Breast Augmentation Surgery to Increase Breast Size

What happens in Breast Augmentation?

On the day of surgery, the patient is admitted to the hospital and asked to sign the consent form before proceeding. The steps of the procedure will vary for each patient, depending on the technique chosen. The general steps involved are explained below:

• The doctor will administer anesthesia to numb the patient. In most cases, general anesthesia is used to put the patient to sleep. However, if general anesthesia is not suitable, local anesthesia with IV sedation may be chosen. The anesthesia will numb the patient’s body to ensure they don’t feel pain or discomfort during the procedure. 
• Once the patient cannot feel the upper body, the surgeon makes the selected incision. The incision can be in one of the locations- inframammary (in the breast fold), periareolar (around the areola), or transaxillary (in the armpit). The decision about incision location is made based on factors such as the patient’s anatomy, the type of implant, and the surgeon’s skills and expertise. 
• A pocket or space is created either behind the breast tissues (subglandular) or beneath the pectoral muscle (submuscular) to accommodate the breast implant. 
• The selected breast implant is placed into the pocket. A pre-filled implant is pushed into the pocket and adjusted carefully to create the desired shape. An unfilled implant is first inserted into the pocket, then the solution or gel is injected into the implant to inflate it. 
• After placing the implants, the incisions are closed using sutures, surgical tapes, or adhesive skin glue. 
• The surgery site is covered with gauze or bandages to protect the incisions, and a compression bra or surgical bra is given to support the newly augmented breasts. 
• After the surgery, the patient is taken to the recovery room for observation. Once the effects of anesthesia start to wear off, the patient is transferred to their room.

The entire procedure takes 1-2 hours approximately and is performed on an outpatient basis. It means the patient is likely to be discharged on the same day after surgery. In some cases, the surgeon may suggest an overnight stay for patients who are at high risk of developing infection or other complications. 

Diagnosis & Evaluations Before Breast Augmentation

A thorough diagnosis and evaluation are done during initial consultations to determine whether breast augmentation surgery is suitable for the individual. During the evaluations, the plastic/cosmetic surgeon discusses the patient’s aesthetic goals, medical history, previous surgeries, allergies, and other medications and supplements that they take on a regular basis. 

The surgeon also conducts a comprehensive physical exam by palpating the breasts and chest wall to assess the breast size, shape, skin quality, and nipple position. The surgeon will also take detailed measurements of the breasts, such as width, height, nipple-to-breast fold distance, etc., to determine the most suitable technique and/or size of the implant. For further evaluation, the surgeon may also recommend the following tests:

• Routine Blood & Urine Test– These tests are standard before all surgical procedures. The purpose of these tests is to examine the overall health of the individual, look for any signs of infection, or to find out if a specific organ is not functioning properly. 
• Mammogram– A mammogram or mammography test is done to detect early signs of cancer in the breasts. 
• ECG or Electrocardiography- This test is done to assess the chances of experiencing heart-related problems during breast augmentation. 
• Chest X-ray- This test is done to identify if there is a heart or lung disease present that can increase the risks during breast augmentation surgery. 

After confirming that the individual is healthy, the surgeon will use imaging software to create a 3D simulation of the breasts before and after augmentation. This will help the patient to choose the right size and shape of the implant to get the desired outcome. 

*Note: Besides health assessment, the surgeon also does a psychological evaluation to confirm the individual is in a good state of mind and choosing to undergo surgery for the right reasons. Patients with healthy mindsets are more likely to be satisfied with the outcome of the surgery. 

How to prepare for the breast augmentation surgery?

The plastic surgeon will give detailed instructions to prepare the patient for breast augmentation surgery. The standard preparation involves the following steps- 

• Get a blood test done. 
• Adjust the current medications. 
• Stop smoking and drinking alcohol.
• Avoid taking blood thinners, anti-inflammatory drugs, herbal supplements, etc.

The doctor’s staff usually contacts the patient to ensure that all preoperative instructions are followed. If not, the surgery may be delayed as needed. 

If everything goes right, the surgery will be planned accordingly, and the doctor’s staff will provide further instructions for the day of the surgery. These instructions will include- 

• Take the regular medications as ordered by the primary care provider with a small sip of water. 
• The patient can take heart medicines, BP medicines, birth control pills, steroids, thyroid medicines, asthma medicines, etc. 
• Avoid eating or drinking anything from midnight prior to the day of surgery. It includes all food items, such as water, milk, chewing gum, candies, coffee, juice, etc. 
• Do not wear makeup, jewelry, dentures, contact lenses, or hearing aids, as all of these will be removed while taking the patient to the operating room to keep it sterile. 
• Arrange for someone to help during the hospital stay, drive back home, and stay at home for the first few nights after the surgery. 

