What Is Breast Augmentation Surgery?

A breast augmentation, also known as augmentation mammoplasty or breast implant surgery, is a cosmetic surgical procedure that involves the use of saline or silicone breast implants to enhance breast volume. For many, small or misshapen breasts can cause dissatisfaction and a negative body image. A double board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Esmailian is known for consistently beautiful breast augmentation results and his attentive, caring approach to patient care.

Who Is A Good Candidate For Breast Augmentation?

Do you wish for shapely, well-proportioned breasts that blend seamlessly with the rest of your figure and are in overall good health? If so, a breast augmentation with Dr. Esmailian in Orange County could be right for you. Potential candidates must be in good overall mental and physical health and have fully matured breasts.2

A one-on-one consultation is the best way to determine if implants could meet your aesthetic needs, but below are some common reasons patients pursue implants:

  • Breasts are small
  • Breasts are uneven
  • Breasts have developed improperly

Breast Augmentation Before & After Photos

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Your Breast Augmentation Consultation

Dr. Esmailian views the initial consultation as a great way to learn about a patient’s aesthetic goals and frustrations and takes as much time as needed to fully understand all the patient’s needs and desired breast size. Then, Dr. Esmailian performs a thorough review of the patient’s medical history and a breast exam, taking detailed notes.

Finally, pictures are taken and implant sizing is conducted. Patient education is a high priority for Dr. Esmailian, and he will be sure to answer any questions that arise.

Types of Breast Implants

Selecting the appropriate implant is a crucial step in your breast augmentation journey. Dr. Esmailian takes into consideration various factors such as your body type, aesthetic goals, and medical history to determine the most suitable implants for you. Additionally, he ensures that all implant options comply3 with FDA guidelines and standards, ensuring not only aesthetic appeal but also safety and quality.

Silicone

Silicone implants, featuring a polymer gel within a silicone shell, offer a natural look and feel, and carry a low risk of postoperative problems.

Saline

Saline implants, consisting of a saltwater solution contained within a silicone shell, are inserted empty and then filled once in place, making them ideal for creating firm, rounder breasts. In the event of a rupture, the body will safely absorb the saltwater solution.

Gummy Bear

Gummy bear implants, crafted from silicone gel, are known for maintaining their shape exceptionally well. These cohesive gel implants, characterized by their elegant teardrop shape, are ideal for very active patients.

Textured

Textured breast implants, known for their textured surface, remain firmly in place and are often used to achieve realistic-looking breasts.

Smooth

Smooth breast implants are designed to move freely within the surgical pocket created to house them, allowing for a more natural movement.

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Options For Implant Placement

Subglandular placement

The implant is placed in a pocket underneath breast tissue but above pectoral muscle. Result is perky, round breasts, and recovery tends to be more comfortable.

Submuscular placement

In submuscular placement, the implant is positioned beneath both the breast tissue and the pectoral muscle, resulting in a very natural-looking projection and a significantly lower risk of 'rippling' or capsular contracture.

Dual-plane placement

Dual-plane breast implant placement, often referred to as the 'best of both worlds' option, involves positioning the upper two-thirds of the implant beneath the pectoral muscle, while the lower third is placed over the muscle, resulting in perky, round, and realistic breast projection.

Breast Implant Incisions

No matter the incision style, Dr. Esmailian is known for his incision technique, which keeps incisions as small and as camouflaged as possible.

Periareolar

The periareolar breast implant incision, made around the nipple in the areola, is an option known for the least visible scarring and the lowest risk of nipple-sensation loss.

Inframammary

The inframammary breast implant incision, placed underneath the breast crease, is ideal for large silicone implant sizes, with the incision being roughly the same size as the periareolar, and the scar is well hidden.

Transaxillary

The transaxillary breast implant incision is made in the armpit and is mostly used for saline implants.

Periumbilical

The periumbilical breast implant incision involves inserting the implant via the navel, a rare approach that is used exclusively for saline implants.

