What is Breast Augmentation?
Cosmetic breast surgery is a procedure that reshapes the breasts to result in a fuller appearance. It is often considered to be one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries, granting women who are unhappy with their breast size and shape many options for improvement. Using implants or fat from the patient's body, this enhancement surgery improves breast size and shape, resulting in a gorgeous and balanced outcome. Plastic surgeon Dr. Saba Motakef is skilled in executing this procedure and performs numerous breast augmentations year-round. When you have your consultation at Motakef Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Dr. Motakef will address your aesthetic desires and concerns and inform you of all the options available while also tailoring a surgical plan to attain your goals. Contact our office to schedule your appointment. We proudly serve the Anaheim Hills, CA community and beyond, including the communities of Yorba Linda, Brea, Fullerton, Villa Park, and Placentia.
Implant Options
When you are in your consultation with Dr. Motakef, the correct implant will be selected based on your body size and shape, as well as your desired outcome. Implants for augmentation come in varying shapes, sizes, profiles, and textures — all of which are considered carefully in order to reach the desired appearance.
Types of breast implants:
- Silicone - Both silicone and saline implants are widely popular and approved by the FDA. Silicone is a synthetic gel material that, to the touch, feels very similar to human fat. Women considering silicone implants must be at least 22 years old.
- Saline - Saline breast implants have an outer shell that is filled with a sterile saline (saltwater) solution. These may be pre-filled or filled during the implant procedure to the desired size. Women considering saline breast implants must be at least 18 years old.
- Gummy bear implants (form-stable) - These are gel-based, teardrop-shaped implants that can use either a silicone or saline filler. Gummy bear implants are a better choice if you want more volume in your breasts without an extreme change in shape. Gummy bear implants also leave your breasts with a more natural, soft feeling.
- Autologous breast enhancement - An autologous breast enhancement is also known as a fat transfer or fat grafting. It uses fat from another part of your body that is injected into the breasts to increase their size. This is a twofold procedure as you can reduce fat in an area like the thighs, hips, buttocks, or stomach where you don't want the fat and put it where you do. Another plus is the fact that you are using your body's own fat rather than an implant.
Aside from the type of augmentation chosen, there are other distinct factors to decide, such as size, shape, and profile.
Size
One of the most important decisions to make before your breast augmentation is what size do you want to be. After your consultation, Dr. Motakef and his staff can provide you with a recommended range of implant sizes and some exercises, such as the "rice test," to help you pick out the right size to achieve your goals.
Breast implant size is determined based on the cubic centimeters (CCs) of saline or silicone in the implant. To help you choose the right size, Dr. Motakef will decipher how much native breast tissue exists and the size you hope to achieve. He will then provide you with a recommended range of implant sizes to choose from based on your goals and a number of important measurements he will take during your consultation and exam.
If you have some asymmetries in your breasts or you're just not sure exactly what size you want to go with, Dr. Motakef will often place different size implants called "sizers" in the operating room to get an idea of the best fit for your goals before placing your final implant.
Shape
Breast implants are made in either a round or teardrop shape. Both shapes are commonly used; however, a large majority of our patients go with a round shape. It generally appears more natural while adding more fullness to the top of the breast that a large percentage of patients look for.
Profile
Breast implant profile equates to how far out the implant looks (projection). Meaning, this is what one sees from the side angle. Most breast implants come in profiles that range from low to extra high. The ideal implant profile for you depends on a number of different factors, including your desired breast shape and size.
Depending on what implant size you choose to go with, patients looking for a smaller breast and a more natural look may like moderate or moderate plus profile implants better. Implants with these profiles will project less off your chest. In comparison, high or extra high profile implants will project more off your chest wall. These implants are better suited for patients who desire a more dramatic change in their breast size.
Making Your Choices
These options may seem overwhelming, but picking the appropriate implant to achieve your desired outcome can be easy after you've had a chance to review your goals with Dr. Motakef. During your consultation, you will also have the opportunity to see and feel different types of breast implants to help you decide which one is the best for you. Our staff can also provide you with a worksheet to use at home to help you come up with the right breast implant for you. These considerations can help ensure that your desired outcome can be achieved.
Breast Augmentation Reviews
What are the benefits of a breast augmentation?
