Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation, also known as augmentation mammoplasty or breast enlargement, is the surgical procedure that is used to enlarge small or undeveloped breasts or to restore volume in breasts that have decreased in size due to weight loss or pregnancy. This is our most popular cosmetic surgery procedure and one of the top procedures nationally. It is also associated with an extremely high satisfaction rate.

The following are some of the more important factors that are considered and discussed prior to surgery:

Silicone or Saline. The two types of breast implants available are silicone and saline. The silicone implants are the "gold standard" with regard to the aesthetic outcome in breast augmentation: they feel and can look more natural and generally last significantly longer than the saline implants.

Location of the Incision. There are three acceptable locations of the incisions for the insertion of the breast implants. Each can have its advantages and disadvantages based on individual factors. An inframammary fold incision is placed at the bottom of the breast, in or near the fold where it arises from the chest. Infra-areola incisions are situated at the junction of the lower half of the areola (the pigmented area surrounding the nipple) with the breast skin. In the transaxillary approach to breast enlargement, the incisions are placed in the armpit.

Implant Placement: Submuscular or Submammary. Breast implants can be positioned either behind (submuscular/subpectoral) or in front (submammary) of the large chest wall muscle, the pectoralis major. Because of the many and important advantages of having the breast implants in a submuscular location, this is Dr. Turkeltaub’s recommendation for most patients.

Implant Size. This is somewhat of a personal decision though it is influenced by many issues. The patient needs to consider the overall look they want to achieve and project including an approximate cup size (as there is no standardization for this), how natural or obvious they want the enlargement to be and the impact their new breast size may have on other aspects of their life.

Implant Width to Projection Relationship. In addition to size, selection of the implant based on its relative projection is another important consideration. High profile breast implants will have greater projection and less width for a given size compared to a moderate profile which is broader and less projecting. The style that would be most appropriate for you would depend on many factors including your chest width and configuration, amount of breast tissue present, and the ultimate size, projection, shape, cleavage, and overall appearance that you desire.

Implant Shape. Most of the breast implants used today for breast enlargement are round in shape. Anatomic style implants are longer either in a vertical or horizontal dimension. This may allow for a more customized result in certain situations.

Smooth or Textured. The outer shell (envelope) around the breast implants can have either a smooth or textured surface. In some instances, there may be an advantage of one over the other.



Breast augmentation surgery is performed using general anesthesia as an outpatient and usually takes around an hour. Dr. Turkeltaub uses a very gentle technique which is done with precision. As a result, there is less postoperative discomfort and the risk for non-ideal outcomes is minimized. If your breasts are sagging, you may need to have a breast lift (mastopexy) in addition to the enlargement. Tummy tucks are commonly done at the same time as a breast augmentation as part of a "Mommy Makeover".

Following surgery, a dressing that provides some compression is removed at around 2 days. A supportive sports bra is then worn for around 1 week. Most women are able to return to a non-strenuous job or school within several days to a week.

Whether or not to pursue a breast augmentation is a highly personal decision that a woman must make for herself. There are clearly many long-term benefits of having a breast enlargement. Some of these include looking better, feeling more feminine and attractive, having greater self-esteem, and being able to find clothes that fit and that are more complimentary. The overwhelming majority of breast enlargement patients are extremely happy with their results.

For more information about breast augmentation and other breast enhancement options, please contact the Arizona Center for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery at (480) 451-3000. You can also visit the Contact Us page. We have offices in both Scottsdale and Glendale.

BEFORE & AFTER PHOTOS