Breast Augmentation (Augmentation Mammoplasty)
All women want to feel confident and comfortable with the size of their breasts. At Claytor Noone Plastic Surgery, we aspire to make women feel beautiful and have an appearance that matches how they feel on the inside. A Philadelphia breast augmentation procedure can give women with small or unevenly sized breasts a fuller, better-proportioned look for their body. Our goal is to help women fit better in clothes and feel more comfortable with their figure. With a breast augmentation, saline, silicone gel, or gummy bear breast implants can be used.
What is breast augmentation?
Breast augmentation, also known as an augmentation mammoplasty (and casually called a boob job), is one of the most common procedures performed in the United States. It is also the most popular procedure that Dr. Brannon Claytor performs, meaning he knows how to give women the look they want in order to feel their best.
Patients receive breast augmentation when they want to increase their breast size, fix breast asymmetry, or balance the proportions of their body. A breast augmentation is also often included in a full mommy makeover—a customized set of procedures for the body, such as breast surgery, tummy tuck, and liposuction—that restores your pre-pregnancy shape.
What can this procedure do for your body?
Breast augmentation procedures can:
- Increase the fullness and firmness of your breasts
- Improve proportion of breasts and hip contours
- Enhance your self-esteem and self-confidence
- Provide restoration of breast shape after pregnancy and breastfeeding
Dr. R. Brannon Claytor
Dr. Claytor is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and holds over 20 years of experience as a cosmetic plastic surgeon. An innovator and teacher in the field of plastic surgery, he uses advanced techniques like the drain-free tummy tuck and deep plane facelift to streamline recovery and provide natural-looking, durable results.
Who is a good candidate for breast augmentation?
Our patients elect to undergo augmentation mammoplasty for many different medical and aesthetic reasons, including balancing the size of their breasts, compensating for reduced breast mass after pregnancy or surgery, and correcting a congenital breast defect. While we want to help you achieve your ideal look, patients also must have realistic expectations before undergoing the operation. Additionally, before this plastic surgery, candidates must have fully developed breasts and be in good physical health.
Listen to more patent stories »
What are different types of breast implants are used in breast augmentation surgery?
Breast implants are silicone shells filled with either saline or silicone gel. Dr. Claytor’s Philadelphia breast augmentation patients have three breast implant options:
- Silicone gel
- Saline (sterile saltwater)
- Gummy bear (textured)
During your consultation, Dr. Claytor will go over the details of each implant as well as answer any questions you may have. All of these implant types are very safe, approved by the FDA, and offer their own advantages. This choice is often a personal one, and Dr. Claytor will help you select the type, shape, and size of implant that is the best option for your breast augmentation.
Video: Dr. Claytor discusses breast implants used in breast aug »
“Meeting Dr. Claytor has changed my life! I have never met a plastic surgeon who genuinely cares and listens to every concern and question. Dr. Claytor was great from my first visit to the office and even after the surgery. I absolutely love my results and I would recommend him to anyone! Hands down the best experience!”
Saline breast implants vs. silicone gel implants
The main difference between silicone and saline is the feel and contents of the implant. Saline breast implants tend to feel heavier, but in the rare case the implant ruptures, your body will absorb the saline naturally and safely. Silicone breast implants feel more like natural breasts, but if a silicone implant breaks, patients can experience inflammatory nodules or enlarged lymph glands.
Dr. Claytor also offers textured gummy bear silicone implants, but reserves these implants for patients who wish to replace their old gummy bear implants from a prior breast augmentation. Gummy bear, aka “textured,” implants are different from silicone and saline in that they are not filled with liquid but silicone. This allows them to keep their tear-drop shape, and they have a lower rupture rate than traditional silicone and saline implants
Silicone or saline: Which is better for breast augmentation?In this video, Dr. Claytor explains basic breast anatomy, illustrates implant placement, and shows how the different options can affect the outcome of your breast augmentation.
Video transcript
Breast augmentation is a very complex concept that can be reduced to several very simple principles. Effectively, breast volume has either been lost through atrophy or involution, or the tissue was never there in the first place. If we’re talking about a mommy makeover, more often than not, the breast tissue has been consumed with multiple years of breastfeeding, and it has, the tissue has become atrophied. Patients will present and say they want to be back to the body they had before having a baby, and they liked the size that their breasts were when they were nursing.
So, the first thing we have to do is understand the basic anatomy and then help patients be educated as to what their goals really are and what the recovery process is going to look like.
For this particular patient, here she is before, here she is at about a week after surgery, and here she is at about 2 or 3 months after surgery. The important thing to point out is that there are two main differences in terms of where to put the implant when it comes to breast augmentation. The implant can either go in front of the muscle or behind the muscle. The pectoralis muscle, or the chest muscle, effectively comes down here, and everything in front of that is the breast perincuma fat area coming all the way down here.
