Breast Augmentation

While there are various methods promoted for natural breast enhancement—such as exercises, massages, medications, or herbal supplements—none offer the same level of dramatic and permanent results as breast augmentation surgery.

Exercises that target the chest muscles, such as push-ups and chest presses, can improve muscle tone beneath the breasts but do not significantly change the size or shape of the breasts.

If you’re looking for more substantial enhancement, breast augmentation with implants or fat grafting is the most reliable and effective option to achieve the volume and shape you’re aiming for. Fat transfer is a natural breast augmentation option for women with excess fat in other areas of the body, in which the fat is harvested and purified before being injected into the breasts for a subtle, natural-looking enhancement.

Breast augmentation is not a “one-size-fits-all” procedure, as each patient has unique aesthetic goals and physical needs. There isn’t a “best” surgeon, but selecting the right surgeon is crucial to minimizing risks and ensuring optimal results. Dr. Valina will assess your body type, natural breast shape, lifestyle, and medical history to recommend the implant option that will give you the most balanced and beautiful outcome. With her expertise and personalized approach, Dr. Valina ensures that your results align with your expectations and prioritizes your safety and long-term satisfaction.

In addition to your consultation and surgery date, Dr. Grace Valina will schedule several follow-up visits at her Miami office to monitor your healing progress. These appointments are essential to ensure a smooth recovery and enable her to detect and address potential complications early. During these visits, she will also remove sutures and drains as needed.

Follow-ups typically occur one day, one week, two weeks, one month, three months, six months, one year, two years, five years, and ten years after surgery, or more frequently if necessary to ensure the best results.

Patients heal at their own rate, so each individual’s recovery process will look different. In general, it can take some time for all residual swelling to dissipate. Most patients can expect to see their final results after around six months.

Swelling after breast augmentation is normal and can vary from person to person. Typically, you’ll notice the most swelling in the first few days, which will gradually reduce over the next few months. By around three to four months, the majority of the swelling should subside, though some mild swelling may persist for up to twelve months as your breasts settle into their final shape.

While breast implants are not designed to last a lifetime, there’s no set timeline for when they need to be replaced. Most patients can expect their implants to last 10-15 years or longer before considering replacement, though some may choose to replace them earlier for aesthetic reasons or due to implant-related changes.

Regular check-ups will help monitor the condition of your implants, and if any issues arise, she can advise you on whether replacement is necessary.

Two of the most common incision options for breast augmentation are inframammary and periareolar. 

• Inframammary Incision: The inframammary incision is made in the natural fold beneath the breast. This is one of the most popular choices because it allows precise, hidden placement of the implant with minimal risk of complications. Scarring is typically discreet, located in the breast fold, where it can be easily concealed. Over time, this scar generally fades and becomes less noticeable.

• Periareolar Incision: The periareolar incision is placed along the lower edge of the areola (the dark area around the nipple). This incision is often chosen because it hides the scar along the natural color transition between the areola and surrounding skin. While the scar is visible at first, it typically heals well and becomes less noticeable. This option may be recommended for patients who also need a breast lift or have concerns about nipple position.

Dr. Grace Valina will discuss your options and recommend the incision that best fits your body and aesthetic goals, ensuring the most natural, subtle result.

Yes, most of the stitches used in breast augmentation are dissolvable and will naturally dissolve as you heal. These stitches typically don’t require removal, making the recovery process more convenient. Dr. Grace uses advanced techniques to ensure the stitches are placed discreetly, minimizing scarring and helping you achieve a smooth recovery. If non-dissolvable stitches are used in certain areas, she will remove them during follow-up appointments.

Dr. Valina takes every possible measure to minimize postoperative scarring by placing incisions in areas where they will be most inconspicuous. However, it can take some time for your scars to fade completely. The doctor can recommend scar creams and scar revision techniques as needed.

Patients may take gentle walks immediately after surgery to improve circulation and reduce certain complications. However, strenuous exercise and heavy lifting should be postponed for around three months. Dr. Valina will provide personalized recommendations for your recovery timeline during your private consultation.

You should wait at least one week after breast augmentation before driving. This allows time for anesthesia to wear off and ensures you’re not under the influence of pain medications. Once you’re comfortable, can move without pain, and feel confident, you can resume driving.

While we typically recommend waiting to complete your family and breastfeeding before considering any body-contouring procedure to ensure the best results, breast augmentation typically does not affect your ability to breastfeed. Implants are usually placed either beneath the breast tissue or under the muscle so they don’t interfere with milk production. However, in some cases, certain incision types or complications may impact nipple sensitivity or milk ducts.

Yes, breast augmentation can be reversed through a procedure called implant removal. We understand opinions and aesthetic goals will change over time, so if you no longer wish to have implants or experience complications, Dr. Valina can remove them and help restore your natural breast shape. In some cases, additional procedures, such as a breast lift, may be recommended to address changes in breast tissue.

