Understanding Breast Augmentation: Procedure and Options

By Maakan Taghizadeh, MD

Thinking about giving your figure a little upgrade? You’re not alone. Breast augmentation is one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries worldwide, helping countless individuals enhance their silhouette and boost their confidence. At U Plastic Surgery + Aesthetics, we understand that every patient’s needs and aspirations are unique. Our team is here to guide you through every step—from understanding breast augmentation to the procedure to choosing the right implants to managing your recovery.

What Is A Breast Augmentation?

Breast augmentation, sometimes referred to as a “boob job” by patients, involves using breast implants to increase the size of your breasts. 

In some cases, patients combine a breast augmentation with a breast lift. This two-for-one is particularly helpful for those who want to increase their breast size while also correcting sagging and improving the breast’s position on the chest wall. 

With the right personalized plan by a board-certified cosmetic surgeon like Dr. Tag, you can achieve a more youthful and uplifted breast contour alongside increased fullness!

Reasons To Get A Breast Augmentation

Though breast augmentation is about going bigger, it’s also about making real changes for real reasons. Here are some top reasons why folks decide to take this step with Dr. Tag:

• Evening Things Out: It’s pretty common to have one breast slightly different from the other, but for some, the difference is more noticeable. Getting an augmentation can help balance things out and help you feel beautiful!
• Bringing Back Volume: Life events like having kids or losing a bunch of weight can leave your breasts looking a bit deflated. Implants can fill them back out (pun intended!), giving you that fuller look you remember or have always wanted.
• Just Because: Sometimes, you want more up top to round out your figure. Many find that a little extra fullness can make a huge difference in how they see themselves. You deserve to feel at home and confident in your skin, so we believe “just because” is as valid a reason for breast augmentation as any other.

Whatever your reason, U Plastic Surgery + Aesthetics is here to help you make the silhouette in your mind’s eye a reality. 

Types Of Breast Implants

When you’re considering breast augmentation, picking the right type of implant is a big deal. Let’s break down the two contenders offered at U Plastic Surgery + Aesthetics: saline and silicone.

Saline Breast Implants

• What’s Inside: These guys have a silicone shell filled with sterile salt water after they’re put in place, which means Dr. Tag can adjust the volume to get just the right fit. Not too small, not too big, just perfect!
• Safety First: The neat thing about saline is that if an implant leaks, your body absorbs the saline and gets rid of it naturally. You’ll also notice if something’s off because the implant will deflate, making it pretty obvious, so you can get it fixed sooner rather than later. This awareness will help you preserve your look and health.
• Feel: Saline implants are on the firmer side and might not feel as squishy as natural breast tissue. They can sometimes show ripples under the skin, too.

Silicone ImplantsImplants

• What’s Inside: These are filled with a silicone gel that feels a lot like natural breast tissue, which is why many people prefer them. They come in different volumes and profiles. Dr. Tag will help size you to choose the volume and shape that is right for U.
• Keep an Eye On It: With silicone implants, it’s a bit trickier to tell if there’s a leak since the gel will stay put inside the implant or the surrounding area, although rupture is extremely rare. Yearly checkups are recommended as with saline to make sure everything’s as it should be.
• Feel: As we said under the “What’s Inside” point, silicone implants are softer and tend to give a more natural feel. Plus, they’re less likely to ripple than saline.

Dr. Tag will help you determine which type suits your body and goals best, so don’t worry or feel overwhelmed! We’ve got U covered.

The Procedure: What To Expect

When you decide to go for breast augmentation, knowing what to expect every step of the way can make the experience a lot less daunting. Here’s a quick rundown of how things typically go.

Before The Surgery

First off, you’ll have a detailed consultation with Dr. Tag. This is when you’ll discuss your goals, choose between saline or silicone implants, and talk about the size of and where those implants will be placed. You’ll also go over any medical evaluations or tests you might need before the big day.

Day Of Surgery

On the day of your breast augmentation procedure, you’ll head to the surgery center. Once you check-in, you’ll be prepped for surgery, which includes getting an IV and possibly taking some medication to help you relax. The surgery usually takes 1-2 hours, depending on the complexity and the techniques used.

During the surgery, Dr. Tag makes a small incision, typically under the breast or around the nipple. The implant is inserted either behind the breast tissue or beneath the chest muscle through this incision. Once the implants are perfectly positioned (and filled if it’s a saline implant), the incision is closed with sutures, skin adhesive, or surgical tape.

Breast Augmentation Recovery & Aftercare

After the surgery, you’ll spend about an hour in recovery, where staff will monitor your vitals and make sure you’re waking up from anesthesia smoothly. You might feel groggy and sore, but that’s totally normal! After all, you just had surgery!

People can go home the same day, but you’ll need someone to drive you. Once home, it’s all about rest. You’ll likely be advised to take it easy for at least a week, avoiding any strenuous activities that could stress your stitches or disrupt the healing process. Dr. Tag will go over the specifics with you at your consultation so you can be fully prepared before the day off.

Design Your New Look With U Plastic Surgery + Aesthetics!

Whether you’re considering enhancing your silhouette for personal reasons, post-mastectomy reconstruction, or simply to balance your proportions, U Plastic Surgery + Aesthetics in Owings Mills is your go-to resource. Our team, led by the skilled, board-certified Dr. Tag, is dedicated to providing personalized care that respects your vision and goals. That next step toward feeling confident and content with your appearance. Reach out today to learn more about your breast augmentation options!