If the implant were to go behind the muscle, you make your inframammary fold incision here, and then you dissect up and you put the implant behind the muscle, which is called retropectoral implant placement. There are many benefits to it, but it’s important to listen to the patients and try to understand their desires before coming to a hard conclusion. Some of the things that can be more frustrating if you go more superficial in front of the muscle is that if you’re now putting the implant in front of the muscle, it might be a little bit more palpable at the top, especially if you’re placing a saline implant which tends to have a little bit more rippling. So, if patients tend to be thinking about going more superficial or in the prepectoral plane, they would probably consider or be counseled to consider a silicone implant.
Let’s talk about what the patient looks like at one week after surgery, assuming that this patient’s implants have been placed in front of the muscle. The muscle comes down like such, and then here is the implant, creating more of a teardrop shape when they sit in the breast. The fat is underneath, and the incision to get to this location was made through the inframammary fold, and the dissection was performed here. This is how the implants sit in the early phase.
At about 3 months afterward, you can see that now the implant has achieved fullness down into the pocket and rounded out that beautiful contour at the lower pole of the breast. If it was retropectoral, then the implant would be back behind the muscle.
Next, we’re going to pivot and talk about the medial cleavage and what the difference between placing an implant in front of the muscle or behind the muscle can mean. If a patient is very motivated that medial cleavage is one of their top priorities, then there’s a basic understanding of anatomy that needs to be discussed. If the patient is highly motivated to have the implant such that there’s much more medial cleavage, you need to understand that it’s going to need to sit on top or in front of the pectoralis muscle.
Because if it’s going behind, the implant is limited due to where this muscle attaches to the chest wall, to the sternum. You can’t release that muscle entirely because it would retract and cause breast deformities. So, you need to leave that attached, which means the implant would have a limitation to how far it could be placed medially.
Now, imagine on this side that the implant was placed, the incision comes up, and now the implant can be placed much more medially and on top of that, it’s able to affect the breast mound so it doesn’t go entirely beyond the muscles.
In this case, the implant was placed in the prepectoral space, so she was able to achieve much more medial cleavage. This concludes the breast augmentation portion of the mommy makeover or breast augmentation can be performed on its own. Thank you so much.
Different brands of implants used at our practice
You will also have choices in the brand of breast implant, as we carry implants from the Allergan Natrelle® line and Mentor. Both Mentor and Allergan have a full range of implant sizes, as well as multiple options for projection and cohesivity:
Allergan’s Natrelle® breast implants
Natrelle breast implants are made by Allergan, the manufacturer of Botox®, Juvéderm®, and other common aesthetic products. Natrelle silicone gel implants come in 3 “gummy” levels of cohesivity, so you can choose whether you want a more highly cohesive implant feel or a softer, more responsive feel for your breasts. Natrelle also makes saline implants.
Mentor breast implants
Mentor breast implants include both silicone gel and saline options. Silicone options MemoryGel, MemoryGel Xtra, and MemoryGel Boost™ range in cohesivity much like Natrelle implants; MemoryShape is a textured gummy bear implant option; and Mentor also makes a simple round shape saline breast implant and the Spectrum® adjustable saline implant.
Dr. Claytor would be happy to evaluate which type of implants you’re a good candidate for during a personal consultation.
“I was hesitant to get a breast augmentation at all because I didn’t want to look ‘fake’…When I saw Dr. Claytor for the first time I showed him some of the ones I felt looked “fake” and he told me exactly why they looked that way and how to avoid it…Dr. Claytor is so ridiculously nice and extremely knowledgeable. You could not be in better hands. He called me the day before my surgery and a few times after (not counting follow up appointments). I know I’m not his only patient, but he sure makes me feel like it.“
Where are breast implants placed during this procedure?
Breast implant placement
There are two types of placement for your implants, submuscular and submammary or subglandular.
- Submuscular placement: Implants are placed under the pectoral muscle, also known as the chest wall
- Subglandular placement: Implants are placed over the pectoral muscle behind the breast tissue.
Placement behind the chest wall muscle offers a few advantages over placement beneath the breast tissue only. These include reduced risk of capsular contracture (post-operative tightening around the implant) and less interference with mammogram examinations. Possible disadvantages include the need for drainage tubes and elevated pain in the first few days following the procedure.
Can I have a breast enlargement with my own fat?
