- Home
- Breast
- Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation uses implants or transferred fat to enhance the volume and symmetry of your breasts. With breast augmentation in San Antonio, you’ll discover flattering proportions and increased confidence.
What is Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation is sometimes referred to as a "boob job" or mammoplasty. Breast implants or fat transfer is used to increase the size of your breasts. When fat from another part of your body is used to increase breast volume, the procedure is called fat transfer breast augmentation.
However, breast augmentation does not correct severely drooping breasts. A breast lift may be paired with augmentation so sagging breasts look fuller and lifted. The procedure can generally be performed simultaneously with your augmentation, but some cases require a separate operation.
Breast Augmentation Introduction
Why Choose Hill Country Plastic Surgery for Breast Augmentation?
When you’re ready for breast augmentation in San Antonio, you want the results to be:
- Beautiful
- Plump
- Soft
- Resilient
- Balanced
- Natural in look and feel
Your surgeon’s experience, quality, and surgical techniques could not be more critical to get these results. At Hill Country Plastic Surgery, we are proud to have achieved a reputation for delivering highly personalized, meticulously performed breast augmentation in San Antonio. All our procedures are performed in an accredited facility, and we only work with board-certified anesthesiologists.
The relationships we establish with our patients are what sets us apart. Our philosophy of care focuses on quality, not volume, and spending the time needed to achieve elite results.
Benefits of Breast Enhancement
In addition to enhancing your bust size, the benefits of breast augmentation include the following:
- Restore breast volume lost after weight reduction or pregnancy
- Achieve a more rounded breast shape
- Improve natural breast size asymmetry
- Add volume for voluptuous curves
- Increase fullness and projection
- Improve the balance of breast and hip contours
- Enhance your self-image
- Improve your self-confidence
Breast Augmentation Candidates
Ideal breast augmentation candidates are patients who want fuller and larger breasts.
You may be a candidate for breast augmentation if you:
- Are physically healthy
- Are not pregnant or breastfeeding
- Have fully developed breasts
- Feel your natural breasts are too small
- Are unhappy with your breasts losing shape and volume after pregnancy or weight loss, or with aging
- Do not like the upper part of your breast appearing "empty"
- Have asymmetrical breasts
- Have breasts that failed to develop normally or have an elongated shape
Warning:
This gallery contains nudity. Please click OK to confirm you are at least 18 years of age and are not offended by this material.
Before & AfterBreast Augmentation in San Antonio
Begin your journey.
Schedule Consultation Today
Types of Breast Implants
Our surgeons only place round, smooth implants for your custom breast augmentation in San Antonio. Textured and anatomical-shaped implants have been implicated in Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (ALCL). We will not compromise the best practices and safety of your breast augmentation. In our experience, most patients have been happier with round implants as they make the breasts appear fuller with less risk of implant rotation.
We offer silicone and saline breast implants. The choice is generally yours unless there are specific reasons we recommend one type over the other, especially with breast revision surgery.
Silicone implants
Silicone breast implants are filled with silicone gel. Should the implant leak, the gel may stay in the shell or escape into the breast implant pocket. However, a leaking implant filled with silicone gel won’t collapse.
When you choose silicone implants, be prepared to visit your plastic surgeon regularly to assess the condition of your implants. While silicone breast implants are FDA-approved for augmentation in patients 22 and older, an ultrasound or MRI screening will ensure proper implant function.
Some of the benefits of silicone vs. saline implants include the following:
- They are softer and lighter
- They have fewer tissue-rippling issues
- They feel closer to natural breast tissue
Saline implants
Saline breast implants are filled with sterile salt water. Should the implant shell leak, the implant collapses, and the saline will is absorbed and naturally expelled by the body.
Some of the benefits of saline vs. silicone implants include the following:
- They have a uniform shape, firmness, and feel
- They are FDA-approved for augmentation in patients eighteen and older
- Structured implants contain an inner structure that aims to make the implant feel more natural
- They can be filled to larger sizes, as silicone implants are capped at 800 mL
- They generally cost less than silicone implants
Profile: Low, medium, or high?
