Most women who come in for breast augmentation aren't looking to be noticed. They're looking to feel proportional.
Breast augmentation uses implants, or in some cases your own fat, to add volume, restore fullness lost after pregnancy, weight change, or improve symmetry. What it isn't is a single standard operation. Implant type, size, placement relative to the muscle, and incision location are all separate decisions — and together they determine whether a result reads as natural on your body.
Are you a good candidate?
You're likely a good candidate if you're in good general health, your breasts are fully developed, your weight has been stable, and you want more volume, better symmetry, or restored fullness.
You may not be a candidate right now if:
- You're pregnant or breastfeeding — we'd wait until things have settled
- You're planning a significant weight change or pregnancy soon
- You have an untreated condition that makes elective surgery unsafe
- You're considering surgery mainly because someone else wants you to
That last one matters more than the others. This is elective, and the right time is when you want it.
If there's significant sagging
An implant alone usually won't lift — and can make heaviness more pronounced. In those cases augmentation combined with a lift gives the result most patients are actually picturing. You'll get a straight answer about which one you need.
How does Dr. Vande Ven approach breast augmentation?
The approach starts with the patient’s goals: sizing appropriate to fit their frame, then choosing an implant type and profile that is best to reach their desired outcome. The approach is similar, but the specific plan is different in all patients depending on their starting point and what can be achieved to reach their goals.
Carlsbad and the surrounding North County beach towns are full of women who surf, run, cycle, lift, and chase kids up the sand. Athletic frames often mean less natural breast tissue and a narrower base width — which changes the math entirely.
Going larger than the breast pocket allows can cause problems long term and interfere with normal life. Dr. Vande Ven will discuss this with you, along with options that can meet your goals.
What are my implant options?
Silicone vs. saline
Silicone implants are filled with cohesive gel and tend to feel closer to natural tissue — usually the choice when there's less natural coverage. Saline is filled with sterile salt water; if one ruptures the change is immediately obvious and the fluid is harmlessly absorbed. Silicone implants need ongoing monitoring for silent rupture: the FDA recommends an ultrasound or MRI five to six years after surgery, and every two to three years after that.
Implant profile
Implants come in different profiles. For the same base width, a higher profile projects further forward and a lower profile sits flatter and wider — so profile is part of how the result is matched to your frame, alongside size. Dr. Vande Ven will discuss your options with you and show you example implants in the office, so you have a better understanding of what each specific profile provides.
Over or under the muscle
Under the muscle generally gives a more gradual upper slope and can make mammograms easier to read. Over the muscle can suit women with more natural coverage, and avoids the flexing distortion some very athletic patients notice.
Fat transfer
Uses your own liposuctioned fat. Very natural, no implant — but the volume increase is modest and some fat is reabsorbed. Best for subtle change.
Incision location
There are several places the incision for a breast augmentation can be made. Dr. Vande Ven's preference is the inframammary approach — an incision at the lower portion of the breast, in the fold where the breast meets the chest wall. That fold is the inframammary crease, which is where the abbreviation IMF comes from.
Her reasoning: the inframammary approach carries less risk of capsular contracture and of infection, tends to heal better, and — because the scar sits within the natural crease beneath the breast — is less noticeable for patients who scar poorly.
Whichever approach is used, scars fade but do not disappear entirely.
If future breastfeeding matters to you, say so at your consultation — incision choice and technique are part of that conversation.
How long is recovery after breast augmentation?
First 48 hours
Soreness and tightness are expected. The implants will sit higher and feel tight. Rest, prescribed medication, and someone with you the first night.
First week
Pressure on the chest is normal, and the implants will still be sitting high. A supportive bra is worn 24 hours a day. No lifting.
Return to work
This depends on your individual situation, and will be discussed at your consultation and after surgery.
Back to regular lifting and working out
Normally around six weeks, though it varies from patient to patient. Returning early is the most common way to compromise a good result.
Final result
Implants settle over six months to a year. What you see at two weeks is not your outcome.
Before & After
These "after" photos showcase real patient outcomes following breast augmentation. Results vary based on body type, implant selection, healing, and surgical technique. While these images can help illustrate what's possible, every patient's outcome is unique.
Most patients report increased confidence and satisfaction with their appearance after recovery. Dr. Vande Ven will work closely with you to help achieve results that complement your natural proportions while prioritizing your safety and long-term health.
Disclaimer
The photos displayed are of actual patients who have provided permission for their images to be used. Individual results vary. No surgical procedure can guarantee a specific outcome. A consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon is the best way to determine the treatment plan that's right for you.
Before you continue
Sensitive surgical content
The images ahead show unretouched post-operative results, intended for adults seeking medical information. By continuing you confirm you are 18 or older and consent to viewing this content.
Every patient shown has given written consent for their photographs to be published.
What are the risks of breast augmentation?
Every surgery carries risk. For breast augmentation these include but are not limited to bleeding, infection, changes in nipple or breast sensation, scarring, capsular contracture, implant rupture, asymmetry, and the possibility of revision surgery later.
Implants are not lifetime devices. Talk to your surgeon about when replacement is necessary to avoid complications.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know what size is right for me?+
Sizing is based on chest measurements, existing tissue, and proportions — not a cup size. Sizers and dimensional measurements in consultation let you decide from your own anatomy.
What if I don't like the size afterwards?+
The breast changes after augmentation, and how much varies from patient to patient. Once healing is complete, implant size can be changed — smaller or larger. Going larger is more straightforward the second time, since the tissue has already stretched, and the procedure is easier and less painful than the first.
Will I be able to breastfeed afterward?+
Many women do, though it can't be guaranteed for anyone, with or without surgery. Incision choice and technique matter — say so if future breastfeeding is important to you.
Will this affect my mammograms?+
No. Mammograms are still performed normally as needed. You'll be asked at the appointment whether you have implants, and if you do, additional images are taken. Annual mammograms remain just as important after augmentation — this is no exception.
How soon can I fly?+
Once healing is complete, which is generally about six weeks. It varies from patient to patient.
Will I need drains?+
No. Drains aren't used for breast augmentation — they're only needed for abdominoplasty, the tummy tuck procedure.
Do implants need to be replaced?+
Implants are very durable, but they aren't lifetime devices. After about ten years it's worth looking at replacement — the risk of rupture and other complications rises beyond that point. Exchanging implants is more straightforward than fixing a complication, which is why it's better to change them before there is a problem.
Do I need a lift too?+
Depends on where your breast tissue and nipple position sit now. An implant adds volume; it doesn't meaningfully lift.