All Huntington Beach women want to look and feel great. But for some, the small size of their breasts makes them feel that they just don’t have the body they want. They may be uncomfortable going to the beach in a bikini or wearing certain clothes designed to show off their breasts. For these reasons, hundreds of Huntington Beach women consult with plastic surgeon Dr. Vu every year about getting breast implants placed.
What Is Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation, or augmentation mammoplasty as it is known in medical terms, is a surgical procedure that is done to increase a woman’s breasts to the desired size, and it’s one of the most popular procedures that Huntington Beach and Orange County plastic surgeon Dr. Vu performs. The procedure incorporates the use of breast implants that are surgically inserted under the chest muscles of the breasts to give a patient the desired look and curves.
This cosmetic procedure is usually carried out on an outpatient basis in Dr. Vu’s office and typically takes no more than two hours. However, sometimes Dr. Vu may require some patients to stay overnight in a hospital, though that’s usually only done as an extra precaution for Huntington Beach patients who may have pre-existing medical conditions or a history of having a difficult time coming out of general anesthesia. This strong medication is used to put patients to sleep during plastic surgery.
The procedures and techniques used by Dr. Vu during breast augmentation surgeries differ according to the type of implants being used. Amongst them, saline and silicon-based implants are the most common.
Breast Augmentation Before & After Photos
Breast Augmentation Benefits
The benefits of getting breast implants speak for themselves. Research has shown that such procedures improve a woman’s bodily image and self-esteem. However, women are advised to think carefully about their choice and discuss any reservations they might have about the procedure with their doctors first. In general, it has been beneficial for women who:
- Consider their breasts to be too underdeveloped or small
- Feel that their breasts are out of proportion
- Have breast implants currently and are facing complications
- Feel that their breasts vary in size from one another
- Have breasts that look unnatural or have an elongated shape
Patients are advised to implement regular screenings to prevent possible infections or complications after procedures. In the end, breast augmentation depends on a patient’s circumstances and personal choices, no matter the type of implants they choose.
Best Breast Augmentation Candidates
Some Huntington Beach and Orange County women opt for getting breast implants for cosmetic reasons in order to enhance their self-image and feel more confident. However, some might use it to reconstruct breasts that have either been removed for breast cancer treatment or damaged due to medical reasons as well. Plastic surgeons generally consider women over the age of 22 to be good candidates. This is also a requirement from the FDA since a woman’s breasts may continue to develop during her late teens or early twenties. Additional factors that Dr. Vu considers when screening candidates for surgery include:
- Being in good general overall health
- Listening to Dr. Vu explain the procedure and communicating back to him that you have realistic expectations for your surgical results
- Being a non-smoker, as smoking can complicate your surgery and recovery time
- Being in good psychological health
Breast Implant Types
Saline Implants
These particular types of implants feel like plastic bags full of water and are made from layers of silicon rubber that come with a valve. The implants are filled with sterile saltwater or saline. Once the implants are inserted, a disposable tube is used to fill them to full size. The valve closes by itself as soon as the tube is withdrawn. However, Dr. Vu will still seal it with an additional sealing tip.
Saline implants come in a variety of sizes. Dr. Vu’s Huntington Beach patients can choose between the 150cc to 700cc variety. Smaller sizes in the 150cc to 400cc category can be incremented at 25 to 30cc, while increments of more than 50cc can be made in 400cc implants.
These implants cost less than those made from silicone gel. They can also be micro adjusted in volume in order to balance the size of each. Patients might feel slight wrinkles at the bottom or sides of their breasts after implantation.
Silicone Gel Implants
Also made from several layers of silicon rubber, silicone gel implants, as the name implies, are filled with a plastic gel or silicon. The silicon used to fill modern silicone breast implants is semi-solid, which makes them less runny as well. Today’s silicone breast implants have been tested several times over and are FDA approved.
Silicone gel implants feel more like natural breasts as compared to their saline-based counterparts. Unlike saline implants, the silicone-based variety cannot be micro adjusted in volume and comes sealed. The smallest sizes are available until 400cc.
Other Types of Implants
While most Huntington Beach patients choose saline or silicone-based implants for breast augmentation, other options are available to them as well:
Textured Implants
Textured implants have a rough outer cover. Their texture was thought to be necessary when capsule formations were a common occurrence when placing breast implants. Surgeons were of the opinion that the textured shape of these implants reduced the chances of such formations. While textured implants do come in the round variety, patients are also able to choose teardrop-shaped or anatomic shapes.
