Breast Augmentation

Overview

Breast augmentation increases breast volume using silicone or saline implants, autologous fat transfer, or a combination of both. The right answer depends on your starting anatomy, your goals, your tolerance for trade-offs (size versus naturalness, scar position, future imaging), and your tissue cover.

Dr. Altman’s approach

A good augmentation should look like it belongs on the patient. That starts with measurements, not catalogs.

• In-person sizing with implant samplers in a supportive bra is the most reliable way to choose a size you’ll be happy with long-term.
• Implant pocket (subglandular, submuscular, dual-plane) is selected based on your soft-tissue thickness and the look you want.
• Incision approach (inframammary, periareolar) is matched to your anatomy and the implant selected.
• Fat transfer can complement implants for upper-pole softness or, in select patients, replace them entirely.

Who it’s for

Augmentation is appropriate for adults seeking more volume, restored fullness after pregnancy or weight loss, or correction of natural asymmetry. Candidates should be in good general health, finished with childbearing if possible, and prepared for the lifelong maintenance that implants involve.

Recovery, week by week

• Days 1–3: Some chest tightness and soreness. Most patients are off prescription pain medication within 48–72 hours.
• Week 1: Light activity at home; back to office work for many patients.
• Weeks 2–4: Walking and upper-body exercise gradually reintroduced.
• Weeks 4–6: Return to full workouts including chest and shoulder strength training.
• Months 3–6: Implants “drop and fluff” into their final position and shape.

Results

The right augmentation looks proportional, moves naturally, and ages well. The most satisfied patients are those who chose for themselves, not for someone else’s eye.