Once you have chosen between silicone and saline, you’ll select your implant’s profile based on your desired outcome.
The width of your breast is measured to determine the “base diameter.” Next, your breast tissue and shape are evaluated before considering your desired amount of augmentation. This is because implant projection depends more on the measurements of the implant than the overall fill.
For example, an implant with a smaller base and 300 cc fill will have increased projection compared to an implant with a broader base and 300 cc fill.
Post-op care for a smooth, successful recovery.
The first post-op appointment will occur one week after surgery, and follow-ups at intervals of 5 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 12 months. You should plan for 3-5 days off work. Immediately after breast augmentation surgery, it is normal to experience swelling. At the three week mark, the true shape and size starts to appear. There will be relaxation of the breast tissue over the next three months and that is when the final shape and beauty is fully revealed.
Procedure & Incision
The breast augmentation procedure requires specific incisions and different types of pockets to hold the implant.
At Hill Country, we perform the inframammary (IMF) or Periareolar (around the areola) incisions for your custom breast augmentation. These are the two safest incision options for both silicone and saline implants.
An IMF incision can hide the scar in the breast fold and has less risk of infection and capsular contracture. However, it is not a good choice for patients with a poorly defined inframammary fold, such as tuberous breast deformity, because the scar is more visible.
The periareolar incision (around the areola) has several distinct advantages, including the following:
- It pairs well with the subglandular and subpectoral pockets
- It can lower the fold, which is suitable for tuberous breast deformities and poor inframammary folds
- Can hide the incision scar around, and not in, the areola
Periareolar incisions are associated with an increased risk of capsular contracture, distortion, or widening of the nipple-areolar complex.
Breast Implant Placement
The options for implant placement are:
Subglandular
The implant goes under the breast tissue and over the muscle. This approach is best for patients pairing their augmentation with a breast lift because the implant moves less, and recovery is more manageable.
A subglandular placement is not advised for patients with thin or little breast tissue on the top because of visible implant and superior pole hollowing.
Submuscular
With submuscular placement, the implant goes under the pectoral muscle. Advantages include:
- Lower capsular contracture rate
- Ideal for patients with poor overlying tissue
- Less rippling
- Easier for mammograms to visualize breast tissue
However, submuscular implants have distinct disadvantages, such as:
- Displacement of the implant to the side of the chest
- The implant moves with activation of the pectoralis muscle
- Higher risk of breast tissue hanging below the implant
Dual Plane
The dual plane placement is dissected under the muscle and the breast gland. Ideal candidates have poor overlying tissue on the top and narrow, droopy breasts.
At Hill Country, we understand there is a lot to consider when deciding on the best options for your breast augmentation in San Antonio. At first, it may seem overwhelming. We are here to help and can relieve some of the pressure with a consultation to discuss this important journey.
What our patients tells us…
Many patients are excited to see the changes in the figure when they wake up and tell us they are surprised at how easy the recovery process was. We love to see their smiles and the satisfaction they experience after a custom breast augmentation in San Antonio.
Read Our Patients' Testimonials
Consultation
We will discuss your concerns and goals with your surgeon at Hill Country Plastic Surgery during the initial consultation for your breast augmentation in San Antonio. We then perform a physical exam and take all necessary measurements for your breast augmentation. Next, we conduct a 3D simulation with the Vectra imaging system and simulate the look of different implant sizes with sizers placed in your bra.
The next step is to discuss available treatment options and curate a surgical plan that addresses your specific goals. Your unique surgical plan also considers your:
- Personal medical history
- Surgical history
- Medications
- Allergies
It is crucial that during your consultation, we obtain accurate information regarding these topics as they may impact the outcome of your surgery.
After your San Antonio breast augmentation consultation, you will receive access to your notes on the patient portal and information about your specific surgery. This portal is also where you can contact us with questions. If you still need to activate your patient portal, you can do this at your appointment by asking any of our staff to assist you.
Begin your journey.
