Breast Augmentation at a Glance
- Potential Benefits:
- Breast augmentation can create fuller, more youthful breasts; improve shape and symmetry; and restore volume lost after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight loss, all while looking proportional to the body.
- Candidates:
- Good candidates are healthy women who want fuller, more symmetrical breasts with realistic expectations. Patients must be at least 18 for saline implants or 22 for silicone implants.
- Procedure:
- Surgery is outpatient, performed in an accredited hospital operating room, and typically takes less than an hour. Implant type, size, and placement are customized using the no-touch Keller Funnel system.
- Recovery:
- Most patients feel muscle soreness and return to daily activities within 5 to 7 days. Showering resumes after 2 days, and strenuous exercise is restricted for 4 to 6 weeks.
- Longevity:
- Implants last an average of about 15 years, though many patients go longer without replacement. Allergan, Sientra, and MENTOR all offer warranties covering rupture and other complications.
- Surgeon:
- Dr. Neil J. Zemmel is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and The Aesthetic Society. He operates at St. Francis Hospital in Midlothian and St. Mary's Hospital in Richmond, VA.
What Is Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation is the surgical enhancement of the breasts using prosthetic implants. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, 306,196 breast augmentation procedures were performed in the United States in 2024, making it one of the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures nationwide. Breast augmentation has been performed for over 60 years, and during this time, both surgical techniques and implant options have continued to evolve, resulting in a very safe, reliable, and reproducible outcome for appropriately selected patients.
The procedure involves creating a pocket beneath the breast tissue — either above or below the pectoralis major muscle — through which silicone or saline implants are placed. As one of the most frequently performed procedures at Richmond Aesthetic Surgery, breast augmentation is customized to each patient’s anatomy and aesthetic goals. Our top plastic surgeon, Dr. Neil J. Zemmel, focuses on creating fuller, more lifted breasts that still look natural and proportional to the rest of the body. He believes harmony, proportion, and balance are the keys to achieving a beautiful, long-lasting surgical result. For many women, breast augmentation can also help clothing fit more comfortably and enhance overall confidence.
A Real Patient’s Experience
One of Dr. Zemmel’s patients documented her breast augmentation from start to finish. While each person’s experience will be different, this gives prospective patients a firsthand account of the consultation process, selecting an implant, the day of surgery, the immediate post-operative period, and long-term recovery. She even took photos on a near daily basis!
What Are the Benefits of Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation offers more than simply an increase in cup size. When carefully planned and customized to your anatomy, the procedure can enhance overall body balance and create long-lasting aesthetic improvements. Benefits of breast augmentation may include:
- Fuller, more youthful-looking breasts
- Improved breast shape and contour
- Enhanced cleavage and upper pole fullness
- Better balance between the chest, waist, and hips
- Restoration of volume lost after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight loss
- Improved symmetry between the breasts
- Clothing, swimwear, and bras fitting more comfortably
- Increased confidence and comfort in your appearance
Because breast augmentation is highly customizable, including implant size, shape, profile, and placement, results can be tailored to achieve either subtle enhancement or a more dramatic transformation. When performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon, breast augmentation has consistently high patient satisfaction rates and a strong safety profile.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Breast Augmentation?
Women seek breast augmentation for many different reasons. Some desire a subtle increase in size, while others are looking for a more noticeable enhancement. In general, good candidates are women who would like fuller, more symmetrical breasts that are better proportioned to their body shape. Breast augmentation may be appropriate for those who:
- Feel their breasts are smaller than they would like
- Notice asymmetry between the breasts
- Have lost volume after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight loss
- Feel their upper body is not in proportion with their hips or overall frame
- Want to enhance their confidence and overall sense of well-being
Ideal candidates are typically in good overall health, do not have uncontrolled medical conditions, and have realistic expectations about their results. A healthy lifestyle, including proper nutrition and regular activity, can also support optimal healing and long-term outcomes.
During your consultation, a thorough evaluation will be performed and your medical history will be reviewed to determine whether breast augmentation is the best approach for achieving your goals. In some cases, a breast lift combined with implants may be recommended to address sagging or changes in nipple position. This decision depends on your existing breast size, skin quality, and the position of the nipple-areola complex.
Dr. Zemmel believes in a highly customized approach, tailoring the surgical plan — including implant type, size, and placement — to each patient’s anatomy and aesthetic preferences to achieve balanced, natural-looking results.
