Breast Augmentation in San Diego

Breast augmentation is performed using general anesthesia to ensure the safest procedure possible and no pain for the patient.

You may experience bruising, swelling, and redness following your surgery. You will need to limit some of your physical activities for four to six weeks following your procedure. You may feel some initial discomfort and tightness in your chest as your body adjusts to the implants. This discomfort is controlled using oral pain medication. Dr. Pollack also offers an optional long-lasting local anesthetic called EXPAREL® to help keep you comfortable.

Most patients can return to work within one to two weeks. You can resume your regular exercise routine after four to six weeks. After six weeks of recovery, most major swelling should subside and your final results will become more visible. Residual swelling can take up to six months to resolve. Dr. Pollack and his staff will help you decide when you can return to specific activities.

Your risk of developing a complication following breast augmentation is low. Bleeding and infection can occur. Breast implant rupture/deflation can occur. Implant warranties commonly cover leaks or ruptures. While less common, other complications that can occur include capsular contracture, double-bubble deformity, and bottoming out.

Breast implants offer subtle or dramatic enhancement, depending on the size of the implant chosen. While some women assume that bigger is better when it comes to breast size, a more natural, athletic look is the current trend. The decision is ultimately up to you.

Women should consider their body frame when selecting implants. By maintaining a balanced proportion between the breasts and the body, women will achieve a more aesthetically pleasing and comfortable result. Dr. Pollack will assist you in choosing an appropriate size.

Most women remain very pleased with their implants for years and decades to come. However, some women choose to have their breast implants removed with or without replacement. This can be accomplished with breast implant removal or breast implant replacement.

While some women choose to replace older implants that have deteriorated over the years (or developed an implant complication), others no longer find satisfaction with their breast implants in general. If a patient chooses to remove her implants, a mastopexy (breast lift) is often recommended.

Breast revision is performed when the initial augmentation did not live up to the patient’s expectations, or an implant complication (such as capsular contracture, rupture, deflation, or displacement) requires additional treatment. All of this is discussed in great detail before any surgical procedure.

Over time, the shape of a patient’s breast implants may alter beyond what they were expecting—this is common after pregnancy or weight fluctuations. If a patient becomes dissatisfied with the size or shape of their implants, Dr. Pollack can perform additional breast enhancement to address their needs.

Breast implant replacement (with or without a combined breast lift) is a secondary breast surgery that exchanges your original implants with new ones. This is appropriate for women who desire to change size (larger or smaller) or who need to repair an implant complication. Implants are not designed to last a lifetime and, occasionally, they can be damaged to the extent where they need to be replaced. This particular revision technique is appropriate for women who desire a change but still want to maintain their augmented breasts.

Breast augmentation can be performed in conjunction with a breast lift, tummy tuck surgery, and liposuction treatment. This combination is commonly known as a Mommy Makeover. The advantage of a Mommy Makeover is that it can address multiple areas at once. A Mommy Makeover may be performed during one or two separate surgeries, depending on how many areas your Mommy Makeover is addressing.

The total cost of a breast augmentation varies from patient to patient. Implant type, technique, and hospital and anesthesia fees can all affect the cost of the procedure. The cost of breast augmentation usually ranges from $9,000 to $14,000 and will be decided during your consultation.