High Profile Implants
High profile implants allow for more volume and a narrower width. The maximum width is calculated by Dr. Vu by using breast measurements. This is done to prevent possible distortions. For instance, if a short woman has a narrow chest wall and small breasts, and she wishes to be a D or C cup, the general standard that is set for her particular frame may not achieve the volume or size that she wants.
Breast Implant Incision Options
Breast implants can be placed by choosing one of three available incision types performed by Dr. Vu:
- Periareolar, in which an incision is made along the bottom crease of a woman’s areolas, and then the implants are placed. While this is a great incision type to be used to ensure breast symmetry, it isn’t recommended for women of childbearing age who may want to breastfeed future children because it can cut through milk ducts.
- Inframammary, in which an incision is made along the bottom crease of the breast, where the breast meets the rib cage. This incision type is hidden by a bra or bikini line to maintain discretion.
- Transaxillary, in which a small incision is made underneath the arm, and then a channel is created to move the implant to the breast site. Throughout your consultation process with Dr. Vu, the two of you will discuss which breast incision type is ideal for your unique treatment plan.
Breast Augmentation Cost
The cost of breast augmentation depends on several factors, including the type of implant, the surgeon’s experience, and any additional expenses related to surgery and recovery.
Type of Breast Implant
The choice of breast implant plays a role in the overall cost:
Saline Implants – Typically lower in cost, filled with sterile saltwater after placement.
Silicone Implants – Designed to feel more like natural breast tissue, typically higher in cost.
Surgical Skill
A plastic surgeon’s credentials, training, and years in practice can impact pricing. Dr. Vu, a board-certified plastic surgeon, has been performing breast augmentation since 1998 and operates in his own private surgical center, providing a comfortable and specialized setting for surgery.
Other Cost Factors
- Anesthesia Costs – Pricing depends on the type of anesthesia used and the duration of surgery.
- Additional Procedures – Some patients combine breast augmentation with a breast lift for enhanced results.
- Post-Surgical Expenses – Medications, compression garments, and follow-up care contribute to the total cost.
- Location – Pricing in Huntington Beach, Orange County reflects local medical costs.
Dr. Vu provides clear, upfront pricing, so you understand your investment before moving forward. A consultation is the best way to receive a personalized estimate, discuss options, and learn what to expect throughout the process.
Your Breast Augmentation Experience
Huntington Beach patients might be put under local or general anesthesia before their chosen procedures. The procedure may last between one and two hours. Women are advised to choose surgeons who have an extensive amount of experience with plastic surgeries, such as Southern California’s very own Dr. Vu. Dr. Vu calls his patients for medical evaluations first. He may ask the patient to stop taking certain types of medication a few days or weeks before the procedure is supposed to take place.
You’ll arrive at the surgical center on your surgery day having fasted for at least 12 hours, which is necessary to prevent any unwanted complications from receiving general anesthesia. First, you’ll be called back to a preoperative room where a team of nurses and medical staff will prep you for surgery and monitor your vitals. Then you’ll be wheeled into the operating room and greeted by Dr. Vu.
After the anesthesia takes effect, Dr. Vu makes a small cut either under the breasts, around the nipples, or under the arms. The chosen spot depends on the type of implant, the size of the enlargement, and the patient’s body. The breast implant will be placed in a pocket either above or below the chest muscle. After the implant is in place, Dr. Vu will close the cuts with surgical tape or sutures.
After your surgery, you’ll still be asleep from the general anesthesia you received. You’ll be transferred to a recovery room where you’ll awaken and be monitored by a postoperative medical care team. When you awaken, you’ll have surgical garments which will serve to reduce swelling after your procedure. Once the medical team has determined your safe to go home, you’ll be released into the care of a friend or relative to drive you home for further rest and recovery.
Breast Augmentation Recovery and Aftercare
Healing after breast augmentation is an important part of your experience. Most patients experience mild soreness, tightness, and swelling in the first few days, but these symptoms gradually improve. Many can ease back into light activities within a week, depending on how they feel.
Clear recovery guidance is provided so you know what to expect, from caring for incisions to resuming daily routines. A soft compression garment helps reduce swelling and support healing. Most patients return to normal activities within a few weeks.
Dr. Vu remains involved throughout your recovery, offering reassurance and support to help you feel comfortable and confident as you heal.
Achieve Lasting Definition and Balance
Ready to explore how breast augmentation can transform your appearance? Meet with Dr. Vu to discuss your goals, explore your options, and discover how he can help you achieve the goals you desire.
Contact Aesthetix Plastic Surgery at (714) 848-1133 or schedule a consultation online today to start your journey toward achieving enhanced definition and lasting confidence.