What Is the Best Age for Breast Augmentation?
Although many of Dr. Zemmel’s breast augmentation patients are in their 20s and 30s, he has also helped women in their 40s, 50s, and beyond. In fact, one patient was a 71-year-old woman who loves her results. There is no restriction on the age a patient must be for breast augmentation, except for the minimum of 18 for saline implants and 22 for silicone implants.
The most important criteria for a patient’s candidacy for breast augmentation is their overall health and their expectations with surgery. Dr. Zemmel carefully evaluates each patient to determine if breast augmentation is appropriate for their goals and if their health will allow for a safe procedure with minimal risk.
What to Expect in the Consultation for Breast Augmentation
During your initial consultation, both you and your plastic surgeon will discuss your reasons for seeking breast augmentation surgery. Dr. Zemmel wants to get to know you as a person and learn your reasons for seeking breast enhancement surgery. Tell him about your goals and desires for your surgical outcome. He will review your medical history. You should also share any prior issues with your breasts, including any prior mammogram studies, surgery on the breasts, or family history of breast disease. Dr. Zemmel will then perform a complete physical examination focusing on the breasts.
Dr. Zemmel will then perform an exam and take a number of breast measurements. Some considerations include:
- The overall position of the breasts on the chest wall
- The overall shape of the breasts and symmetry
- Presence of any cysts, lumps, or masses
- The position of the nipple and areola on the breast
- The size and shape of the nipple and areola
- Quality of the breast skin and presence of stretch marks
- Height and width of the breast
- Position and symmetry of the inframammary creases (the fold under the breast)
- The shape of the ribs and breast bone
- The presence of any spinal curvature and height of each shoulder
- Distribution and quality of breast tissue within the breast
You will then be fitted with an implant. You will change into a form-fitting shirt and try on a range of implants until you find one that meets your desires. Dr. Zemmel believes each woman has her own unique characteristics and therefore a “one size fits all” approach does not work. He believes that each woman has a range of implant sizes that will fit her comfortably to give a natural result, and he will tailor the operative approach to you as an individual.
The entire consultation lasts for approximately 60 minutes. The consultation is an educational process to inform you about all aspects of breast enhancement surgery. Finally you will receive a quote for the procedure that will include all of the fees including the surgeon’s professional fees, anesthesia fees, operating room fees, and implant cost.
How Do I Prepare for My Breast Augmentation?
Preparing for breast augmentation involves a few important steps to ensure a smooth surgical experience and recovery. Our team will provide detailed instructions and guide you through the process.
Several Weeks Before Surgery
- Stop smoking. Patients are strongly encouraged to stop all tobacco use at least two weeks before surgery. If you are combining breast augmentation with a breast lift or body contouring procedure (such as part of a mommy makeover), you may be asked to stop smoking at least four weeks in advance.
- Avoid certain medications and supplements. You will be provided with a list of medicines to avoid for at least two weeks prior to surgery. These include blood thinners, certain vitamins, diet pills, and especially NSAIDs such as aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, and Advil, as they can increase the risk of bleeding.
- Maintain your normal routine. No special diet is required. You may continue your normal activities and exercise routine up until surgery unless otherwise directed.
About Two Weeks Before Surgery
You will return to the office for a pre-operative visit approximately two weeks before your procedure. During this appointment:
- A second examination will be performed
- You will try on breast implants again to finalize your selection
- The entire procedure, recovery process, and expected results will be reviewed in detail
- You will have ample opportunity to ask questions and discuss any concerns
- All paperwork, consent forms, and releases will be completed
- Full payment for the procedure is due
- You will receive your pre-operative and post-operative instruction packets
- Prescriptions will be provided, which may include antibiotics, pain medication, muscle relaxants, and anti-nausea medication
You are encouraged to fill your prescriptions before surgery so they are readily available at home for your recovery.
Is Breast Augmentation Safe?
Dr. Zemmel believes that in addition to providing you the most reliable surgical procedure possible, your safety is of paramount importance. He believes that surgeries performed in these settings are safest with the lowest possible complication rates. He also believes that the extra margin of safety provided in the hospital setting allows patients to have greater confidence in the procedure and greater peace of mind.
