Name: Dr. Aric Aghayan
Address: 5331 S Macadam Ave, Suite 254, Portland, OR, 97239, US
Telephone: (503) 212-9411
Price range: $$$
Location: Après Plastic Surgery
Rating: 5

What is Breast Augmentation?

Enhance Your Curves

Breast augmentation or sometimes called a boob job is a procedure that resizes the breasts for a larger and/or fuller appearance. This procedure is also often called augmentation mammoplasty or breast implant surgery, although not all breast augmentations involve implants.

For our patients in Portland breast augmentation can be performed for cosmetic reasons to improve appearance, but it can also be performed for reconstructive purposes. For example, women who have undergone a mastectomy for breast cancer may benefit from implants that restore the breasts.

Reasons to Consider Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation can be a powerful way to empower your comfort in your body and sense of self-worth. If you're looking to improve breast symmetry, add volume after pregnancy or weight loss, or achieve a more balanced figure, this procedure could be the perfect way to reach your body image goals.

Many women choose breast augmentation for a variety of aesthetic reasons, including:

Enhancing breast size to fit clothing more comfortably
Restoring lost volume due to weight changes, pregnancy, or aging
Correcting breast asymmetry
Improving overall body proportions

With customizable options in implants and procedures, breast augmentation can help you achieve the self-assurance and positive body image you want.

Types of Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation in Portland may be performed with implants or using a fat transfer technique.

Implants are made in a variety of shapes, sizes, textures, and profiles. When discussing breast augmentation Portland plastic surgeon, Dr. Aghayan, and you will decide on the type of implant that’s best for your body size, shape, and the results you wish to attain. Most implants are made of silicone or saline. There are also gummy bear implants, and certain candidates may be eligible for fat transfer augmentation.

The fat transfer breast augmentation process takes a minimal amount of unwanted fat from another area of the body such as the abdomen or flanks, and transfers it to the breasts. This method produces extremely natural results; however, it can only be used on patients who fit the criteria and is generally reserved for smaller augmentations.

Implant types

When it comes to implants, you have two main options: saline and silicone.

Saline implants are filled with sterile salt water and are inserted empty, allowing for smaller incisions. They're generally less expensive but can feel less natural.
Silicone implants are pre-filled with silicone gel, which many patients say feels more like natural breast tissue. Though they may require a slightly larger incision, their texture and durability make them a popular choice.

Implant Sizing

Choosing the right implant size is key to achieving your desired look. During your consultation for breast augmentation Portland Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Aghayan, will assess your body frame, breast width, and aesthetic goals to help you select an implant that complements your natural shape. Implants range from small increases in volume to dramatic enhancements, allowing for complete customization.

Implant Incisions

There are several incision options available, each offering unique benefits based on your anatomy and goals:

Inframammary: A small incision under the breastfold, discreetly hidden by the natural curve.
Periareolar: Made around the areola, this incision allows the surgeon access with minimal visible scarring.
Transaxillary: An incision in the armpit, perfect for patients concerned about visible breast scarring.

Implant Placement

Implants can be placed either above or below the chest muscle. Submuscular placement (below the muscle) tends to offer a more natural look, especially for thinner patients, while subglandular placement (above the muscle) can result in a shorter recovery time.

Implant Profile

The profile of an implant refers to how far it projects from the chest. Implants come in various profiles—low, moderate, and high. Higher-profile implants project more and are ideal for women seeking a more pronounced appearance, while lower-profile options provide a more subtle enhancement.

Benefits of Breast Augmentation

With a breast augmentation Portland patients can benefit in many ways. Depending on your pain points and desired outcome, some may be more important to you than others.

Additional Volume

The primary goal of breast augmentation surgery is to add volume to the breasts. The procedure can also enhance your breasts’ overall shape and profile.

For any woman who feels she would benefit from larger breasts, this is the procedure you ideally want. Whether you’ve always wanted to have bigger breasts or you’ve become unhappy with the way time and gravity have caused your breasts to look smaller or less perky, implants or a fat transfer procedure may offer the ideal solution.

Breast Rebuilding After a Mastectomy

Women who have undergone a single or double mastectomy due to breast cancer can attest to the emotional challenges that a procedure like this presents. Many women report feeling like they are “less feminine” or “not themselves” when they lose one or both breasts.

