What Is A Breast Augmentation?

Breast augmentation is a surgical breast enhancement procedure designed to increase the breasts' size, shape, and fullness with saline or silicone breast implants. Just like all procedures performed by Dr. Lee, our breast augmentation in Newport Beach is a wholly customized surgical procedure that is tailored to your unique goals, aesthetic preferences, and body frame.

To learn more about breast augmentation, please contact us today online or contact our office to schedule a consultation. We welcome patients from throughout California, including Newport Beach, Irvine, Santa Ana, Orange County, and the Greater Los Angeles area.

What Are The Benefits of Breast Augmentation?

Breast augmentation is the most popular plastic surgery procedure performed in the United States and boasts some of the highest patient satisfaction rates. Some of the many benefits offered by breast enlargement surgery include improved:

  • Increased breast size
  • Fuller breast shape
  • Improved breast symmetry
  • Improved breast projection
  • Appearance of cleavage
  • Self-confidence

Before & Afters: Breast Augmentation in Newport Beach

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Who Is a Candidate for Breast Augmentation?

Generally speaking, you may be an ideal candidate for breast augmentation in Newport Beach if you:

  • Are in good physical health
  • Do not smoke or are willing to quit before surgery and during recovery
  • Have not been diagnosed with cancer or a precancerous condition
  • Do not have an autoimmune disorder
  • Are near your ideal weight
  • Have adequate breast tissue
  • Have fully developed breasts

The FDA has certain implemented age restrictions for breast implants. For saline implants, patients must be at least 18 years old. For silicone implants, patients must be 22 years old.

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A Breast Augmentation Procedure Customized Just for You

Just like our patients, no two procedures for breast augmentation in Newport Beach are identical. During your confidential consultation with Dr. Lee, he will listen closely to your concerns and goals and take the time to explain all of your options thoroughly.

He will work closely with you to develop a treatment plan that matches your expectations, budget, and lifestyle. Some of the factors Dr. Lee will discuss with you when designing your individualized procedure include:

  • Breast implant size
  • Breast implant type
  • Incision location
  • Breast implant placement

Many patients choose to combine a breast lift with their breast enlargement surgery. Following your consultation with Dr. Lee and the completion of your treatment plan, you will be provided with a cost estimate for your customized procedure.

What Types of Breast Implants Does Dr. Lee Offer?

One of the most significant decisions you will make when preparing for your breast augmentation surgery is the type of breast implant used in your procedure. The two main types of breast implants are silicone and saline. Determining which is best for you will require the consideration of several factors. Each choice offers unique benefits, and Dr. Lee will work with you to help you decide which option best suits your goals, budget, and lifestyle.

Dr. Lee is committed to being your guide and mentor through this decision-making process. He will understand your aesthetic goals and thoroughly explain all your options to help you make an informed decision about your individualized procedure.

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Silicone Breast Implants

Silicone breast implants are essentially silicone shells filled with silicone gel. They are made of thick, strong, and durable shells filled with a cohesive, form-stable silicone gel material. These implants are also known as “cohesive gel”, “memory gel,” or “gummy bear” implants. At Richard H. Lee, MD Plastic Surgery, we use Mentor MemoryGel breast implants.

MemoryGel implants have been a proven and trusted implant choice for more than two decades. Advantages of silicone breast implants include:

  • More natural-looking
  • Lower rate of wrinkling and rippling
  • Maintain shape in case of rupture
  • FDA-approved for women 22 and older
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How Do You Determine the Proper Breast Implant Size?

There are several factors to consider when determining your ideal breast implant size, including:

  • Your level of activity and athletic lifestyle
  • Your desired breast size after surgery
  • Your current amount of natural breast tissue
  • Your skin elasticity
  • Your chest, weight, and height dimensions

There is no “right” breast size; the ideal breast sizes for our patients vary from person to person. Dr. Lee encourages his patients to bring in pictures of breast size examples that they find appealing.

Based on photographic examples and detailed discussions, Dr. Lee will place “sizers” (temporary implants) to ensure there are no surprises after your surgery.

Patient Breast and Body Testimonial

Get insights into our patients procedural journey with Dr. Richard Lee for their breast and body procedures at Richard H. Lee Plastic Surgery in Newport Beach, CA. 

Dr. Lee with a patient doing a consultation for her procedure

Your Breast Augmentation Consultation

During your initial consultation, Dr. Lee will evaluate several factors and work to understand what you hope to accomplish with breast enlargement surgery. He will listen to your goals, answer your questions, and address your concerns. He will never rush you into a decision. Instead, he will serve as your trusted guide and mentor and explain all your breast enhancement options so that you can make an informed decision about your treatment. 

