Cigarette smoking and the use of tobacco and/or other smoking products affects the blood supply to your tissues and skin, which in turn contributes to a much slower healing time. Smoking also increases the risk of bleeding, infections, capsular contracture (scar tissue buildup around the implant), and numerous other complications.

You are able to sleep on your back or either of your sides following surgery, but you must refrain from sleeping on your tummy for four weeks.

Your plan might include implants, a lift, or both. Breast lift surgery removes loose skin and raises the breasts while implants enhance the shape and size. In your consultation with Dr. Shumway, he will listen to your concerns and goals before discussing your treatment options. An augmentation and lift are usually included in a mommy makeover to revitalize the breasts after breastfeeding and pregnancy.

You can have your breast augmentation procedure before or after you have children. Keep in mind that your body will change after you have children no matter what. Some women prefer to wait until after they have been pregnant to correct loss of volume and sagging.

If you might want to breastfeed after augmentation surgery, talk to Dr. Shumway during your consultation. It’s usually possible to breastfeed after augmentation surgery with the right placement and technique. Breastfeeding and pregnancy can affect your results, which is why it is better to wait until your family is complete to get breast surgery.

You might decide that you would like to remove or replace your implants. Should this happen, Dr. Shumway offers breast revision surgery. In revision surgery, your old implants will be either replaced with different implants or removed. If you want to have your implants removed, you might need to have a breast lift because larger implants may stretch your skin. For any concerns or questions after your augmentation surgery, schedule a consultation at Shumway Cosmetic Surgery to learn more about your options.

You may return to light exercise after three weeks. Avoid strenuous workouts and sports activities for the first eight weeks. Physical injury to your breasts will affect the healing process and could cause a hematoma to form or excessive bleeding.

Hormone therapy can increase breast size, but it is not recommended for this purpose by Dr. Shumway.

Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure that involves inserting implants (saline or silicone) under the breast tissue or chest muscles to increase breast size or restore volume lost after weight loss or pregnancy.

Ideal candidates are healthy individuals who have realistic expectations about the procedure. You should be in good overall health, not pregnant or breastfeeding, and have fully developed breasts. It’s also important to have clear goals about what you want to achieve with the surgery. Dr. Shumway works with patients throughout San Diego, La Jolla, and Southern California to help ensure those goals are met safely and effectively.

There are two main types of implants:
– Saline Implants: Filled with sterile salt water, they are adjustable and slightly firmer in feel.
– Silicone Implants: Filled with a gel-like substance, they feel more like natural breast tissue and are often preferred by women looking for a more natural look and feel.

• Submuscular (under the muscle): The implant is placed beneath the chest muscle, offering a more natural look and reducing the risk of complications like capsular contracture.
– Subglandular (above the muscle): The implant is placed directly under the breast tissue. This option can be less painful post-surgery, but may show more visible rippling in thinner patients. Dr. Shumway will recommend the best approach for your unique anatomy and goals.

Breast augmentation surgery typically takes about 1 to 2 hours, depending on the complexity of the procedure and the type of implant used.

Recovery time varies from person to person, but generally, you can expect:
– Initial recovery: 1–2 weeks of rest, avoiding heavy lifting or strenuous activity.
– Full recovery: Most people return to normal activities within 4–6 weeks, although the final results may take several months to fully reveal themselves as swelling goes down.

Yes, there will be some scarring, but Dr. Shumway makes incisions in less noticeable areas such as the crease under the breast, around the areola, or in the armpit (depending on your choice of implant placement). Scars typically fade over time and can be minimized with proper aftercare.

While breast implants are not lifetime devices, they can last anywhere from 10 to 20 years. Many women choose to have them replaced or removed at some point in the future. Regular check-ups with Dr. Shumway at his San Diego office can help monitor the health of your implants.

Like any surgery, breast augmentation carries some risks, including:
– Infection
– Scarring
– Capsular contracture (hardening of the tissue around the implant)
– Implant rupture or leakage (especially in saline implants)
– Changes in nipple or breast sensation (temporary or permanent)

Choosing the right implant size depends on various factors such as your body type, breast anatomy, and desired look. Dr. Shumway will guide you through the process, taking into consideration factors like your chest width, breast tissue, and personal preferences.

Breast augmentation can provide very natural-looking results, especially when done by an experienced surgeon like Dr. Shumway. The key to achieving a natural appearance is choosing the right size, shape, and type of implant for your body. Many women prefer silicone implants for a softer, more natural feel.

The cost of breast augmentation can vary widely depending on factors such as location, the type of implants used, the surgeon’s experience, and the complexity of the procedure. On average, the cost ranges from $8,000 to $10,000, but it’s important to discuss the pricing during your consultation with Dr. Shumway.

It’s essential to choose a surgeon who specializes in breast augmentation. If you’re in the San Diego area, which includes La Jolla, Chula Vista, and Oceanside, Dr. Shumway offers decades of experience and personalized, boutique-style care. Schedule a consultation to discuss your goals, ask questions, and get a sense of his expertise and approach.