For patients at Motakef Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery looking to enhance their breast shape and size, a breast augmentation offers many enjoyable benefits, such as:
- Rebuilds breasts following a mastectomy
- Boosts overall confidence and self-esteem
- Allows you to comfortably wear a wider variety of clothing
- Achieves dramatic, long-lasting results
Should I Have Cosmetic Breast Surgery?
The decision to have breast enhancement surgery is personal. If you are considering this procedure, it is essential to do it for the right reasons. You should be physically healthy with breasts that are fully developed and be the right age to get implants. If you are dissatisfied with the shape of your breasts because they seem small or asymmetrical, you could benefit from breast augmentation. In addition, if your breasts have been affected by weight loss or pregnancy, this cosmetic treatment can bring them back to life with increased volume. It is also a great solution if you have little to no native breast tissue.
Do I need a breast lift or just augmentation?
In addition to augmentation, you may have specific questions about saggy breasts. Some patients may be good candidates for breast augmentation with a breast lift if they experience breasts that sag and nipples that point downward. A breast lift removes excess breast tissue, skin, and fat, raising them on the chest wall. At the same time as your breast augmentation, we can perform a breast lift to enhance the appearance of your breasts. Please let us know if you have concerns about this body contouring surgery for a younger-looking chest.
Breast Implant Surgery Technique
Incision placement, as well as implant location are considerations that are made prior to surgery. During the procedure, the chosen incision is created and the breast implant pocket is developed before the chosen implant will be placed into its position. There are a couple of methods that may be applied for implant placement. These include either under the pectoral muscle or behind the breast tissue but over the pectoral muscle. Where to place the breast implant depends on varying factors, including the size and type of implant, your goals, as well as Dr. Motakef's judgment and recommendations. Common incision sites include inframammary incisions (incisions in the breast fold), periareolar incisions (incisions around the nipple), or transaxillary incisions (incisions in the armpit). Regardless of the incision, scarring is generally minimal. Implant placement is also based upon your implant size, activity level, and body type.
What to Expect After Breast Augmentation
Breast enhancement surgery is an outpatient procedure with the patient under general anesthesia. Following the incision, the silicone or saline implant will be placed through the incision opening and into a surgically created pocket. After this process, the incision is meticulously closed with absorbable sutures. All patients will be taken to a private recovery space and monitored before being released. You will be sent home wearing a medical sports bra to support your breasts and help reduce swelling. Several days after surgery, the bruising and swelling will begin to dissipate, and the breasts will begin to feel normal as they fall into their new position. The majority of patients can engage in everyday activities within a few days; however, strenuous physical exertion and strenuous exercise involving the upper body should be delayed for approximately four to six weeks. While you will notice the change in your breast size immediately, it will take several weeks for your breast implants to settle into position and approach their final shape. Cosmetic breast surgery results in gorgeous outcomes that feel and appear both normal and natural. In most cases, this procedure can be a life-changer for many individuals, helping them feel more confident in their own skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does breast augmentation cost?
Your cost for breast augmentation will vary, depending on your choices, including the type of implant used, and whether you are having any other surgeries at the same time. When your treatment plan is made in your consultation, Dr. Motakef's patient care coordinator can go over estimated costs, as well as financing options. Our practice offers various financing options through its partners to help you achieve your goals.
Do I need a breast lift or augmentation?
Your plan might include implants, a lift, or both. A breast lift removes loose skin and raises the breasts while implants enhance the shape and size of the breasts. During your consultation with Dr. Motakef, he will listen to your concerns and goals before discussing your treatment options. An augmentation and lift are often a part of a mommy makeover to rejuvenate the breasts after breastfeeding and pregnancy.
Can I breastfeed with implants?
If you want to breastfeed after augmentation, talk to Dr. Motakef during your consultation. It is usually possible to breastfeed after implants with the right surgical technique and placement. If you are planning on having children in the near future, it is best to wait until after you have had children to get breast surgery, as pregnancy and breastfeeding can affect your results.
Can I have my implants removed?
You might decide at some point that you want to replace or remove your implants. Should this happen, Dr. Motakef offers breast revision surgery. During the revision surgery, your old implants can either be replaced with new implants or simply removed. If you choose to have your implants removed, you might need to have a breast lift because larger implants may stretch your skin over time. If you have any questions or concerns after your surgery, schedule a consultation at Motakef Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery to discuss your options.