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Preview Your New Look

We realize that it’s difficult to imagine how your body will look with breast implants and to decide which size is right for you. Fortunately, you can use this 3D imaging technology to get an idea of how breast implants will look on your body.

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Woman's chest in a white flowy tank top

Other Breast Augmentation Options

Based on your goals and body type, Dr. Esmailian may suggest alternatives that will better suit your needs.

  • Breast Lift - A breast lift is a great option for raising and correcting sagging breasts, effectively restoring them to a youthful position and projection, serving as an alternate approach to breast augmentation.
  • Mommy Makeover - The Mommy Makeover addresses the toll childbirth and breastfeeding take on your body; it combines procedures to flatten out your stomach and revivify your breasts in one surgery, effectively cutting down on recovery time and cost.
  • Fat Transfer - Fat transfer, an alternative to traditional breast augmentation, utilizes the body's excess fat to achieve a natural look and feel with minimal risk of complications, making it best for those not seeking a significant size change and an excellent way to even out imperfections.4

The Breast Augmentation Procedure

Breast augmentation in Orange County is typically completed within an hour and is conducted in a fully equipped operating theater with the patient under general anesthesia. Dr. Esmailian skillfully makes the chosen incision, carefully creating a breast pocket against the chest wall. This pocket is meticulously contoured to accommodate the implant, ensuring it sits harmoniously with the natural breast tissue. Once the implant is gently positioned, Dr. Esmailian closes the breast pocket, and then attentively sutures the outer incision, employing advanced techniques to ensure minimal scarring and seamless integration with the surrounding tissue.


Best In Class Anesthesia Treatment

What separates good plastic surgeons from excellent ones is the sedation process. Dr. Esmailian always works with a board-certified anesthesiologist who is focused on your care, and not juggling multiple patients, which often happens in plastic surgery practices. The difference is a much smoother experience for the patient with drastically reduced side effects.

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What Is Recovery Like After Breast Augmentation?

Immediately after the incisions are closed, a specialized support bra is put on the patient. Then, our medical care team will observe you until you fully emerge from sedation. A friend, relative, or medical professional will accompany you home. Patients should avoid driving for 24 hours and plan to rest for a full week before resuming light activity.

The service you receive during aftercare will continue to be of high caliber. Dr. Esmailian will see you for follow-up appointments to ensure a healthy healing process. Light desk work and activity may be resumed after a week, but vigorous activity is to be avoided until Dr. Esmailian gives clearance, usually four weeks post-op. Our patients are welcome to call with any questions or concerns at any point, we are at your disposal!

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Dr. Esmailian
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Choose A Surgeon Known For Skill & Experience

A specialist in breast enhancement surgeries, Dr. Esmailian is double board-certified and routinely recognized as one of the top plastic surgeons in Orange County. Dr. Esmailian’s signature is breast augmentations that look and feel realistic, and that blend harmoniously with the rest of the patient’s body.

Dr. Esmailian was awarded a medical degree from The George Washington University School of Medicine, and completed his general and plastic surgery residencies at The University of Southern California and Indiana University Hospital, respectively.

Dr. Esmailian is an esteemed member of the Orange County Society of Plastic Surgeons, and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. To schedule a one-on-one consultation about how Dr. Esmailian can help you attain the breasts of your dreams, contact our offices today.

FAQs About Breast Augmentation

How much does breast augmentation cost?

Every breast augmentation Dr. Esmailian performs is customized to the patient, and no two procedures are alike. The cost of breast augmentation in Orange County varies on factors such as type of implant used and whether other procedures are being performed at the same time. We offer a variety of payment and finance options to ensure you achieve the body you desire.

Will I have scars after breast augmentation?

As with any surgical procedure, scarring will occur with a breast augmentation. Dr. Esmailian is a breast augmentation surgeon who has developed advanced techniques to keep incisions as tension-free as possible, which results in a much better healing process. He also ensures incisions are hidden and as small as they can be, resulting in scars that escape notice.

