I want to enlarge my breasts. How do I know if I'm a good candidate? (photo)

There are many factors to consider when considering breast augmentation. These include a patient's goals, pre-op size, degree of ptosis (sag), symmetry/asymmetry, chest anatomy, and tissue quality.

Beyond these augmentation specific factors, candidates for elective surgery should be healthy and have reached a stable weight to ensure a good outcome. Augmentation candidates should also give some consideration to future plans for pregnancy/breastfeeding as this may compromise results.

Based on your photos alone, you appear to be a reasonable candidate for augmentation (minimal asymmetry/minimal ptosis). However, there is no replacement for an in-person exam.

With regards to your specific questions:
-There are a few major implant brands with similar offerings. They are, for the most part, interchangeable.
-Gummy bear and tear drop are marketing terms and do not refer to anything specific. Most 5th generation implants are cohesive gels with "gummy bears" representing the stiffest along this continuum.
-Shaped implants i.e. "tear drop" have fallen f favor as texture has become increasingly unpopular. Texture helps an implant maintain its orientation. This is most important for a shaped device. However, as surgeons have moved away from texture so to have they moved away from shaped implants.
-Initial recovery time is 7-10 days with full healing by 6-8 weeks and a final result by 6 months
-Choosing a provider is a complicated question which cannot be simply answered. At the very least ensure that your surgeon is ABPS certified and is operating in a AAAA certified facility.

As always, discuss you concerns and goals with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

From what I can see you are good candidate. You need to be measured and fitted in the office though to determine which implants are best for your goals. I have found Motiva good for certain candidates while Mentor and Allergan implants better for others. I don't recommend the tear drop implant because the shell is usually textured. Best Wishes!!

Thank you for your inquiry!! Determine your goal size and then come in for a try-on. There are multiple options to choose from that are based on preference and your natural breast. We would love to meet with you to discuss your concerns. Schedule a consultation with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon to discuss your goals.

You are. Good candidate for augmentation and will have a natural result with the appropriate size. Smooth round saline or silicone implants are used as far as implants are concerned. Saline implants are simple to maintain as far as rupture is concerned as you know if they are ruptured and the exchange is easy, low risk and far much less expensive. Textured implants (gummy bear type) have been causative (rarely) in lymphoma or squamous cell cancers so I do not use them. Also know that fat transfer is an excellent option with low long term risk. Thank you for inquiring!

Thanks for your question. From your pictures, you seem to be a good candidate for breast augmentation. The implants would depend of your desired results. I recommend scheduling a consult for a proper evaluation. Please always consult with a board certified plastic surgeon. Take care, Dr. Moises Salama, board certified plastic surgeon.

Breast enlargement can be done 1 of 2 ways: breast implants or fat transfers. Implants are not lifetime devices and will eventually need to be replaced or removed. Fat transfers are permanently incorporated into the body. Fat transfers are usually good for 1 cup size change. Implants can be used for larger volumes. However, fat transfers can be repeated, if necessary.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Hello! Thank you for the question. You would be a great candidate for breast augmentation if you are looking for larger breasts. Breast implants are a great option for people who have always had naturally smaller breasts and are looking for more upper pole fullness in the top portion of the breasts.

When researching for providers, it is best to look at their body of work and find images of before and after. Try finding people who have similar breasts to you and see their results. Also, think about your personal goals with your breasts.

As far as picking the right implants go, at our practice, we prefer using the silicone (aka "gummy bear") implants, as these give a more natural appearance to the breasts and also do not cause the rippling appearance that saline can over time. We also prefer placing implants under the muscle to give a more natural result as well.

Recovery with breast augmentations usually is fairly quick and easy, as it is a short procedure that does not require a lot of incisions. People are usually able to return to work within a few days to a week afterwards. There are typically 2 incisions - 1 under each breast in the inframammary fold. These heal well and remain hidden. Muscle relaxers are a great tool to use during recovery if you have implants placed under the muscle, as this helps with any muscle strain or soreness.

Hello, thanks for your question and pictures. It appears that you are a good candidate for a breast augmentation and should get a good result. You do have some asymmetry so you may require different size breast implants. Make sure you research board certified plastic surgeons that do many breast implant procedures. If the surgeon offers preoperative 3D imaging, it may be useful to help you select your size. Each surgeon has their preference for breast implants. Most silicone breast implant manufacturers are similar although the new Motiva silicone implants do offer the latest technology in breast implants. Good luck in finding the best surgeon for you!

Dear Reinventing38,

based on your photos, you look like a good candidate for breast augmentation. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.

Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Hello and thank you for your question. Choosing the right breast implant is a complex decision. Your aesthetic goals should align with your surgeon's recommendations, which are based on precise breast measurements, including your skin quality and elasticity. My best advice would be to consult with a Plastic Surgeon who is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery with extensive experience in breast augmentation surgery. Good luck. I hope this helps.