Questions about Breast Enhancement

Which breast enhancement procedure is right for me?

There are different breast enhancement procedures available to meet different needs. If you are only interested in increasing the size of your breasts, breast augmentation is a good option. Patients who want to lift drooping breasts can combine breast augmentation with a breast lift, which can produce a more youthful appearance. For those who have undergone mastectomy, breast implants can be used in breast reconstruction to restore a more feminine appearance.

Will my insurance cover breast enhancement?

Insurance does not cover cosmetic procedures, so breast enhancement is not generally covered. However, your insurance may cover breast implants for reconstructive surgery. At your initial consultation, our patient coordinator will go over whether your procedure will be covered by insurance and review the various financing options we offer to help you fit your breast augmentation procedure into your budget.

How long will it take to recover after breast enhancement surgery?

Recovery time varies depending on the specifics of the procedure. Breast implants can be placed either behind or in front of the chest muscles. When the implants are placed behind the muscles, it typically takes longer to heal. In general, breast augmentation patients can expect to return to work after a week or two. Strenuous exercise can usually be resumed about four to six weeks after surgery.

What risks are associated with breast enhancement?

As is the case with any surgical procedure, there are some risks associated with breast augmentation, or enhancement. However, the procedure is very safe, and serious health problems rarely occur. Risks associated with breast augmentation include post-surgical infection, loss of nipple sensation, implant deflation requiring revision surgery, implant displacement, and rippling. Some patients also experience capsular contracture, a condition in which scar tissue hardens around the implant. Los Angeles plastic surgeon Dr. Martin O'Toole will discuss all potential breast augmentation complications with you prior to surgery.

Should I wait until after having children before undergoing breast enhancement?

This is a personal decision that you must make after discussing your future pregnancy goals with Dr. O’Toole. Many women undergo breast enhancement before having children. The vast majority of these patients have no problems with future pregnancies and are able to breastfeed after their procedure.

However, it is important to understand that future pregnancies can potentially have a negative impact on the results of your procedure, requiring you to undergo a revision surgery to restore your results. You may want to factor this risk into your decision about whether to wait until after having children to undergo breast augmentation.

Watch a 3D animation of a breast augmentation procedure

Please contact Pasadena Cosmetic Surgery today to schedule your complimentary initial breast enhancement consultation. Dr. Martin O’Toole serves patients in Los Angeles, Arcadia, Covina, and Hollywood, California.