Can I breastfeed after a breast augmentation?

Yes; breast augmentation should not inhibit your ability to breastfeed5 You should be able to breastfeed after a period of at least 6 months.

Are breast implants heavy?

No, most patients will barely notice any extra weight.

Will I lose nipple sensation?

Less than 5% of patients experience any change in sensation, though most regain it after a year. Large implants increase the risk of sensation loss.

Where will my procedure be performed?

In a certified outpatient surgery center.

When can I exercise after?

4 weeks for most patients.

Will the procedure be painful?

The patient is anesthetized and will not feel anything during the procedure. Afterward, the patient should expect discomfort, but not pain.

How long will breast augmentation results last?

Saline implants are intended to last a lifetime unless there is a rupture or leak, whereas silicone implants should be routinely checked every 7-10 years.

Will I need my implants replaced?

Implants do not require replacement unless there is a leak or rupture, or if another health complication arises, such as capsular contracture.

What are the benefits of breast augmentation?

The benefits of implants include increased self-esteem, an enhanced and proportional silhouette, and overall body rejuvenation.

How do I choose the best implant size, shape, and profile for my body?

The decision on how to choose the best implants for your body is made in close consultation with Dr. Esmailian, taking into account your body type, medical history, and aesthetic goals.

How should I sleep after breast augmentation?

For the first few weeks after breast augmentation, it is best to sleep on your back with the upper body tilted at an angle of 30-45 degrees to reduce swelling and pressure.

Will my breasts feel tight after surgery?

After breast augmentation, it is common for some individuals to experience tightness in the breasts, but this sensation will ease as the healing process progresses.

How long will I need to take off work?

The amount of time needed to take off work after breast augmentation varies from patient to patient, but most require at least 3-5 days for rest and recovery, with Dr. Esmailian advising patients to postpone rigorous exercise for 4 weeks.

Can I get a mammogram after breast augmentation?

After breast augmentation, it is important to continue getting mammograms and to inform the technician so they can adjust the procedure accordingly.

What if my implant ruptures?

In the rare cases of rupture, the implant will need to be removed or replaced.

Do I have to wear a bra after a breast augmentation?

Yes, it is important to keep your breasts supported, and most patients find it more comfortable than going without. Continuing to wear a bra keeps sagging and drooping at bay as well.

What are the risks of breast augmentation?

Yes, it is important to keep your breasts supported, and most patients find it more comfortable than going without. Continuing to wear a bra keeps sagging and drooping at bay as well.

Can I combine any other procedures with breast augmentation?

Yes, it is quite common to combine other procedures with breast enlargement with implants, to achieve more comprehensive and harmonious cosmetic surgery results. This approach allows for a more transformative change while minimizing overall recovery time compared to having multiple separate surgeries.

One popular combination is breast augmentation with a breast revision. This is particularly relevant for those who have had previous breast surgeries and are looking to improve or update the results. Another frequent combination is pairing breast augmentation with a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty). This duo, often part of a Mommy Makeover, addresses changes in both the breasts and the abdomen that can occur after pregnancy and breastfeeding. In all these combinations, the goal is to create natural-looking results that are in harmony with your overall body proportions.

1 ASPS. Breast Augmentation. Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/breast-augmentation. Accessed January 24, 2024.
2 ASPS. Breast Augmentation Candidates. Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/breast-augmentation/candidates. Accessed January 24, 2024.
3 ASPS. Types of Breast Implants. Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/breast-augmentation/implants. Accessed January 24, 2024.
4 Cleveland Clinic. Breast Augmentation. Available: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/11024-breast-augmentation. Accessed January 24, 2024.
5 Stanford Medicine. Breast Augmentation. Available: https://med.stanford.edu/cosmeticsurgery/aestheticservices/Breast/breast-augmentation.html. Accessed January 24, 2024.
6 Mayo Clinic. Breast Augmentation. Available: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/breast-augmentation/about/pac-20393178. Accessed January 24, 2024.
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