Breast Implant Incision Types

Dr. Lee will determine the best incision type for your procedure based on your aesthetic goals and unique anatomy. Typically, Dr. Lee prefers to use the following incision locations because they offer a direct approach to the breast pocket:

Inframammary incision

This incision is discreetly made beneath the breast fold. It provides greater control when placing the implant and offers greater preservation of nipple sensitivity.

Periareolar incision

The incision is discreetly made around the nipple, blending seamlessly with the areola. This results in a very precise formation of the breast implant pocket and is the most effective incision for correcting nipple inversion.

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Why Choose Dr. Lee for Your Breast Augmentation in Newport Beach?

When you finally decide to undergo breast augmentation surgery, your choice of surgeon will likely be the most critical decision you will make. Dr. Lee performs surgeries in an on-site surgical center accredited by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC). This ensures that your procedure will be performed in a facility that meets the highest standards of safety and comfort. 

Dr. Lee is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). This ensures you are receiving the highest levels of skill, precision, and safety in the field of plastic surgery. You are never just a patient number to Dr. Lee. He will work closely with you to understand your unique goals and explain all of your options. Together you will design a customized treatment plan tailored just for you.

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Breast Augmentation FAQs

Where will the incisions be made?

Are breast implants permanent?

Can I breastfeed after breast augmentation?

Will breast augmentation affect mammograms?

Will breast augmentation affect future mammograms?

Can I combine breast augmentation with other procedures?

What kind of anesthesia is used during breast augmentation?

Are breast implants guaranteed for life?

How long is the recovery after breast augmentation?

How do I choose the right implant size?

Where will the incisions be made?

Incisions are typically placed under the breast crease, around the areola, or in the armpit, depending on your implant type, size, and anatomy. Dr. Lee, a board-certified plastic surgeon with over 15 years of experience, determines the best placement for each patient to balance optimal results with minimal visible scarring.

Are breast implants permanent?

No, breast implants are long-lasting but not considered a lifetime device. Some patients choose to replace or remove them over time due to complications or a change in aesthetic preference. Dr. Lee discusses these long-term considerations during your consultation so you know what to expect down the road.

Can I breastfeed after breast augmentation?

In many cases, yes, though this depends on factors like surgical technique and implant placement. Dr. Lee's approach is designed to preserve breast tissue and nerve function where possible, and he'll discuss your breastfeeding goals as part of your personalized surgical plan.

Will breast augmentation affect mammograms?

Breast implants can require additional imaging views during a mammogram to ensure a complete, accurate exam. Dr. Lee advises all augmentation patients to inform their mammography technician about their implants so the appropriate technique is used.

Will breast augmentation affect future mammograms?

Breast augmentation generally does not prevent effective long-term breast cancer screening. Radiologists use specialized techniques to thoroughly examine breasts with implants, and Dr. Lee recommends always disclosing your implants to your mammography provider for accurate, comprehensive results.

Can I combine breast augmentation with other procedures?

Yes, breast augmentation is frequently combined with procedures like a breast lift, tummy tuck, or liposuction. Dr. Lee regularly performs this combined approach, often called a mommy makeover, allowing patients to address multiple aesthetic goals in a single surgery and recovery period.

What kind of anesthesia is used during breast augmentation?

Breast augmentation is typically performed under general anesthesia for maximum comfort and safety. Throughout the procedure, an anesthesia provider closely monitors your vitals, working alongside Dr. Lee's surgical team at his accredited Newport Beach facility.

Are breast implants guaranteed for life?

No, but they're built to be highly durable, typically lasting 10 to 15 years or longer before replacement is needed. Manufacturers provide warranties covering certain complications, and Dr. Lee can advise on implant selection and long-term care to help maximize their lifespan.

How long is the recovery after breast augmentation?

Most patients return to light activities within a few days and resume normal routines within one to two weeks, though full healing and implant settling can take several months. Dr. Lee provides personalized recovery guidelines based on your specific procedure and implant placement.

How do I choose the right implant size?

Selecting the right implant size comes down to your anatomy, lifestyle, and aesthetic goals. During your consultation, Dr. Lee uses sizing tools, 3D imaging, and implant samples to help you visualize potential outcomes, drawing on his artistic eye and years of experience to guide you toward a natural-looking, proportionate result.

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