Breast Augmentation in Upland & the Inland Empire
Breast augmentation uses FDA-approved saline or silicone implants to increase breast size and improve shape. It is one of the most common cosmetic procedures for women.
Women choose it for many reasons, such as wanting better balance with their figure, correcting breasts of different sizes, or restoring fullness lost after pregnancy, weight loss or aging. For some, it is paired with a breast lift.
Who is a good candidate?
- Women who feel their breasts are small for their frame
- Those with noticeable differences in breast size or shape
- Women who have lost breast volume after pregnancy, nursing or weight loss
- Adults in good general health who are not pregnant or breastfeeding
- Non-smokers or those willing to quit before and after surgery
- Patients with realistic expectations about size, feel and future care
Dr. Smiley's technique and philosophy
Dr. Smiley, a board-certified plastic surgeon, focuses on breasts that look and feel natural. He usually places implants beneath the chest muscle, which he finds offers a more natural look and feel and a lower chance of capsular contracture, while placement above the muscle is used only in select cases.
The incision can be made around the areola, in the breast fold, in the armpit or through the belly button. The areola incision is the one he uses most often, because it gives direct access and hides the scar along a natural border. During surgery, sizers help confirm the implant choice before the final implant is placed.
Both saline and silicone implants have a silicone shell. Saline implants get their sterile salt water fill during surgery, whereas silicone implants arrive already filled with a cohesive gel and tend to feel closer to natural breast tissue. Dr. Smiley will help you weigh these options.
What to expect
Consultation
Your visit to our Upland office is a time to talk about your goals, look at implant types and sizes and ask questions. A pre-op visit is also scheduled for lab work and paperwork. You will be asked to avoid blood thinners such as aspirin, vitamin E and fish oil for at least two weeks and to stop smoking at least a month before surgery.
The procedure
The surgery is done under general anesthesia in an accredited surgical facility, not in our Upland consultation office. It usually takes about one to two hours. A pocket is created, the implant is placed and the layers of tissue are closed.
Recovery
You will need an adult to drive you home and stay with you for the first 24 hours. Soreness is normal and is treated with prescribed medication. Many women return to work within about a week but avoid heavy lifting, reaching overhead and hard exercise for four to six weeks. A front-closing sports bra is worn for several weeks, and implants often sit high at first before settling over a month or two. Everyone heals differently.
Before & after photos
Real patients of Dr. Smiley. Results vary; individual results depend on anatomy, health and healing.
See the full Breast Augmentation before & after gallery on dr-smiley.com
Risks and safety
Breast augmentation carries risks, including capsular contracture (scar tissue tightening around the implant), implant rupture or leak, infection, bleeding, changes in nipple or breast sensation, asymmetry, visible scars and anesthesia risks. Implants are not lifetime devices, and future surgery may be needed.
Dr. Smiley will review these risks and the differences between implant types at your consultation. Results vary and cannot be guaranteed.
Frequently asked questions
Should I choose saline or silicone implants?
Both are FDA-approved and can give a natural-looking result. Silicone implants tend to feel more like natural breast tissue, while saline implants are filled with a sterile saltwater solution once in place. Dr. Smiley will help you decide based on your body and goals.
Where is the incision for breast augmentation?
Options include around the areola, in the breast fold, in the armpit or through the belly button. The areola incision is commonly used because the scar blends with the natural border.
How long until I can go back to work?
Many women return to work within about a week. Heavy lifting, overhead reaching and strenuous exercise are usually avoided for four to six weeks.
Why do implants look high after surgery?
It is normal for implants to sit high on the chest at first. They usually settle into a more natural position over the first month or two, and Dr. Smiley may show you massage techniques to help.
Book your consultation in Upland. Call (866) 372-3288 or text (714) 403-7092. Consultations are complimentary.
Learn more about this procedure on Dr. Smiley's main site: Breast Augmentation at dr-smiley.com.