Along with taking care of the above-mentioned things, it will be better if the patient prepares the home recovery area prior to the surgery. This includes buying the prescribed pain medications, ointment for incisions, clean gauze to cover the incisions, and loose & comfortable clothes to wear.

What to Expect After Breast Augmentation?

Immediately after the breast augmentation surgery, the patient can expect to feel slightly disoriented, numb, and sore due to the side effects of anesthesia. The nurses will constantly monitor the patient’s vitals to ensure they are stable. 

The breasts will be covered with bandages, and there will be bruising, swelling, and redness in the treated area after the procedure. These are temporary side effects of surgery that can be managed by medications and proper post-op care. Some discomfort and mild to moderate pain are also common after breast augmentation. 

On the day of surgery, the patient is advised to take complete bed rest and avoid all activities. Before discharge, the patient is given detailed care instructions and diet tips for a smooth and faster recovery. A follow-up schedule is also given to the patient to monitor the recovery. 

Read more: Breast Augmentation Surgery Recovery

Breast Augmentation Risks & Potential Complications

While breast augmentation surgery is generally safe, like any other surgical procedure, it carries certain risks and complications. It is important for individuals to understand these potential complications to make an informed decision about proceeding with the surgery. Some common risks and complications associated with breast augmentation surgery are:

• Infection: There is always a risk of developing infection at the incision site or around the breast implants. Infections will require antibiotic treatment, and in severe cases, removal of the implant may be necessary to clear the infection. 
• Hematoma: A hematoma is the collection of blood that can occur around the implant and lead to swelling, pain, and likely require surgical drainage. 
• Seroma: A seroma is a collection of fluid that also occurs around the implant. It often resolves on its own after some time as the fluid gets absorbed by the body. However, in some cases, the fluid may require drainage. 
• Capsular Contracture: After the implant is placed in the breast pocket, natural scar tissues start to form around the implant creating a capsule that keeps the implant fixed and prevents it from moving or rotating within the pocket. However, in some cases, the capsule may contract, which may make the breast feel firm and distorted. If this happens, the surgeon will have to remove the implant along with the surrounding scar tissue and insert a new implant using a suitable technique. 
• Implant Rupture or Leakage: Breast implants, both saline and silicone-filled, have the tendency to rupture or leak over time. Rupture means that the implant is deflated, and its content may or may not leak out. Generally, it’s the saline implants that leak out, but the solution is absorbed by the body. In the case of silicone gel implants, there will be a silent rupture without clear indications, but the gel won’t leak into the body completely. If this happens, the patient will need another surgery to insert new implants. 
• Rippling or Wrinkling Effect: In some cases, the patient may feel dissatisfied with the appearance of the breasts as the implant may be visible or palpable under the skin. 
• Changes in Nipple Sensations: The patient may experience temporary or permanent changes in the nipple sensations after breast augmentation. Nipple sensitivity may increase, decrease, or in rare cases, may be lost entirely. 
• Scarring: It is an unwanted outcome of surgical procedures. The incision scars from breast augmentation may vary in size and visibility depending on the chosen incision location and the individual’s healing process. Some people are more prone to developing hypertrophic or keloid scars. 
• Anesthesia Risks: General anesthesia, which is commonly used for breast augmentation, has some inherent risks, such as allergic reactions, respiratory issues, and adverse reactions to medications. 
• Asymmetry or Dissatisfaction with Results: While surgeons strive for symmetrical and satisfactory outcomes, some patients may feel dissatisfied with the size, shape, and appearance of the breasts after augmentation. 
• Breastfeeding Problems: In some patients, breast augmentation surgery may affect the ability to breastfeed, especially in cases with periareolar incisions. 
• DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis) & PE (Pulmonary Embolism): Though these complications are rare, the surgery can increase the risk of developing blood clots that can travel to the lungs and lead to life-threatening complications. 

The surgeon usually takes the necessary measures to prevent these complications from arising. If the patient notices any sign of post-op complications, it is advised to consult the doctor as soon as possible.

