When breast augmentation, particularly breast implants, are referenced, many people envision oversized, unnatural-looking results that were once the primary goal of these procedures. Today, breast augmentation is undergoing a major paradigm shift, focusing on more natural results. According to Dr. Chris Surek of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, a Division of U.S. Dermatology Partners, “In the past, breast augmentation was often obvious, and some women felt self-conscious about the exaggerated results. It’s not surprising to me that many of my patients interested in breast augmentation today have started leaning towards options with more natural profiles and shapes. The latest developments and trends in this common cosmetic surgery procedure are all about delivering results that look and feel natural.” In this blog, Dr. Surek answers some of the common questions about this procedure, including what is a natural breast augmentation, what results can I expect, and how long is the recovery?

What Is Natural Breast Augmentation?

Dr. Surek says, “Simply put, natural breast augmentation is a breast enhancement with the goal of creating a more natural result compared with traditional breast implant procedures that delivered the same round shape, large size, high profile results for every patient. Natural breast augmentation strives to achieve symmetry and a seamless final look.” Some of the key factors in natural breast augmentation include:

• Choosing an implant size or fat transfer volume to fit your profile and frame.
• Carefully selecting correct volume and projection implants to achieve a natural breast slope.
• Using fat transfer or silicone gel implants for an even more subtle and natural look and feel.

Most patients who choose natural breast augmentation fit into one of the following categories:

• Mothers who want to restore volume loss from pregnancy and breast feeding.
• Patients with significant weight loss who want to replace lost tissue and improve shape and profile.
• Those who want a subtle size increase that’s proportional to their natural body shape while offering a more feminine profile.
• Women who want to correct asymmetry in size or shape.
• Those who struggle with confidence, finding clothes that fit well, or generally want a subtle cosmetic enhancement to look and feel their best.

Key Trends in Natural Augmentation

While breast augmentation has been around for some time, there are some current trends that highlight the movement toward natural augmentation, including:

• Smaller implants – some people are opting for a more subtle ½ cup to 1 cup change in size, using implants and fat transfer. In addition to maintaining a natural look, a smaller implant also reduces risk for implant complications like rippling.
• Fat transfer – more people are opting for natural fat transfer over implants.
• Silicone gel implants – unlike saline implants, silicone gel implants are very close to the natural texture and feel of breasts. They are smooth and durable, reducing risk for negative aesthetic results like rippling or bumps.

Implant Shapes and Profiles for Natural Results

Once the patient chooses breast implant surgery their surgeon should talk through the shape and profile options that will deliver the most natural-looking breast augmentation results. The two most common shapes, teardrop and round, are described below as well as profile and placement factors to consider.

Teardrop-Shaped (Anatomical) Implants

• Most closely resemble anatomical breast slope.
• The majority of fullness added at the bottom of the breast.
• Most subtle and realistic enhancement.

Round Implants

• Still retain natural appearance if the size is proportional to the profile.
• Fullness added at the top of the breast.
• Chosen by those who have a naturally higher breast line.

Profiles & Placement

• Profile – the breast profile ranges from low to high, but moderate creates the most natural result for most patients.
• Placement – either above (subglandular) or below (submuscular) the muscles. Both techniques have pro’s and con’s which will be discussed in detail during consultation

Importance of Proportion and Personalization

When it comes to what it means to deliver natural results, Dr. Surek says, “There are two main factors to consider in creating a natural look. Proportionality and personalization. Essentially, one woman’s natural breast augmentation surgery isn’t going to be like any other’s. During the planning phases of treatment, I review the options with patients and explain how different sizes, shapes, and profiles change their appearance. I work as a partner with my patients to find the ideal solution.” Some additional personalization factors patients should discuss with their plastic surgeon include:

• Skin elasticity and health – this plays an important role in healing as well as the final appearance after breast augmentation.
• Symmetry – ensuring that breasts are symmetrical to each other and maintain balance within the body shape.
• Chest width – this plays an important role in determining the implant size and fat transfer volume needed to achieve the desired results.
• Goals – the individual’s desired results are always taken into consideration before recommending a treatment option.

What to Expect from Surgery & Recovery

Every breast augmentation surgery should be customized to the unique needs and specifications of the individual’s treatment plan. During the consultation visit, your surgeon will walk through exactly what will take place during and after your procedure. However, the basic procedure steps and recovery timeline are outlined below for information purposes.

Procedure Overview

• Natural breast augmentation is usually performed as an outpatient procedure, meaning you go home the same day as your surgery.
• General anesthesia is used to ensure comfort, so make sure you tell your surgeon about any past issues you had with anesthesia and have someone to drive you to and from your surgery.
• Procedures can take anywhere from one to three hours, depending on individual specifications and desired outcomes.

Recovery Timeline

• Week 1 – get plenty of rest as swelling and soreness subside. Heavy lifting restriction.
• Weeks 2-3 – resume light activity. Most people are able to return to work.
• Weeks 4-6 – after surgeon clearance, can resume exercise and more strenuous activity.
• 3-6 months – breasts settle into their final shape.

Final Results

• Implants – initial fullness visible after four to six weeks with final results between four and six months after surgery as augmented breasts settle. This is sometimes called a drop and fluff.

Is Natural Breast Augmentation Right for You?

According to Dr. Surek, “If you’re looking for subtle, proportional breast enhancement or restoration of lost volume, natural breast augmentation may be your ideal solution. It’s essential that you discuss your desired results with your cosmetic surgeon to set realistic expectations and go over any potential contraindications for surgery.” Before your consultation, get prepared by noting some questions you should ask your plastic surgeon, including:

• Which implant profile and shape would look most natural for my body type?
• What is your experience with natural breast augmentation, and can I see some of your past work?
• What should I expect during recovery?

Schedule a Plastic Surgery Consultation

Considering natural breast augmentation or any other plastic and reconstructive surgery procedure is a big step that shouldn’t be taken lightly. During a plastic surgery consultation with a board-certified aesthetic plastic surgeon, you can ask questions, get treatment recommendations, and develop a personalized plastic surgery plan that delivers the final look you want. To get started working with Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, take a few moments to request a consultation.