The safety precautions taken by our surgeon and his team exceed those typically provided in an office-based operating room. In addition to the natural-looking results he has helped many women achieve, Dr. Zemmel’s extremely low complication rate is why many patients choose him as their breast augmentation surgeon.
Dr. Zemmel believes that meeting the “standard of care” is not enough. He along with his operating room team believe in exceeding the standards of care.
Should a rare complication occur, our team has the full resources of the hospital setting with various medical specialties available to assist in treatment.
What Are My Breast Implants Options?
Breast implants come in several types and designs. During your consultation, Dr. Zemmel will help you choose the implant that best matches your anatomy, goals, and desired appearance. Important decisions include implant fill material, implant surface texture, and implant projection.
Silicone Implants vs. Saline Implants
Saline Filling Recommendations
Smooth Implants vs. Textured Implants
Moderate vs. Moderate Plus vs. High Profile Breast Implants
How Is Breast Implant Size Selected?
Selecting the appropriate implant size is one of the most important parts of breast augmentation planning. Implant size is measured in cubic centimeters (cc), rather than traditional bra cup sizes. During your consultation, Dr. Zemmel will take detailed measurements of your breasts and chest wall. You will also try on a range of implant sizes using a form-fitting shirt. This process allows you to visualize how different implant sizes may look on your body.
Each woman has a range of implant sizes that can fit comfortably and naturally with her body type. Within that range, patients can choose a more conservative or fuller look depending on their preferences. Dr. Zemmel’s goal is always to create balanced, proportional results that complement your natural body shape.
Which Breast Implant Placement Looks the Most Natural?
Both saline and silicone breast implants are available for implantation. Several different options exist for the type of incision used for entry into the breast. The implants are placed beneath the skin and breast and finally rest either beneath or on top the pectoralis major muscle. There are advantages and disadvantages of each approach.
During your consultation, Dr. Zemmel will interview you to determine your goals for surgery. A full history and physical will be performed to determine which breast implant placement technique is right for you.
Subglandular Placement
Submuscular Placement
Dual Plane Breast Augmentation
What Does the Breast Augmentation Procedure Entail?
Breast augmentation is typically completed in less than an hour and is considered less invasive than many other surgical procedures. Patient comfort and safety are always the top priorities.
Before Surgery Begins
You will be instructed to arrive at the hospital one to two hours prior to your procedure. This allows the staff to check you in and complete all necessary preparations. Dr. Zemmel will perform a final examination and place surgical markings on your skin. These markings serve as the “blueprints” for your procedure. You will also have time to ask any remaining questions and discuss final concerns.
Your anesthesia provider will administer a light sedative to help you relax before you are brought to the operating room. Once there, you will be placed fully under anesthesia so you are completely asleep during surgery.
All procedures are performed in a fully accredited operating room. Anesthesia is administered by board-certified anesthesiologists or board-certified registered nurse anesthetists, ensuring the highest standards of safety. Should a rare complication occur, the full resources of the hospital are available.
Creating the Implant Pocket
Breast augmentation involves creating a soft tissue pocket to accommodate the implant. The surgical approach is customized to your anatomy and aesthetic goals.
A small incision is typically made in either the inframammary (beneath the breast) or periareolar (around the areola) location. From there, the tissue is carefully dissected down to the pectoralis major muscle. The lower border of the muscle is identified and gently lifted from the chest wall to create a pocket behind the muscle.
Temporary implant sizers are placed to shape the overlying breast tissue and confirm appropriate size and contour. You are then positioned upright so Dr. Zemmel can carefully assess symmetry, volume, and overall appearance. Minor adjustments to the pocket may be made at this stage to optimize balance.
Once your breast appearance has reached the ideal shape and symmetry, you are returned to a lying position. The sizers are removed, and the pockets are irrigated with copious antibiotic solution.
Implant Placement
The permanent implants are then placed, typically using the no-touch Keller Funnel system. This technique helps minimize contact with the implant, reduce bacterial exposure, and decrease the risk of biofilm formation. The incisions are closed with fine absorbable sutures and covered with a thin layer of tissue adhesive to protect the area. A soft surgical bra is then applied.
Anesthesia is discontinued, and you should wake up soon after. Throughout the entire procedure, you are continuously monitored by Dr. Zemmel, the anesthesia provider, and the operating room team. Patient safety remains our top priority. Dr. Zemmel’s patients experience a very low rate of post-operative nausea and vomiting.