Benefits of Breast Augmentation Surgery

Breast augmentation offers several benefits, both cosmetic and psychological, for individuals who choose to undergo the procedure. Some of the key benefits of breast augmentation include:

• Enhanced Breast Size and Shape: Breast augmentation surgery allows individuals with naturally small and asymmetrical breasts to achieve a more balanced and proportionate breast size. 
• Improved Body Proportions & Self-Esteem: For many individuals, breast augmentation can create better overall body proportions and enhances the curves and contours of their figure. This often results in a boost in self-esteem and confidence, as they feel more comfortable with their appearance. 
• Long-lasting Results- The procedure has very long-lasting results, i.e., around 10 to 20 years. Most of the implants have longer durability, which means that the new appearance of the breasts will be the same for a long time. 
• Improved Breast Symmetry- During breast augmentation, the surgeon often chooses the implants that will make the breasts symmetrical. 
• Restore Perkiness After Multiple Pregnancies- Most women tend to lose volume after multiple pregnancies. Breast augmentation helps to restore fullness, thereby making the breasts look much better. 
• New Wardrobe Options- With the new shape and size of the breasts after augmentation, you can try clothes with new styles. 
• Younger Appearance- Age is one of the major factors due to which volume in the breasts is lost. Breast augmentation fixes that and makes the breasts look fuller and younger.
• Restore Breasts After Mastectomy- A breast augmentation can be done for cosmetic and reconstructive reasons. So, if a woman had her breasts removed due to some reason, augmentation can restore the breasts.

Recovery & Results After Breast Augmentation Surgery

The results of breast augmentation surgery are visible right after the procedure. But there may be significant bruising and swelling around the area which may take several weeks to subside. Thus, the patient won’t be able to see the results clearly until then. Generally, the recovery will take around 4 to 6 weeks, but the breast implants will take some additional time to settle. Due to this, the patient may need to see the final results within 6 to 8 weeks after breast augmentation.

The recovery timeline will be as below: 

• In the first few days, the patient will experience soreness and tightness in the breasts due to bruising and swelling. The patient will be advised to take complete rest and limit physical movements. 
• The pain and discomfort will become mild in the first week, and the patient can resume normal activities. The doctor will recommend wearing the support bra 24×7 and gently massage the breasts to relax the muscles and promote healing. 
• Within 2-4 weeks, there will be minimal to no pain in the treated area. The patient needs to continue wearing the support bra and refrain from strenuous activities. The stitches will be removed in the 2nd week, and the pain medications will be adjusted accordingly. 
• Most patients fully recover within 4 to 6 weeks after surgery, and the bruising and swelling also disappear. The breasts will start to look and feel more natural.

In the upcoming weeks, the scar will also start to fade away, and the breasts will settle into their new shape and size. Throughout the recovery period, it’s important for the patients to stay in touch with the surgeon and clear all their doubts and concerns regarding physical activities, diet, and lifestyle.

Dos & Don’t After Breast Augmentation

To achieve the desired results from breast augmentation, the patients will have to follow the surgeon’s instructions strictly for a smooth and optimal recovery. Some common instructions regardings dos and don’ts after the surgery are given below:

• Always lie on the back while sleeping and avoid turning. 
• Do use pillows to keep the upper body elevated in the first week, or sleep on a comfortable recliner.  
• Do eat a healthy diet enriched with vitamins, fiber, nutrients, and protein to promote the healing process. 
• Do take the prescribed medication on time to minimize the chances of post-surgery complications.
• Do consult the plastic surgeon if the patient feels or notices any odd symptoms during the recovery period.
• Wear a compression bra for at least 2-3 weeks post-breast augmentation to support the breasts. 
• Don’t smoke or consume alcohol during the recovery period, as it compromises the body’s healing abilities. 
• Do not remove or change the bandages unless recommended by the plastic surgeon.
• Do not take a hot water bath or soak the body in hot water, as it can complicate the post-surgery recovery. 
• Avoid doing strenuous activities for at least 4-6 weeks post-surgery. 
• Do not indulge in sexual activity for 3 weeks, at least after breast augmentation surgery.

Other Options to Increase the Breast Size

Some other non-surgical options that you can consider to increase the breast size include the following-

• Breast Exercise- By targeting the pectoral muscles, you will get firm and perkier breasts that will give the appearance of fuller breasts. 
• Eat Foods That Affect the Breasts- There are some food items that are known to have phytoestrogen or plant estrogen. The estrogen hormone is responsible for the development of breasts. Increasing its intake will certainly improve the size of the breasts. Such food items are cashew, fennel, brown rice, white wine, oats, cucumber, green tea, carrots, plum, fenugreek, etc. Vitamin C will also help to make your breasts look bigger. 
• Breast Massage- Massaging can also help to increase breast size by improving blood circulation in the chest region. Fenugreek oil is the best for massage.
• Wear the Right Size of Bra- Wearing the right bra will ensure that your breasts stay in shape and don’t sag. You can also try wearing push-up bras that will make the breasts appear larger than they actually are.