Fat transfer breast augmentations
In recent years, fat transfer for natural breast augmentation has become quite popular. The technique of harvesting fat cells from one area of the body to use elsewhere is not new. Surgeons have been doing this for decades, just not cosmetically. Today, fat transfer for breast augmentation has become common. This technique can increase volume by 1 to 2 cup sizes. There are several benefits of a fat transfer breast augmentation. The common risk is that the desired size will not be achieved due to fat absorption.
What is a breast augmentation consultation like?
We know that every woman is unique in both her desires and her body shape. During the pre-operative consultation, Dr. Claytor takes the time to learn what each patient hopes to gain from breast augmentation and decides which implant type and what placement is best. In this way, every one of our patients enjoys a completely customized treatment designed with her specific goals in mind.
Crisalix 3D Breast Imaging
We use Crisalix 3D breast implant imaging to help you visualize how different breast implants will look on your frame. Crisalix uses a 3D image of your body to take volumetric measurements. Like a virtual fitting room, it then allows you to “try on” different volumes—and see how they look in different types of clothing—while discussing your goals and options with Dr. Claytor. See how it works »
What happens during breast augmentation?
After choosing your implants, patients can schedule their surgery. The breast augmentation procedure typically takes about one to two hours and patients are under general anesthesia. First, Dr. Claytor makes each incision in inconspicuous places on the breast to minimize scar visibility. These incisions can either be:
- An inframammary incision along the inframammary fold, the crease on the underside of the breast
- A periareolar incision, which is around the areola.
- A transaxillary incision done in the armpit
Then, Dr. Claytor will lift the breast which creates a pocket to insert the implant. The implant can be placed beneath the muscle of the chest or simply beneath the natural breast tissue. When placed under the muscle, the risk of capsular contracture is reduced and mammogram examinations are more comfortable. However, patients would need drainage tubes after the operation, and it is likely that they would experience slightly more pain following surgery. Dr. Claytor will discuss these options during your consultation.
Once the implants are in place, the incisions are closed with stitches. Tape and bandages are also wrapped around the area. Under Dr. Claytor’s expert care, patients enjoy beautiful, natural-feeling breasts that are one or more cup sizes larger after the operation.
- Key Benefits
- Glossary
- Increase the fullness and firmness of your breasts, enhancing your overall breast appearance.
- Improve the proportion of your breasts to your hip contours, creating a more balanced and aesthetically pleasing figure.
- Restoration of breast shape after pregnancy and breastfeeding, helping women regain their pre-pregnancy breast appearance.
Acellular Dermal Matrix (ADM): A soft-tissue substitute often used to support breast implants, primarily in breast reconstruction surgery.
Anatomical Implants: Breast implants shaped to mimic the natural slope of the breast, with more fullness at the bottom.
Autologous Fat Transfer: A procedure where fat is removed from one part of the body and injected into the breast for augmentation.
Axillary Incision: An incision made in the armpit area, used as an entry point to place breast implants.
Breast Pocket: The breast pocket is the space created within the breast tissue or under the chest muscle to accommodate the breast implant during augmentation surgery. The surgeon carefully constructs this space to fit the implant precisely. The breast pocket’s size and location significantly influence the final appearance and feel of the augmented breast, playing a crucial role in achieving a natural-looking result. There are different types of pockets related to the implant placement, such as submuscular (under the muscle), subglandular (above the muscle, but under the glandular tissue), or dual-plane (partially under the muscle and partially under the glandular tissue).
Breast Implant Illness (BII): Breast Implant Illness (BII) is a term used by patients and healthcare providers to describe a range of symptoms believed to be related to breast implants. BII is not a medically recognized diagnosis but represents a variety of systemic symptoms reported by patients, including fatigue, chest pain, hair loss, headaches, chills, photosensitivity, chronic pain, rash, anxiety, brain fog, and sleep disturbance.
Capsular Contracture: The hardening of the scar tissue that forms around the implant, causing discomfort and altering the breast appearance.
Cohesive Gel Implants: Also known as “gummy bear” implants; these are silicone implants known for maintaining their shape and consistency.
Inframammary Incision: An incision made along the crease beneath the breast.
Mastopexy: More commonly known as a breast lift, this surgery raises the breasts and addresses nipple position and size as needed.
Periareolar Incision: An incision made along the border of the areola.
Saline Implants: Breast implants filled with sterile salt water.
Silicone Implants: Implants filled with silicone gel, known for their natural feel.
Subglandular Placement: Implant placement above the chest muscle but under the breast tissue.
Submuscular Placement: Implant placement beneath the chest muscle.
Symmastia: A complication where implants are placed too close together, leading to a lack of definition between the breasts.
Tuberous Breasts: A congenital condition characterized by irregularly shaped breasts that can be improved with augmentation.