Recovery Immediately After Surgery
After surgery, you will be transferred to the recovery area, where nurses will monitor you closely for one to two hours as you fully awaken. Any immediate discomfort or nausea can be treated with intravenous medications.
Once you are stable, you will return to the pre-operative holding area before being discharged home. Most patients return home the same day. However, if breast augmentation is combined with additional procedures — such as in a mommy makeover — and the surgery is longer, an overnight stay may be recommended.
Dr. Zemmel will see you in the office one to two days after surgery for your first post-operative visit.
What Can I Expect in My Breast Augmentation Recovery?
Our surgeon’s past patients liken the post-operative discomfort to a vigorous chest and upper body workout in the gym. The discomfort feels like muscle soreness, not a deep body cavity pain or pain from a broken bone for example. Immediately after your breast augmentation surgery, you will likely feel that your breasts are tight and somewhat swollen. Many women who have had children liken the discomfort to when the milk lets down during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Dr. Zemmel believes that a gentle, meticulous surgical technique allows patients to recover within days of surgery. He believes that a precise placement of the implants with minimal tissue trauma that results in minimal bruising and swelling allows patients a much quicker recovery.
You should keep your arms down by your sides for the first few days. You may perform your normal activities of daily living. You may go out, but you should mainly relax and not stress your body. After 3 or 4 days, you will then be allowed to raise your arms and reach above your head. You may shower 2 days after surgery once the small incisions have become watertight.
You will need to return for your first follow-up visit 1 or 2 days after surgery and then one week later. During these visits, Dr. Zemmel will closely guide you through the recovery process and monitor your progress. One week after surgery you will be taught post-operative breast massage. You will be seen again 1 week later so we can check your progress.
Patients typically tolerate the post-operative discomfort very well. Most are pleasantly surprised that the recovery is not long or as intense as they expected. At no time during your healing and recovery process will you feel “alone.”
How to Massage Breast Implants After Surgery?
Approximately 1 week after surgery, you will be instructed on how to perform post-operative breast massage. The goal of post-operative breast implant massage is to keep the implants soft and loose in the submuscular pockets. You will be shown how to gently move the implants up, down, in, and out (in all four directions). Massage is typically performed as soon as the bulk of the post-operative discomfort has resolved.
Massage is performed in the morning, midday, and in the evening. Three sets of ten repetitions should be performed. Massage is performed for several months after surgery. These maneuvers break up any small areas of scar tissue and keep the breast implant pockets soft. Dr. Zemmel believes this is a key step in your recovery and the more massage that is performed, the better and more natural your result will be.
When Will I See My Breast Augmentation Results?
Immediately after your procedure you will begin to see the results of your breast implant surgery. Your breasts will be tight and slightly swollen, and initially your implants may appear slightly “high.” As the swelling decreases your implants will “drop.” As the submuscular pocket heals, your implants should take their final position, giving a soft mobile implant and a rounded natural shape. You should see the evolution of your results over the first few weeks after surgery. Remember: healing is a dynamic process and takes several weeks to a couple of months to fully complete.
What Will My Breast Augmentation Scars Look Like?
Scarring from breast augmentation is typically within the body’s natural lines and creases, such as around the areola or beneath the inframammary fold, making them less noticeable. The small incision used to place the implants should heal rapidly, and you should see this line begin to soften and fade within several weeks after surgery.
Your surgeon will prescribe a topical scar treatment such as Scarguard® or Mederma® to help the incision fade and soften. Since your body will continue to heal over the course of the first year, your final scar appearance will be apparent after this time. If you would like to further diminish your scar, laser scar removal can often be beneficial.
Anatomy of the Breast
Since the time of antiquity, the female human breast has been a symbol of femininity, maternity, womanhood, and sensuality. Anatomically, the breast develops from modified apocrine glands along the embryological milk line on the ventral surface of the human embryo. The milk line typically contains 4 or 5 bilateral milk buds, only two of which are present at birth. During puberty, the female breast begins to respond to hormonal changes and the tissues begin to elaborate. The breast develops 10-12 lobules separated by connective tissue named Cooper’s Ligaments. The glandular lobules course radially around the breast from the central nipple.
