Thanks to remarkable advances in breast implants, this procedure is safer and more satisfying than ever.
INITIAL RECOVERY TIME: 5 DAYS
FINAL RESULTS: 9 MONTHS
Your breast augmentation in Richmond
Would you be surprised to hear that, according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, more than 280,000 American women had a breast augmentation in 2015? It has remained one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures through the decades for good reason: recovery is quick and, provided you choose a very experienced surgeon, you’re likely to get beautiful, lasting results that you’ll love for years to come.
And with so many breast implant options, it’s more possible than ever to get the look you want: anything from a very natural, sloped breast shape to a high profile look with maximum cleavage is possible.
Before & After Patient Gallery
SEE BREAST AUGMENTATION RESULTS
Women who never developed the breast size they wanted, have asymmetry issues, or who have lost breast volume with age or pregnancy can all benefit from breast augmentation. Patients often experience a big boost in confidence from having more proportionate, symmetrical breasts. Some women even say that loving the way their clothes fit and how they look in a bathing suit makes every day happier!
Breast augmentation may be helpful if:
- You have small breasts and want a larger cup size
- You have lost volume and shape after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight loss
- You have breasts that are asymmetrical (different sizes)
- You have tubular breast deformity (”Snoopy” breasts)
The best way to determine if breast augmentation will provide you will the results you’re looking for is to meet with an experienced surgeon. Come in for a consult, and board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Stephen Chen will provide you with expert advice on which breast implant size, shape, and profile can give you the look you’re going for while flattering your unique curves.
What breast augmentation surgery is like
Once you’ve met with Dr. Chen, worked together to pick out the perfect implants for you, and are ready to move forward with surgery, it’s time to schedule your procedure. On the day of surgery, we recommend you bring a “breast friend” with you, whether that’s a partner, parent, or friend, to help get you home and settled in comfortably after your procedure.
Your surgery will be performed under general anesthesia on an outpatient basis, meaning that you’ll be able to return home the same day. Dr. Chen will begin by making a small incision, usually either under the natural fold of the breast or around the areola so the resulting scars will be minimally visible. Through this incision, Dr. Chen will place your breast implant either over or under your pectoral muscles, depending on the options you discussed during your consultation.
“First, let me say, he is an artist. He wants you to have the best possible results. He expects nothing less than perfection from himself as your surgeon. And that is what I have received to date…Dr. Chen REALLY LISTENED to what I wanted to achieve”
-Actual Patient of Dr. Chen
Recovering after breast augmentation
After surgery and your initial recovery from anesthesia, you will be able to return home under the guidance of your “breast friend.” You’ll be sent home in a special surgical bra to maximize comfort and protect your results. For the first day or two, it’s normal to be a bit sore at the incision sites and in your chest muscles, but Dr. Chen will prescribe you an oral medication to control any discomfort.
Many patients return to work within the first week, though more strenuous movements, like working out, will need to be avoided for around four weeks. Dr. Chen will give you specific aftercare instructions and let you know when it is safe to resume all of your favorite activities. While most of our patients already love their results within just a couple weeks, it can take up to 6 months for your breast implants to fully “settle.” This means that after surgery, you may be surprised to see your breasts are firm and sitting high on the chest, but don’t worry: things will move into the right position as your body heals.