While padded bras and other devices offer a short-term fix to this challenge, these solutions rarely address the core issue. Breast augmentation is often the only solution that can help breast cancer survivors feel like themselves again.

Boosted Confidence

Feeling unhappy with the shape and size of your breasts can lead to decreased self-confidence and low self-worth. While your breasts shouldn’t define you and it’s always important to have realistic expectations about any cosmetic surgery, breast augmentation has been known to greatly increase patients’ self-confidence. This boost allows many women to feel more comfortable in their own skin and far better prepared to face the world with self-assurance and poise.

Breast Restoration for Mothers

Pregnancy and breastfeeding often lead to breasts that sag and droop. While these life experiences are naturally worth the cosmetic consequences, many mothers would still like to restore their breasts to their original size and shape (or add additional volume) once they’re done having children.

Breast augmentation surgery can increase the size of “deflated” breasts, and especially when combined with a breast lift, can give you back the bounce and vitality you once had in your figure. For this reason, breast augmentation is often a key part of mommy makeovers.

Balance to Fix Naturally Asymmetrical Breasts

Slight asymmetry is to be expected in many women’s breasts. However, for some women, a more extreme imbalance may be noticeable. Often, this imbalance becomes particularly frustrating when women feel the need to wear one-padded bras and other specialty garments under their clothes. It’s also common to feel especially self-conscious when wearing a bathing suit or in intimate settings.

Breast augmentation is an ideal solution for evening out uneven breasts. By adding volume to the smaller breast, it’s easy to achieve comfortable symmetry.

Ideal Candidates for Breast Augmentation

The decision to have breast enlargement surgery is personal. If you are contemplating this treatment, it is essential you do it for the right reasons.

To be a good candidate, you should be physically healthy with breasts that are developed. You must also be the appropriate age to get implants. If you are unhappy with the overall appearance of your chest because you feel your breasts appear lifeless, you could benefit from breast augmentation surgery. Moreover, if your breasts have changed due to weight loss or pregnancy, this surgical procedure can give them life with increased shape and fullness. It can also help if you lift weights or have an overall lack of natural breast mass.

Surgery Preparation for Breast Augmentation

Preparation for breast augmentation starts with booking a consultation appointment. During your consultation at Après Plastic Surgery in Portland, OR, you will have the benefit of our Crisalix 3D imaging software, which will allow you to visualize what specific implants will look like on you.

What is Crisalix 3D Imaging?

Crisalix 3D Imaging is a cutting-edge technology that allows you to see a realistic preview of your potential breast augmentation results. Using a 3D scan of your body, this software lets you visualize how different implant sizes and shapes will look on you. You can adjust and refine your preferences in real-time, helping you and your surgeon select the perfect implants with confidence. This personalized approach ensures you feel fully informed and satisfied with your choice before surgery. Portland plastic surgeon, Dr. Aghayan, will provide you with personalized instructions on how best to prepare for your breast augmentation procedure.

Breast Augmentation Procedure Details

Breast augmentation is an outpatient procedure, which means you’ll be able to go home on the same day of your surgery. In general (unless you are undergoing a fat transfer enhancement), all breast augmentations follow the same basic pattern during surgery:

Administration of General Anesthesia All breast augmentation surgeries are performed under general anesthesia.
Incisions Dr. Aghayan will decide on the placement of the necessary incisions prior to surgery.
Implant placement This step may go one of two ways. Depending on several factors, Dr. Aghayan may either decide to place the implants under the pectoral muscle or behind the breast tissue and over the pectoral muscle.
Closure of the incisions Finally, the incisions will be carefully secured with skin adhesives or sutures.

Breast Augmentation Recovery

Once surgery is complete, all patients are taken to a recovery room to be carefully monitored and screened before they are released home. It is critical that you have someone trustworthy — a close friend or family member — who can take you home after surgery. Having help around the house for the first few days of your recovery is also highly recommended.

Swelling, bruising, and some pain and discomfort are to be expected after surgery. Soon, however, these symptoms will subside, and especially as the swelling goes down, you’ll begin to see what your augmentation results really look like. Generally speaking, most Portland breast augmentation patients are able to return to normal daily activities within the first week of recovery. It is, however, important to avoid physical exertion until Dr. Aghayan plastic surgeons gives you the okay. Most patients need to avoid exercise and other strenuous activities for at least a few months.