Case Study

Mrs. Stuti Sharma(name changed) contacted us to get a breast augmentation procedure and booked an appointment with Dr. Devidutta Mohanty. She went for a consultation and had a thorough discussion about the procedure. The doctor also recommended some tests to ensure that Mrs. Stuti was completely healthy for the procedure.

In the following consultation, Dr. Devidutta Mohanty evaluated the results of the diagnostic tests and determined the peri-areolar technique for the breast augmentation procedure. He scheduled the surgery after twelve days and gave some guidelines to get prepare for the surgery. The surgery took place as scheduled. The entire procedure took around 2 hours to complete. 

Once the surgery was finished, she was shifted to the recovery room and kept under observation, where all her vitals were monitored thoroughly by the doctor. Mrs. Stuti was discharged on the same day. Her follow-up consultation was scheduled a week later. She showed substantial recovery. After a month, she came again for the follow-up consultation and said that she felt satisfied with the increased size after breast augmentation surgery.

Breast Augmentation/Implant Cost In India

On average, breast augmentation surgery cost in India is around Rs. 1,00,000 to Rs. 1,50,000. It is an estimated cost range that varies from one patient to another due to various factors, such as:

• The surgeon’s experience and expertise.
• The choice of the surgical center and its reputation and facilities offered. 
• The city or location where the patient is getting the treatment.
• The technique used- fat grafting or breast implant.
• Type, quality, and brand of breast implants, if any. 
• Hospital-related expenses.
• Pre and post-operative care and consultations. 
• Diagnostic tests and evaluations, if any. 

While making the decision to undergo breast augmentation surgery, it’s important that the individual prioritizes the quality of care and the surgeon’s experience instead of the cost of surgery to get the best results. 

Is Breast Augmentation Covered Under Insurance?

Breast augmentation surgery is typically considered an elective cosmetic procedure, and insurance companies don’t offer coverage for cosmetic surgeries. Thus, it’s not covered by health insurance when the surgery is solely performed for aesthetic purposes and does not address any medical concern.

However, there are certain scenarios where breast augmentation surgery is eligible for insurance coverage, such as:

• If breast augmentation is being performed to reconstruct breasts after mastectomy. 
• If the breasts are significantly asymmetrical and surgery is required to correct the functional problems and physical discomfort.

It’s essential for patients to review their insurance policy and talk to their insurance provider to understand the coverage for breast augmentation surgery.

Difference Between Breast Augmentation & Breast Implant Surgery

Breast augmentation and breast implants are related procedures used synchronously for cosmetic breast enhancement, but there are several differences between the two- 

• Breast Augmentation Surgery: It refers to the surgical procedure aimed at enhancing the size, shape, and volume of the breasts. The surgery helps to achieve a fuller and more proportionate breast. The augmentation can be done through the use of breast implants or fat transfer (where the patient’s own fat is harvested from other areas and injected into the breasts). It can increase breast size, correct symmetry, or restore breast volume. 
• Breast Implant Surgery: These are medical devices used to augment the size or restore volume to the breasts. They are inserted into the breast pocket directly to give the desired effect to the patients. Breast implants come in various shapes, sizes, and materials. Two of the most common types are saline-filled implants and silicone gel-filled implants. 

In summary, breast augmentation is a broader term that encompasses various techniques that are used to enhance the appearance of the breasts, including breast implants. 

Non-Surgical Breast Augmentation Techniques

There are numerous non-surgical methods available to increase breast size, including diet, exercise, creams, pills, supplements, etc. These non-surgical breast augmentation methods may or may not work for all individuals. Therefore, before trying the below-discussed methods, it’ll be best to talk to a healthcare professional to ensure they are safe and suitable. 

Increase Breast Size With Foods 

There are numerous foods available that can be helpful to augment breast size naturally. Diet plays a major role in elevating the estrogen levels in the body, which results in the growth of breast tissues. Some common foods that are high in estrogen are given below:

• Soy Products: Soy milk and soya bean are two excellent sources of isoflavones that imitate the behavior of the estrogen hormone. Using these products on a regular basis may help the breasts to grow. 
• Fenugreek Seeds: These seeds are rich in phytoestrogen and help in promoting the growth of mammary glands. However, they may or may not work for an individual. Add one teaspoon of fenugreek seeds to the daily diet and use fenugreek oil to massage the breasts. 
• Fennel Seeds: These seeds contain phytoestrogen and natural plant hormones like flavonoids. These hormones, combined with certain molecules, such as estragole, anethole, and fenchone, can help to develop breast tissues and may also increase milk secretion by the glands. 
• Milk: All dairy products are rich in reproductive hormones (estrogen, prolactin, and progesterone) that are essential for breast growth. Drink at least one glass of cow milk every day to aid in breast growth. 
• Fruits & Nuts: Include estrogen-rich foods like papaya, bananas, cherries, pomegranates, apples, watermelons, etc., and nuts, including walnuts, cashews, peanuts, pistachios, and pecans, etc., in the diet. Increase their intake to enhance the shape and volume of the breasts. 
• Chicken and Seafood: Both chicken and seafood, like prawns, oysters, shellfish, etc., have high levels of manganese, and they trigger the female sex hormone- estrogen that contributes to breast growth. 

Exercises to Increase Breast Size

Exercise doesn’t have a direct impact on breast size. They only affect the pectoral muscles which make the breasts appear larger and firmer. Some common exercises to enhance the breast shape and size naturally are:

• Bench Press: It is an effective exercise to tone the pectoral muscles and push them forward to enhance overall chest size. To perform this exercise, lie on the bench facing the ceiling and ensure that the hips, spine, and neck are aligned with the bench. Lift the weight by stretching the arms and bringing them down to the chin level without touching the body. Raise the weight and repeat the exercises 2-3 times with 5-10 rounds each. 
• Tug & Pull: This exercise stretches the chest muscles and strengthens them to create a lifted effect. Various stretching equipment is available to do this exercise. If the equipment is not available, do it manually. Put one leg in front of the other while keeping the spine straight and chin locked. Use arms to create a tug-and-pull effect on the body and repeat again with the other leg in the front. 
• Push-ups: Many people are unaware of this, but push-ups can be very beneficial in improving the breast shape and increasing the size. To do push-ups, lie on the stomach and place the palms on the ground next to the shoulder. Keep the toes on the ground and slowly push the body up while keeping the knees straight. 
• Butterfly Press: This exercise specifically targets the pectoral muscles and gives them a push. It can be done easily with proper gym equipment. If gym equipment is not available, only a pair of dumbbells are needed. To do a butterfly press, sit on a chair and keep the back straight. Lift the dumbbells, keep them adjoined in the front, and start pulling the arms and elbows apart as far as possible while inhaling air. Then, bring the arms back to the front while exhaling. Repeat this exercise at least 15 times. 
• Arm Circles: This exercise involves synchronized movement of the arms to work on pectoral muscles. To do arm circles, stretch both arms in an outward direction and move them in small circles in a clockwise direction for a minute. Repeat the same movements in an anti-clockwise direction. Do at least 2 or 3 sets of this exercise to get visible results.

Remember that exercises alone will not do the trick, and the individual will have to combine exercises with a healthy diet rich in estrogen to increase breast size. And even after that, there are still possibilities that the individual may not get the desired results. 

Supplements, Pills, & Cream to Increase Breast Size

There are numerous supplements, creams, and pills available in the market and online platforms that claim to provide bigger breasts size to women. These pills and supplements claim to contain herbs that boost estrogen levels and increase breast size. Some common products available for use are:

• Total Curve Breast Enhancement Therapy Cream and Pills 
• Naturaful Breast Enhancement Cream
• VLCC Breast Enlargement Cream 
• Pro Breast Plus Breast Enhancement Cream and Pills 
• Breast Actives Cream and Pills 
• BustMaxx- Vegan Breast Enlargement Pills 

It should be noted that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) hasn’t approved any breast enhancement or augmentation product. Furthermore, the safety and effectiveness of these products are also questionable. An individual should consult a medical professional before trying out these products as they can sometimes lead to negative effects, such as headaches, indigestion, vaginal bleeding, breast tenderness, bloating, etc.

Home Remedies for Breast Augmentation

Some methods to try for breast augmentation at home include the following: 

• Yoga: Certain yoga poses, such as Bhujangasana, Ustrasana, and Dwikonasana, can be tried at home to see if they help to augment the breast size. Though there are no significant evidence available that these yoga poses will work, they are worth a try. 
• Massage: Common home remedies also include using flaxseed oil, fennel oil, olive oil, and breast enlargement creams to massage the breasts and increase their size. It is suggested that individuals can massage the oil or cream 10 times a day for 5-10 minutes each to see visible results. The effectiveness of massage for breast augmentation is somewhat unproven till now.
• Push-up Bra: A push-up bra lifts and supports the breast tissues, making them appear larger and bigger. If a proper push-up bra is used, it can certainly enhance the appearance of the breasts through clothing. However, it will have no impact on the actual size of the breasts.