited to the Motiva™ headquarters in Costa Rica to learn this innovative technique in 2024. Upon our return, we began to use this technique in our patients. In this approach, we take care to mark the circummammary ligaments of the breast and during our dissection of the pocket for the implants specific attention is paid to the preservation of these structures.
Preservé™ is the specific preservation breast augmentation procedure developed by Motiva™ which uses specially designed instrumentation and a further enhanced technique to perform preservation breast augmentation. The procedure is performed with minimal anesthesia, minimal scarring, and has a minimal recovery.
The benefits of Preservé™ include:
Using a patient’s own fat for breast enhancement is a technique that is sometimes called fat transfer breast augmentation and also minimally invasive or no-incision breast augmentation. While this technique is done in the operating room under anesthesia, it greatly reduces the surgical scar over breast augmentation with implants, it does involve extracting excess fat from another area of the body using liposuction, which is a surgical procedure.
The concept of using a patient’s own fat for cosmetic purposes (called autologous fat transfer) isn’t new. Fat has been used for years as an alternative to synthetic facial fillers and is part of the Brazilian Butt Lift procedure. The fat transfer breast augmentation technique can be performed with or without implants, depending on the patient’s goals.
Ideal candidates for fat transfer breast augmentation:
Other candidates may be interested in a breast augmentation that is more “natural,” as some patients dislike the idea of a foreign object in their bodies or fear a reaction to the materials in breast implants.
The fat transfer technique involves three steps:
Liposuction: Common donor areas are the abdomen, thighs, or buttocks.
Purification: The fatty tissue is processed to separate the fat cells from impurities.
Re-injection: Surgeons use special syringes called cannulas to carefully place the fat in the breasts, creating a pleasing contour.
Patients who want a larger breast size may benefit from a combination breast enlargement, where the fat transfer technique is used if they have thin breast skin or decide to have their implants placed above the muscle. The fat creates a more natural-looking result by camouflaging the breast implants’ edges.
At Center for Plastic Surgery, a crucial step of any cosmetic procedure is a comprehensive consultation. When you meet with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons, you will be able to ask any questions you may have, discuss the risks and benefits of breast augmentation, and get a strong sense of what you can realistically expect from the procedure and its results.
Our top breast surgeons are highly trained and have decades of experience performing successful breast augmentations. All of the customizations and options you have to choose from may seem overwhelming, but rest assured that your plastic surgeon will walk you through the whole process and help you decide what works best for your goals and body type.
The pre-surgical meetings at CPS also focus on preparing you for your surgery; our physicians, nurses, and support staff advocate for our patients and assist them through the process. Our team strives to ensure the highest level of service and medical guidance in order to provide a safe surgical journey and deliver exceptional aesthetic results.
At CPS, each breast augmentation procedure is curated exactly to each patient and their needs. Your breast augmentation will look slightly different from someone else’s, but generally, you can expect the procedure to go as follows:
Breast augmentation with implants is usually performed as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia for your comfort and safety. On the day of surgery, your surgeon will mark the incision location that you have chosen. Once the board-certified anesthesiologist has administered the anesthesia, your surgeon will make careful incisions over the markings.
Depending on the nature of your surgical plan, your surgeon will create a space in the breasts for the breast implants, called a breast pocket. They will then place your implants into this space, ensuring they are positioned appropriately. Once your surgeon is satisfied with the results, they will carefully close the incisions, and you will be monitored as you wake up from anesthesia.
Once you are cleared to do so, you will be given aftercare instructions and sent home with a responsible driver.
Here is what our customers say
2 days ago
I have been a patient of CPS for over 20 years and I would trust my body and life with their experienced team of doctors.
Show more13 days ago
Friendly staff and they make you feel very comfortable! I was recommended to Dr. Rao by a family member and a friend.
Show more13 days ago
Dr. Rao is an excellent surgeon! He was able to answer all my questions. I was able to get in quickly after my
Show more10 days ago
Choose the experts that locals know and trust. Our multigenerational practice includes board-certified plastic surgeons who provide the best possible care with state-of-the-art technology.
The Center for Plastic Surgery proudly offers patients rapid recovery breast augmentation. This means we use the latest surgical techniques, anesthesia, implant massage, and postoperative pain protocols in order to minimize recovery times and optimize results. We want patients to move their arms and shoulders lightly starting the day of surgery, soon after the procedure.
Immediately following your breast augmentation, expect some swelling, bruising, and possible discomfort. You will be sent home with a soft compression dressing and post-op instructions that are specific to your surgical procedure. To minimize swelling, keep yourself elevated or propped up with pillows when you sleep.
Each patient is different, so be sure to follow your aftercare instructions closely. They will include information about how to care for your incisions, implant massages, and walking to avoid blood clots.
You will also need a post-op surgical bra, which helps to support your healing breasts and minimize swelling. This should be worn day and night, except while showering, for three weeks. After the surgical bra, you can transition to a supportive sports bra and, finally, the bra of your choice.