The breast is located on the front of the chest wall and typically spans from the second rib to the sixth rib. The breast directly overlies the pectoralis major muscle centrally and the serratus anterior muscle laterally. The vascular supply to the breast comes from medial internal mammary perforators, laterally from the lateral thoracic artery and posterior intercostal arteries, and superiorly from the thoracoacromial artery. Sensation to the breast is supplied by the anterior lateral cutaneous branch of the 4th, 5th, and 6th intercostal nerves. The nipple and areola sensation is supplied by the 4th intercostal nerve.
The breast is covered by the “skin envelope” followed by layers of fatty and milk producing tissue. The composition and density of the tissue varies during a woman’s lifetime. Younger women have a higher gland-to-fat ratio. Women who are lactating have the highest gland-to-fat ratio, which may reach 2:1. Breast composition in older women changes to a lower gland-to-fat ratio of 1:2.
The milk ducts number from 4-18 and drain to the central nipple. The areolar tissue is pigmented and may be pink to brown in color and contains sebaceous glands (Montgomery tubercles), which lubricate and soften the nipple during breast-feeding.
What Are the Different Breast Augmentation Incision Types?
There are several incision approaches available for breast augmentation. The purpose of the incision is to allow precise creation of a soft tissue pocket beneath the breast tissue and/or pectoralis muscle where the implant will sit.
Creating the correct pocket is critical. A pocket that is too wide can cause the implant to shift outward, while one that is too tight can distort the implant’s shape. The incision chosen gives your surgeon the access needed to shape this pocket accurately and position the implant properly. Incision length typically ranges from:
- 2.0–2.5 cm for saline implants
- 3.0–4.0 cm for silicone implants
Silicone implants require a slightly longer incision because they come prefilled and sealed, as mandated by the FDA.
Dr. Zemmel uses the no-touch Keller Funnel technique to place both saline and silicone implants. This allows for smoother, less traumatic insertion and minimizes direct contact between the implant and the skin. Reducing skin contact decreases bacterial exposure and the risk of biofilm formation, which is associated with capsular contracture. At Richmond Aesthetic Surgery, capsular contracture rates are less than 1%.
There are three primary incision approaches:
- Inframammary
- Periareolar
- Transaxillary
If you are combining breast augmentation with a breast lift (mastopexy), the lift incisions can often be incorporated into the augmentation approach, minimizing the total number of incisions and improving cosmetic outcomes.
Periareolar
The periareolar approach places the incision along the border between the areola and the surrounding breast skin. Because it follows a natural color transition, the scar typically heals very well and is often difficult to detect several months after surgery.
Accessing the pocket from the center of the breast allows excellent visibility. Dr. Zemmel describes this view as looking down into a dome, providing a 360-degree perspective that allows precise shaping of the implant pocket.
Some patients worry about changes in nipple sensation with this approach. However, studies comparing all three incision types show that nipple sensation disturbance occurs in approximately 15% of patients, regardless of incision location. Anatomically, the nerve supply to the nipple originates from the T4 intercostal nerve along the lateral chest wall and travels underneath the breast toward the nipple. When sensation changes occur, they typically happen beneath the muscle toward the armpit rather than at the areolar incision site.
The periareolar incision is highly versatile. It allows for implant placement, can accommodate a breast lift without additional incisions, and can be reused for future breast revisions if necessary.
Inframammary
The inframammary approach is the most traditional technique. The incision is placed within the natural crease beneath the breast (the inframammary fold). This approach provides wide access to the breast tissue and submuscular space, allowing excellent visualization during pocket creation. While the scar typically heals well, it may be slightly more visible in certain clothing, such as small bikini tops.
This approach may be recommended for patients who prefer not to have an incision around the areola or whose areola diameter is too small to safely accommodate implant placement. This will be discussed during your consultation and examination.
Transaxillary
The transaxillary, or armpit, approach places the incision in the underarm area. There are several limitations to this technique. Published data show a somewhat higher complication rate compared to other approaches, including a higher risk of implant malposition. It is also anatomically impossible to perform a dual-plane breast augmentation through this incision. If a breast lift is required, a separate incision on the breast would be necessary. Additionally, the scar in the underarm can be the most visible of the three options.
How Can Breast Augmentation Improve Breast Asymmetry?
Multiple clinical studies have shown that breast asymmetry is extremely common. In fact, research suggests that more than 80% of women have measurable differences between their right and left breasts.1 This means that some degree of asymmetry is normal and expected — perfect symmetry is actually quite rare.