Schedule Consultation Today
Cost
The cost of breast augmentation varies from patient to patient and depends on the size and material of the implant. Coming in for a consultation with one of our surgeons will give you a better idea about pricing.
Additionally, CosmetAssure insurance is included with all our procedures. This cosmetic insurance covers the cost of any complications that may occur after surgery. While complications are rare with this operation, you are financially protected if anything happens.
Breast Augmentation Recovery & Results
Recovery from your breast augmentation includes post-op appointments with your surgeon at the following intervals:
- One week
- Five weeks
- Three months
- Six months
- Twelve months
When planning for your breast augmentation, take three to five days post-op off work. You’ll need assistance for the first 24 hours and must avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting for the next six weeks.
After your surgery, it is normal to experience swelling, which will resolve in the coming weeks. At the three-week mark, your augmented breasts' actual shape and size become more visible. Your breast tissue will relax for the next three months, revealing the final shape and size.
To ensure a safe and quick recovery, we offer subfascial and dual-plane breast augmentations, which all surgeons do not provide. We use Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS) protocols which decrease the need for narcotic medications and post-op nausea.
Welcome to our easy-access client portal.
After your San Antonio breast augmentation consultation, you will receive access to your notes on the patient portal in addition to information about your specific surgery. If you have not activated your patient portal, this can be done at your appointment by asking any of our staff to assist you. If you have questions after your appointment, you can contact our office or message us through the patient portal. Some patients will require medical clearance from their primary care physician or a specialist or additional tests before undergoing surgery.
Once you have determined that you would like to have surgery and have completed any clearances and tests that were requested, contact our office at (210) 658-3555 to schedule a pre-operative appointment with one of our surgeons.
Breast augmentation FAQs
Can breast implants work for all breast types?
How long do breast implants take to heal?
What things should I avoid before breast augmentation?
Is breast augmentation painful?
How should I sleep after breast augmentation?
Will insurance cover my breast augmentation?
Is there an age limit for breast augmentation?
When should I consider Revision Surgery?
Do I need a breast lift with breast augmentation?
Can breast implants work for all breast types?
Breast implants work for most breast types. During your consultation, your surgeon will discuss your goals, lifestyle, and medical history and evaluate your body to determine the best kind of breast implant for you.
How long do breast implants take to heal?
Breast implants generally take four to six weeks to heal. During this time, you must refrain from physical activity, lifting heavy objects, and overworking yourself.
What things should I avoid before breast augmentation?
Avoid the following before breast augmentation: Smoking,Poor nutrition and fitness, Taking medications that could increase the risk of bleeding, such as ibuprofen, Eating and drinking after noon on the day before surgery
Is breast augmentation painful?
While you may experience pain and tenderness, especially around the incisions, these should subside after two to three weeks. Following our postoperative instructions, including incision care, is the best way to prevent complications that would make breast augmentation painful.
How should I sleep after breast augmentation?
You should sleep on your back after breast augmentation to reduce swelling. You should also elevate your upper body to minimize fluid buildup, enhance circulation, and keep the breasts in a more natural position as they heal.
Will insurance cover my breast augmentation?
Insurance does not cover a cosmetic breast augmentation.
Is there an age limit for breast augmentation?
After eighteen, there is no age limit for breast augmentation
When should I consider Revision Surgery?
You should consider revision surgery when, your implants are causing pain or discomfort, the implants have ruptured, bottomed out, rotated, or moved, your implants have caused capsular contracture, you are unhappy with the results of your initial breast augmentation.
Do I need a breast lift with breast augmentation?
Drooping of the breasts is treated with a breast lift, also known as a mastopexy. A mastopexy (breast lift) can be combined to achieve fuller and lifted breasts. We will develop a customized plan for your body shape and desired look during your consultation.
Interested in Breast Augmentation?
Are you interested in learning more about this procedure? To schedule a consultation, please contact us. Hill Country Plastic Surgery is the premier plastic surgery center in the San Antonio and Austin area, and our friendly team members are here to help you and will reach out promptly.
Contact Us