Throughout your healing process, be sure to monitor your incisions and reach out to your surgeon if you have any questions or concerns. Your incisions should heal enough to swim and bathe after about three to four weeks and should be fully healed after about two to three months. The ultimate outcome of your scarring, characterized by slender, faint, and level incisions, might require six months to a year to fully heal
“Once the procedure is done they just don’t get rid of you — they treat you as if you’re still family. They continue the care that you’re supposed to have.”
I had a breast augmentation and a lift with [Dr. Kanuri]. I came to the Center for Plastic Surgery because I was in need of a makeover after having my two beautiful sons.
[Dr. Kanuri] has always put my mind at ease. He’s just a very caring person. I could have texted him at 2:00 in the morning and he would have texted me back immediately, or called to make sure I was doing okay.
Lindsay describes her breast augmentation with lift with Dr. Arjun P. Kanuri at Center for Plastic Surgery, in her own words. Read her full story
The cost of breast augmentation in Washington, D.C., depends on the surgical techniques used, the details of the treatment plan, variations in the cost of implants, and other factors.
Center for Plastic Surgery breast augmentation price range starting at $7,500 all-in, including office visits before and after the procedure, anesthesia, operating room costs, implant costs and compression garments.
When performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon on a carefully screened patient, breast augmentation is considered a safe elective procedure.
There is no set expiration date for breast implants. However, they are not designed to last a lifetime. At some point, you will most likely need to replace them, although they usually last between 10-15 years. In the years following your initial breast augmentation surgery, you should continue to have routine mammograms and annual check-ins with your plastic surgeon to monitor the implants.
In addition to breast soreness, many patients experience unusual sensations in one or both nipples after breast augmentation, such as tenderness, shooting pain, and increased or decreased sensitivity. These side effects are normal and typically temporary, caused by impact to nerves during the surgery. Contact our office if you have concerns about nipple sensations.
It is perfectly safe to breastfeed with breast implants. However, the size and placement of your implants may impact your ability to do so. If you hope to breastfeed in the future, be sure to let your surgeon know so they can avoid affecting the milk ducts when performing your surgery and can advise you on the optimal implant choices.
For most women, silicone implants tend to feel more natural and are the more popular choice today, but saline implants have real advantages that make them the right fit for certain patients. The truth is, there’s no single “best” answer – only the best answer for you. Understanding how these two options differ can help you walk into your consultation feeling informed and confident.
If “natural” is your top priority, silicone is generally the stronger performer. But if you have adequate natural tissue and want a more budget-friendly option, saline can absolutely deliver beautiful results.
From our article: Saline vs. Silicone Implants: Key Differences, Pros, and Cons
Both silicone and saline breast implants are measured in cubic centimeters (cc), which refers to the overall volume of the implant—you’ll hear your surgeon discuss your implants in these terms rather than cup size, which is likely what you’re more familiar with.
Keep in mind that cc doesn’t perfectly translate to cup sizes, so these are just estimates. Generally, each 150cc to 200cc is equivalent to one cup size increase. So if you are an A and get 200cc implants, you’ll be a B, and so on.
From our article: Breast Implant Sizes Explained: Your Complete Guide
Most women don’t describe breast augmentation recovery as painful, but some unfamiliar sensations are often involved. As your breasts adjust to their new volume, it’s normal to feel as if the skin is very tight. This will ease up as your swelling subsides and your breast tissues adapt to their new shape.
Swelling and bruising are completely normal and peak a few days after surgery. Before sending you home, your surgeon will place you in a compression garment that will put pressure on your breasts, which keeps swelling to a minimum and prevents fluid buildup. Eventually, you will transition to a softer compression bra, later to a sports bra, and eventually to whichever type of bra you prefer to wear.
From our article: What Is Normal (& What Isn’t) During Breast Augmentation Recovery
There is a stage of breast augmentation recovery called the “drop and fluff” stage. When this happens, your breast implants will naturally soften and settle into a natural-looking position. This usually happens anywhere from a few weeks to a couple of months after breast augmentation. Until your breasts drop and fluff, though, they will likely feel firm and sit high up on your chest.
From our article: What Is Normal (& What Isn’t) During Breast Augmentation Recovery
If you’ve spent time researching breast enhancement procedures, you’ve likely read many questions from women asking if breast implants alone can create a lifted appearance. This is understandable because most patients would prefer to avoid the incisions of a breast lift. Implants, however, are designed to add volume and won’t lift sagging breasts. In fact, if a woman’s breast skin has lost its elasticity, getting breast implants without a lift will worsen the breasts’ appearance.
From our article: Breast Augmentation, Breast Lift, or Both?
If you want to learn more about how breast augmentation can boost your confidence, restore symmetry, and create a more pleasing profile, fill out our online contact form or call Center for Plastic Surgery today at (301) 652-7700.