During your consultation, your surgeon will examine and measure your trunk and breasts and demonstrate any existing asymmetry. There are a number of parameters that will be considered. These include:
- The overall size of the breast
- The overall shape of the breast
- The position of the breast on the chest wall
- The position of the inframammary fold (the crease) of the breast
- The position of the nipple and areola on the breast
- The size, shape, and projection of the nipple and areola
- The shape of the breast bone and ribs
- The height of your shoulders and curvature of your spine
- The quality of the skin of your breasts
- The compliance of your skin (its ability to stretch)
- The presence of stretch marks on the breasts
- The distribution of breast tissue within the breasts
There are a number of minor asymmetries that can be readily addressed with breast augmentation. These include:
- Differences between breast size and volume. Your surgeon may elect to use slightly different-sized implants between the right and left breasts or place different fill volumes.
- Differences between rib cage shapes can often be addressed by placing additional volume on one side. Often one side of the rib cage is slightly depressed compared to the other side. (This is completely normal and is not a medical issue). Because the implants are placed directly on the rib cage, additional volume may be needed to achieve the same level of projection.
- Discrepancies in the height of the inframammary fold can be addressed by lowering or raising the crease.
- Small differences in the shape of the breast can be addressed by molding the breast tissue from inside of the breast when implants are placed. Dr. Zemmel often rounds the lower part of the breast to achieve improved contour.
There are significant asymmetries that may require additional breast lifting procedures in addition to breast augmentation. A breast lift (mastopexy) is often needed to achieve the best contour and shape. The type of lift required depends on how “powerful” of a lift you may require. A breast lift may be recommended in addition to breast implants in women who have one or more of the following:
- A significant difference in nipple/areolar height (usually greater than 2 cm). A breast lift technique would be used to raise and level the nipple/areola height.
- A large difference in the diameter of the areola. A periareolar breast lift may be used to even out the areolar diameter.
- Low positioning of the nipple and areola on the front surface of the breast. A periareolar, vertical, or full breast lift may be needed to raise the nipple up so it lies on the most projecting part of the front surface of the breast.
- A large amount of excess breast skin. A breast lift (mastopexy) may be used to tighten the skin “envelope” of the breast.
- Significant difference between the shape of the breast. A breast lift technique may be used to reshape the actual breast tissue to provide a rounder, more pleasing contour.
- Low positioning of the breasts on the chest wall. A breast lift (mastopexy) may be used to raise the position of the breast on the chest wall.
The decision to perform breast augmentation with a breast lift (mastopexy) is complex and usually requires altering nearly all of the parameters of the breast at once. Your surgeon will perform a thorough examination during your consultation and discuss all of your options.
Tubular Breast, Tuberous Breast, and Constricted Breast Shape
Tubular breasts are not harmful and do not increase the risk of medical illness. However, the shape can cause cosmetic concerns for some women.
What Causes the Tubular Shape?
Tubular breasts are characterized by underdevelopment of the lower portion (lower pole) of the breast. Several structural features may contribute to this appearance, including:
- Limited horizontal and/or vertical breast skin
- A narrowed or constricted breast base
- Enlargement or widening of the nipple–areola complex
- Herniation (pushing forward) of breast tissue behind the areola
- A high, narrow inframammary fold (the crease beneath the breast)
These factors can combine to create a breast that appears narrow, elongated, or constricted at the base. The severity can range from very mild to more pronounced, and it may affect one or both breasts.
Because presentation varies widely, careful evaluation is essential. During your consultation, Dr. Zemmel will assess your anatomy to determine whether tubular features are contributing to asymmetry and how best to address them.
How Are Tubular Breasts Corrected?
Correction is highly individualized and typically involves reshaping the breast in addition to adding volume. Treatment often includes a combination of the following techniques:
- Breast augmentation (saline or silicone implants): Adds volume and helps create a rounder, more natural contour.
- Lowering of the inframammary fold: Expands the lower portion of the breast and improves overall shape.
- Radial breast tissue scoring: A surgical technique used to release constricted tissue and allow it to spread outward. Conceptually, this is similar to opening an umbrella.
- Periareolar breast lift (mastopexy): Reduces areolar diameter, corrects areolar herniation, and improves symmetry.