Do implants cause breast cancer?
The FDA is investigating a possible link between breast implants and anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL). This isn't breast cancer but a cancer of the immune system that has been associated with textured breast implants. According to the WHO (World Health Organization), implant-related ALCL is very rare and when caught early, it's highly treatable. Dr. Motakef does not use textured breast implants, because of this risk. Dr. Motakef encourages all patients with implants to get routine screenings for breast cancer. You should contact Motakef Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery if you see any concerns or changes in your breasts after a breast augmentation procedure, such as swelling or sudden changes in your breast size or shape.
What is a tuberous or constricted breast?
A small percentage of patients have a breast shape called a tuberous or constricted breast. These patients will typically have a small breast, a large, puffy areola, and an elevated breast fold. For patients with a tuberous breast presenting for breast augmentation, Dr. Motakef will perform additional steps during breast augmentation surgery to change the shape of the breast and areola. Rarely, patients with a constricted breast may require tissue expansion or a two-stage procedure to improve breast shape and augment the breast.
What are gummy bear implants?
All breast implants consist of a soft shell filled with either saline (saltwater) or silicone. Gummy bear implants are silicone implants that are filled with a more cohesive silicone gel. Because of this, they tend to hold their shape better than traditional silicone breast implants. Furthermore, if these implants rupture, because the silicone filler material is more cohesive (like a gummy bear), the gel will remain inside the shell. Another advantage of these implants is they are better for providing more upper pole fullness in the breast because they hold their shape better. A disadvantage of these implants is they tend to feel a little bit firmer and are more expensive than other types of implants. During your consultation, you will have the opportunity to see and feel different types of breast implants to see which ones you like the best.
What is the best incision to use for breast augmentation?
There are a number of different factors to consider when choosing the best incision for breast augmentation. The most popular incision types used include incisions in the breast fold, known as the inframammary fold, and incisions around the nipple. Other incisions used include incisions in the armpit, known as transaxillary incisions, and incisions in the belly button.
- The most popular incision type used is the inframammary fold incision. This approach places breast implants through a small incision in the breast fold. This incision is well hidden, heals well, and is associated with the lowest rate of capsular contracture. Capsular contracture occurs when excessive scar tissue is formed around a breast implant.
- The next most popular incision type is the periareolar incision. This incision is placed directly at the junction of the areola and skin on the breast. This incision generally heals well, however it is associated with a higher rate of capsular contracture compared to incisions in the breast fold. This incision is preferable for certain breast types, such as tuberous or constricted breasts, because it allows better access for the lower pole of the breast to be reshaped.
- Incisions in the armpit, known as transaxillary incisions, are best suited for saline breast augmentations. Furthermore, these incisions tend to have a higher rate of capsular contracture compared to IMF incisions. There is also a potential for scar visibility with this approach when wearing sleeveless tops and raising the arms.
- Because of their location, incisions in the belly button (known as transumbilical breast augmentation or TUBA) offer significantly less precision and control in pocket dissection for breast augmentation. Adjustments or corrections are difficult to make with this approach. Furthermore, only saline implants can be used with this approach.
Will my breasts be symmetrical after augmentation?
Dr. Motakef uses precise techniques, measurements, and high-quality implants to ensure your breasts look even after surgery. At first, your breasts will swell but settle in a more natural position once the swelling subsides. This could make them look a little asymmetrical at first. Additionally, each breast could settle at a different rate. It generally takes about 3 – 4 months to start seeing results, and it could take up to eight months before seeing your final results. In rare cases, patients may experience post-surgical complications, like seroma, capsular contracture, and hematoma, which could cause asymmetry and needs to be addressed as soon as possible.

Breast Augmentation: Get the Look You Want
Cosmetic breast surgery is popular for many reasons. This cosmetic surgery is considered safe, has a very high satisfaction rate, and creates beautiful results. With numerous augmentation options, you can achieve the look you have always dreamed of. Motakef Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery is proud to provide this proven treatment, and we welcome you to learn more. Contact our office in Anaheim Hills, CA to schedule your consultation with Dr. Saba Motakef.