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at PURE Plastic Surgery

What Is Breast Augmentation Surgery?

Breast augmentation, formally known as augmentation mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure that uses breast implants to increase the size, volume and symmetry of the breasts. Implants can be saline or silicone, and placed either behind the breast tissue or beneath the chest muscle to achieve your desired profile and volume. 

Trends in plastic surgery come and go, but breast augmentation remains one of the world’s most popular procedures. Data from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons’ (ASPS) 2024 Procedural Statistics Release shows that 306,196 breast augmentations were performed in the U.S. alone, accounting for nearly 20% of all cosmetic procedures performed that year.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Breast Augmentation?

Ideal candidates for breast augmentation are women in good overall health who want to increase their breast size, improve symmetry or restore volume lost after pregnancy, weight loss or aging. Because breast tissue can continue developing into your early twenties, candidates must be at least 18 for saline implants and 22 for silicone implants.

You may be a good candidate if you:

• Want to enhance the size, shape, or symmetry of your breasts
• Have lost breast fullness after pregnancy, breastfeeding or weight changes
• Want to enhance your natural contour and feel more confident in clothing and swimwear
• Are not currently pregnant or breastfeeding
• Have realistic expectations about what surgery can achieve

During your consultation, your surgeon will assess your chest dimensions, skin elasticity and body proportions to confirm whether breast augmentation, either alone or combined with another procedure, is the best path to achieve your goals.

What Implant Shapes Are Available?

Beyond material, implants also come in different shapes: round and anatomical (teardrop). At PURE, our surgeons overwhelmingly favor round implants for both practical and aesthetic reasons. “When you have a round implant and you’re standing up,” Dr. Earle explains, it assumes a teardrop shape already. You can’t tell the difference. But if it were to flip or rotate in the pocket, it keeps that same shape, whereas a teardrop implant would look distorted.”

A 2017 study in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the official journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), found that even plastic surgeons only had a 50/50 chance of determining whether a woman had round or teardrop-shaped implants based on post-op photos, validating Dr. Earle’s preference for round implants.

What Sizes and Profiles Should I Consider? 

Breast implants are measured in cubic centimeters (cc), not cup sizes. "I could put 10 people in front of me, all being 34C, and their breasts will look completely different,” Dr. Vidal says. “Cup size is a marketing thing."  

A 400cc implant that looks like a DD on a petite frame might be closer to a natural C on a broader frame. That's why your surgeon won't choose an implant based on a cup size alone.

What cup sizes are useful for is comparison. If you tell your surgeon you're currently a B and want to be a full C, that gives them a direction. Dr. Vidal's rule of thumb: one cup size of augmentation is roughly 100cc of implant volume. From there, your surgeon uses precise chest measurements to identify the right implant range for your body.

Once size is dialed in, the next decision is profile, which determines how much the implant projects from your chest. PURE offers moderate (demi), full (high) and extra full (corsé) profiles, each creating a distinctly different silhouette:

• Moderate profile implants have a wider base and lower projection. They create a fuller breast with a gentle, natural slope from the collarbone down. 
• Full profile implants narrow the base slightly and increase projection. They deliver more upper pole fullness and a rounder shape.‍
• Extra full profile implants have the narrowest base and the most projection. They create the most dramatic upper pole fullness and the most obviously augmented silhouette.

All three profiles can be available at the same volume. A 340cc moderate, full and extra full implant all contain the same amount of saline or silicone but distribute it in different ways. Your surgeon will walk you through the options using your measurements and individual goals to find the combination that looks and feels right on your body.

What Should I Expect at My Breast Augmentation Consultation?

Your consultation is where the plan takes shape. You'll meet with one of our double-board-certified plastic surgeons for a thorough evaluation of your goals, anatomy and implant options. Consultations can be virtual or in-person at our Miami office. 

During this meeting, your surgeon will measure your chest dimensions, assess your skin elasticity and tissue thickness and walk you through implant size, material, shape and placement options. You'll have the opportunity to discuss the look you want, review before-and-after photos of actual PURE patients and ask every question on your list.

You'll leave with a personalized plan and a clear understanding of what to expect from surgery and recovery, as well as a detailed quote that covers surgical fees, anesthesia and other associated costs. Financing is available through Cherry, CareCredit, Alphaeon, and Affirm.

To schedule your visit, contact us!

What Happens During Breast Augmentation Surgery?

Breast augmentation at PURE is performed as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia. The surgery typically takes one to two hours, though this varies depending on your surgical plan. If you're combining breast augmentation with a lift, tummy tuck or liposuction, the total operative time will be longer.

Here's what to expect on surgery day:

• Your surgeon makes the incision in the predetermined location: beneath the breast, along the areola, or in the armpit. 
• A pocket is then created either behind the breast tissue or beneath the chest muscle, and the implant is placed and positioned for optimal symmetry and projection. 
• The incision is closed with sutures or surgical tape.

After surgery, you'll be monitored in our recovery area until you're ready to go home. You'll need a responsible adult to drive you and stay with you for the first 24 to 48 hours.

What Results Can I Expect From Breast Augmentation?

Improvements in breast size, shape, and projection are visible immediately after surgery, but your true results emerge gradually as swelling resolves and the implants settle. This process, sometimes called the "drop and fluff,” can take two to six months.

Once your final results develop, you can expect breasts that are fuller, more symmetrical, and proportionate to your frame. Many women report a significant improvement in confidence, increased comfort in clothing and higher satisfaction with their overall appearance.

Breast implants are durable, but they are not lifetime devices. Modern saline and silicone implants are designed to last 10 to 20 years. The FDA recommends regular check-ups and an assessment after 10 to 15 years to determine whether an exchange or replacement is needed. If your implants still look and feel great and you're not experiencing complications, there's no automatic reason to replace them.

Can I Combine Breast Augmentation With Other Procedures?

Yes. Breast augmentation is frequently combined with other procedures for more comprehensive results, but the right combinations matter.

The most common pairing is a breast lift with breast augmentation. This combination is ideal for women who have lost both volume and position, often after pregnancy, breastfeeding or significant weight loss, and want fullness and lift in a single surgery. 

A mommy makeover, which typically bundles breast augmentation with a tummy tuck and liposuction, is another popular combination for women addressing body changes after pregnancy or weight loss. Combining procedures means one surgery and one recovery period, which many patients find more practical and cost-effective.

Another popular add-on at PURE is sub-axillary liposuction, targeted removal of excess fat from the underarm area to eliminate what's often called "bra bulge." It uses a small, discreet incision and creates smoother contours around the breast without adding significant recovery time. The result: clean lines in sleeveless tops, swimwear and fitted clothing.

One combination PURE specifically recommends staging rather than performing together: breast surgery and a BBL. In Florida, there is a 1-liter limit of liposuction when it's combined with another procedure like breast augmentation. "You're not going to be happy with the BBL portion of the procedure," Dr. Earle says. "It's best to separate it out. Do your breast surgery first, and then a few months later, you can do your liposculpture 360 and your BBL."