Yes, absolutely. Dr. Valina often combines breast augmentation with other cosmetic procedures, such as a breast lift, abdominoplasty, or Brazilian butt lift, for women who want to reclaim their figures after pregnancy or aging. Hybrid augmentation, which combines smaller implants with fat grafting, is also an option for those seeking an athletic and natural look.

Trends such as ‘ballerina’ or ‘yoga’ breasts focus on smaller, more natural enhancements and can be discussed as part of your treatment plan. The doctor also offers a wide range of other aesthetic solutions to help patients look and feel their best. If you want a combination treatment plan, mention it to Dr. Valina during your private Miami consultation.

Breast augmentation is a safe and widely performed procedure performed by an experienced, triple-board-certified aesthetic surgeon like Dr. Grace Valina. While all surgeries carry some risk, including possible complications such as bleeding, infection, or capsular contracture, these occur only in very rare cases due to the unpredictability of the human body. Dr. Valina uses advanced techniques and meticulous precautions to minimize pain, scarring, downtime, and the risk of complications.

Surgeons should provide detailed pre-surgery instructions to ensure optimal results, and Dr. Valina will guide you through every step. During consultations, she thoroughly evaluates each patient’s health and medical history to ensure the procedure is appropriate. With proper care and attention, breast augmentation typically leads to satisfying and long-lasting results. Dr. Valina will provide personalized guidance throughout the process to prioritize your safety and well-being.

Breast augmentation is performed under general anesthesia, which ensures that you will be asleep and completely free from pain and discomfort during the procedure. After surgery, patients can expect some degree of chest soreness and tenderness as they heal. Taking pain medications prescribed by Dr. Valina and wearing your compression garment will help alleviate these symptoms. Proper rest is also essential to maximize your body’s healing response.

During your private consultation, Dr. Valina will go over all the risks and benefits of breast augmentation. It is important to understand the risks involved and possible complications, such as bleeding, infection, implant rupture, and capsular contracture, which can occur with any surgical procedure. Discussing these risks and possible complications with your surgeon ensures you are fully informed and can make the best decision for your health and safety. In general, breast augmentation comes with the following risks:

• Swelling
• Bruising
• Bleeding
• Infection
• Asymmetry
• Poor reactions to anesthesia
• Fluid buildup
• Changes in skin sensitivity
• Implant rupture
• Capsular contracture
• Poor scarring

It is possible to experience some back discomfort after breast augmentation, especially if you’ve chosen larger implants. This can be due to the added weight on the chest, which may strain the back and shoulder muscles. However, this discomfort typically improves as your body adjusts to the new breast size. 

Dr. Valina will work with you to select the right implant size that complements your body and minimizes any strain. If you experience persistent back pain, follow-up visits will help address the issue and ensure your comfort.

Capsular contracture is a condition that occurs when the scar tissue (capsule) around a breast implant tightens and hardens. This can potentially cause discomfort, distortion, and changes in breast shape. While the exact cause is not always clear, factors such as infection, bleeding, or an immune system response may contribute to its development.

Capsular contracture is categorized into four grades (Baker grades I-IV):

• Grade I: The breast remains soft and appears natural.
• Grade II: The breast feels slightly firm but maintains a normal appearance.
• Grade III: The breast is firm and has visible distortion.
• Grade IV: The breast is hard, painful, and significantly misshapen.

Treatment options depend on the severity of the condition. Mild cases may require medical intervention, while more advanced cases may be treated with medication, massage techniques, or, in some cases, surgery to remove or replace the implant.

There is no scientific evidence linking breast augmentation to an increased risk of breast cancer. However, breast implants may make it more challenging to detect abnormalities during mammograms, requiring specialized imaging techniques for accurate screenings.

A rare condition called Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) has been linked to certain textured implants. This is not breast cancer but a type of immune system cancer that can develop in the scar tissue around the implant. While the risk is low, regular check-ups and monitoring are essential.

Breast augmentation does not directly cause acne, but temporary breakouts may occur due to hormonal fluctuations from surgery, medications, skin irritation from compression garments, or changes in skincare routines. These effects are usually mild and resolve as the body heals. Dr. Valina can provide skincare recommendations to help manage any post-surgical acne and maintain healthy skin.

When choosing the right aesthetic surgeon for breast surgery, it is critical that you do your research and take all the time necessary to feel comfortable with your decision. It is essential to select a board-certified, qualified, or expert plastic surgeon to ensure your safety and achieve optimal results. You should assess your provider’s training background, board certifications, credentials, awards, testimonials, results, and before-and-after photographs. 

In addition, meeting with your provider in person can help you establish whether the communication process is seamless and you have a natural rapport with your surgeon. Dr. Valina is a triple-board-certified cosmetic surgeon in Miami who offers an in-depth and empowering consultation process. She invites you to schedule a private consultation to determine if working together is a good fit.