Breast Augmentation Cost in Portland Oregon

The cost of breast augmentation can vary depending on various factors such as the surgeon’s experience, the location of the procedure, the type of implants used, and the complexity of the procedure. On average, the cost of breast augmentation in Portland Oregon ranges from $5,000 to $13,000. However, this does not include the additional costs associated with the procedure, such as anesthesia fees, facility fees, and other medical expenses.

Complementary Procedures

Breast augmentation is often combined with procedures such as:

BREAST LIFTS

Whereas breast augmentation adds volume and changes the overall size of the breasts, breast lifts only adjust the position of the breasts — essentially lifting them to a higher position that makes them appear less stretched out and loose.

LIPOSUCTION

Many women who desire enlarged or enhanced breasts also desire contouring on other parts of the body. The breasts can be further enhanced, for example, by slimming the upper arms or reducing stubborn excess fat on the abdomen or flanks. These results can be achieved through liposuction.

MOMMY MAKEOVERS

Mommy makeovers are designed to help mothers regain their pre-baby bodies and boost self-confidence. Each procedure is catered to the individual, but most mommy makeovers include some combination of breast augmentation and/or breast lift, liposuction, breast reduction and tummy tuck.

Breast Augmentation Frequently Asked Questions

What should I know before getting breast implants?

Be sure it’s the decision for you. The best way to do this is to book a consultation appointment and ask plenty of questions. Express your concerns and any fears you may have.

If you decide breast augmentation is right for you, have realistic expectations about your results. Your life will be different as you recover, and your results will take some getting used to. The vast majority of patients, however, are extremely happy with their decision to get breast augmentation surgery.

What is the most common size breast implant?

Implants are measured in cubic centimeters (abbreviated as “cc”). The higher the number of ccs, the larger the implant. The average breast implant size is around 350 cc. Between 300 cc and 500 cc is typical.

Do silicone breast implants feel different?

In most cases, breasts feel different after breast implant surgery. How different they feel will depend on whether you chose silicone or saline implants and what size and placement you decided upon. Generally speaking, silicone gel implants feel more natural than saline implants, and fat transfer augmentation will feel the most natural.

What are the pros and cons of breast augmentation?

The benefits of breast augmentation include an enhanced physical appearance, more comfort in your own skin, looking better in clothing, and boosted self-confidence. Breast augmentation results are also long-lasting.

On the flip side, as with any surgery, breast augmentation does require some downtime for recovery. There is also always the risk of complications during and after surgery, and rarely, some patients will be unhappy with their results and will choose to undergo breast implant removal or revision surgery.

How do I prepare for a breast augmentation consultation?

It’s important to take your time when preparing for your breast augmentation consultation with Dr. Aghayan. Come in ready with your essential health information, including any medications or supplements you are currently taking and a general outline of your medical history, including past or current surgeries, treatments, and illnesses.

You should also have some idea of what you want to achieve with breast augmentation. If you have pictures of your past self or others that you’d like to emulate, bring those with you. Many patients aren’t exactly sure what they want when it comes to surgery, and that’s okay too.

What should I do two weeks before breast augmentation?

It’s a good idea to prepare for your recovery during this time. Request the necessary time off from work or school. Arrange for childcare, if necessary.

Next, find a trustworthy friend or relative who can take you home from your surgery and possibly help you for a few days thereafter as well. You may also want to spend some time setting up your home for an easier recovery. Prepare and freeze some meals, buy some comfortable clothing, and stock up on some good books or movies to enjoy while you rest.

Will I have sensation in the breasts after the procedure?

While there may be numbness present directly following breast augmentation, the sensation in your breasts and nipples should return as you heal. Numbness can last anywhere from a few weeks to a few months.

Are there any risks with breast augmentation?

Breast augmentation is a common and generally safe procedure, but like any surgery, it comes with some risks. These can include anesthesia complications, infection, changes in breast or nipple sensation, and implant-related issues like leakage, rupture, or capsular contracture (scar tissue around the implant). In rare cases, patients may experience breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) or require revision surgery due to implant malposition or asymmetry.

Breast Augmentation Portland, OR