Profile: Refers to the degree of forward projection from the chest wall by the breast implant.
Capsulectomy: Surgical removal of the capsule of scar tissue that can form around a breast implant.
Textured Implants: Breast implants with a textured surface, which have fallen out of favor due to their association with BIA-ALCL and are rarely used in cosmetic breast augmentation.
Revision Surgery: A secondary procedure to correct or improve the results of the initial breast augmentation surgery.
Seroma: The accumulation of fluid around a breast implant.
Dual-plane Placement: A technique that positions implants partially behind and partially in front of the pectoral muscle for a more natural look.
Mammoplasty: The medical term for any surgical procedure that modifies the breast, including augmentation.
Biocell Textured Implants: A specific type of breast implant associated with a small risk of anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL).
Can this procedure be combined with others?
Breast augmentation with lift
While a breast enhancement can achieve dramatic and beautiful results on its own it cannot accomplish everything. A breast augmentation does not lift the breasts as a breast lift does. Patients that are experiencing sagging and want to increase the breast size and lift their breasts at the same time can choose an augmentation mastopexy or breast augmentation with lift.
During this procedure, Dr. Claytor performs a breast augmentation while also trimming excess skin, tightening tissue, and lift the breasts to sit higher on the chest. This combination allows patients to receive both surgeries at once and have one recovery period. If you feel this is an option for you, Dr. Claytor can discuss this combination surgery during your consultation.
Before & After Gallery
Dr. Brannon Claytor uses advanced techniques to provide natural-looking outcomes. See the results for yourself in our patient gallery.
What can I expect during breast augmentation recovery?
Breast augmentation recovery can take four to six weeks, on average. After the procedure, most patients feel tired and sore. This usually passes in a day or two and many patients return to work within the week. About a week to 10 days after surgery patients will come to Claytor Noone Plastic Surgery to have their stitches removed. Additionally, bandages can be removed from the breasts and replaced with a surgical bra. This will need to be worn for a number of weeks after surgery. Surgical incision scars will start to fade and become near invisible.
Hear What Our Breast Augmentation Patients Have to Say
In these audio stories, Dr. Brannon Claytor converses with his breast augmentation patients, providing an intimate glimpse into their personal journeys through plastic surgery. From their experiences with the procedure and recovery to the remarkable outcomes, these stories offer unique perspectives on navigating the post-operative period spanning weeks, months, and beyond following a breast augmentation surgery.
“When I was looking into breast augmentation, Dr. Claytor came up on my Google search amongst others. I did extensive research I wanted the best of the best and decided on Claytor Noone to be the surgeon for said surgery. The results are so much better than expected. Dr Claytor listened to my desires and expectations and he delivered beyond comprehension.”
Why choose Dr. Claytor for your plastic surgeon?
Double Board-Certified for a high level of safety and precision
Chief of Plastic Surgery at Main Line Health, a top health system
Board Member of The Aesthetic Society, shaping the future of aesthetics
8x Philadelphia Magazine Top Doctor for exceptional patient care
Recognized as one of America’s Best Plastic Surgeons by Newsweek
Drain-free recovery expert for faster, more comfortable healing
Deep plane facelift innovator and global educator
Active researcher in surgical and non-surgical aesthetic advancements
Highly regarded for his surgical expertise and outcomes, as well as his dedicated follow-up care
Do you want to enhance your breast size? Call (610) 527-4833. Our friendly staff will help you schedule a consultation with Philadelphia Plastic Surgeon Dr. Claytor and find out if you are a good candidate. Our practice serves patients from Philadelphia, Bryn Mawr, Main Line, and surrounding areas in Pennsylvania. Get directions to our Philadelphia area office near the Bryn Mawr Hospital. »
References »
BIA-ALCL Physician Resources, American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
Christopher R. Costa, Kevin H. Small, William P. Adams, Bra Sizing and the Plastic Surgery Herd Effect: Are Breast Augmentation Patients Getting Accurate Information?, Aesthetic Surgery Journal, Volume 37, Issue 4, 1 April 2017, Pages 421–427, https://doi.org/10.1093/asj/sjw221
Adams, William P. Jr. M.D.; Mallucci, Patrick M.D. Breast Augmentation. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery 130(4):p 597e-611e, October 2012. | DOI: 10.1097/PRS.0b013e318262f607
Diaz, John F. MD. Review of 494 Consecutive Breast Augmentation Patients: System to Improve Patient Outcomes and Satisfaction. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery – Global Open 5(10):p e1526, October 2017. | DOI: 10.1097/GOX.0000000000001526
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Medically reviewed by Dr. R. Brannon Claytor — Updated on Oct 28, 2024