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What Is Breast Augmentation?

Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure that increases breast size and improves shape using implants or, in some cases, a patient's own fat. At SVIA® Plastic Surgery, Dr. Jerome Liu and Dr. Tom Liu perform breast augmentation to restore volume lost after pregnancy or weight changes, improve breast symmetry, or help patients achieve a fuller silhouette that fits their goals.

During surgery, an implant is placed either above or below the chest muscle through a small incision, most often along the fold beneath the breast. The choice of placement and implant type is tailored to each patient's anatomy, lifestyle, and desired outcome, which is why a thorough consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon is the first step for anyone considering breast augmentation in San Mateo or the greater Bay Area.

What to expect: most patients go home the same day, wear a supportive garment for the first few weeks, and return to non-strenuous activity within 1 to 10 days. Final results settle in as swelling resolves, typically over two to three months.

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), breast augmentation was the second most-performed cosmetic surgical procedure in the United States in 2024, with 306,196 procedures, behind only liposuction. Its enduring popularity reflects both advances in implant technology and growing comfort among patients in openly discussing their aesthetic goals with a trusted surgeon.

Who is an ideal Candidate for Breast Augmentation in San Francisco?

Ideal candidates for breast augmentation in San Francisco are healthy individuals who:

  • Want to improve the size, shape, or symmetry of their breasts
  • Have realistic expectations about what breast augmentation can achieve
  • Are in good overall health and able to safely undergo surgery
  • Are comfortable with the potential risks, recovery, and long-term considerations of breast implants

Before & After Breast Augmentation

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How Surgeons Determine Your Ideal Implant Size

Rather than relying on bra cup size, which varies significantly by brand and doesn't translate to a standardized measurement, plastic surgeons size breast implants in cubic centimeters (cc), a precise unit of volume. This allows Dr. Liu and Dr. Tom Liu to plan augmentation results with far more accuracy than a cup-size conversation alone would allow.

Several factors shape the final recommendation:

  • Chest wall width and existing breast tissue, which determine how much implant volume a patient's frame can accommodate naturally
  • Implant profile (low, moderate, or high), which changes how much the breast projects forward at a given volume
  • Patient goals, informed by photos reviewed together during consultation so surgeon and patient are aligned on the desired look

At SVIA®, sizing conversations are supported by VECTRA 3D imaging, in-office implant samples, and our before-and-after photo gallery — giving patients multiple ways to visualize their results before choosing a size with their surgeon's guidance.

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Why Choose Bay Area Aesthetic Surgery for Breast Augmentation in San Francisco?

When it comes to any type of cosmetic procedure, choosing the right surgeon can mean the difference between a good result and an extraordinary one. Dr. Liu and the SVIA® team are passionate about improving the female profile and have distinguished themselves in breast surgery, as evidenced by their thousands of happy clients in the San Mateo and San Francisco areas and beyond. They are efficient and use minimally invasive techniques that ensure the least amount of scarring and downtime without sacrificing stunning results. Our team’s conservative approach ensures that nipple sensation and breast sensitivity are preserved during breast augmentation.

What to Expect During Your Breast Augmentation Consultation

Getting started with a breast augmentation in San Jose is easy. The team will meet with you privately in the Bay Area offices to discuss your exciting options for breast enhancement in detail. This is a great opportunity to voice any concerns or anxieties you may be experiencing, and to better visualize your outcomes. Remember that to us, there is no “dumb question.” We value patient education and aim to ensure each client is armed with a wealth of knowledge before they make a decision to move forward.

During the consultation, the doctor will examine your breasts, your medical history, and go over your previous cosmetic procedures. It’s important to fully disclose all medications you may be taking, along with any serious health issues or allergies, as these can affect your experience during and after surgery.

A Safe, Accredited Setting for Breast Augmentation 

Established in 1996, the San Mateo Surgery Center offers state-of-the-art outpatient facilities in an accredited and technologically advanced setting known for its serenity and privacy. Clients receive the highest standards of safety and care, just as they would at a local hospital. We work with an experienced team of vetted RNs and medical assistants, all of whom are dedicated to supplying you with a safe, productive and successful surgical experience.

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The Breast Augmentation Procedure

Breast enlargement creates larger breasts and improved breast shape with breast implants. Breast implants are medical-grade devices that have an outer silicone shell, the surface of which can be smooth or textured. Their shape can be round or shaped. They contain either silicone or saline fill material. A new type of cohesive silicone implant, sometimes called "gummy bear implants," contains denser silicone gel.

Silicone vs. Saline Implants

There is no single "better" implant material; the right choice depends on a patient's anatomy, priorities, and how they want their results to look and feel over time. Here's how silicone and saline compare on the factors patients ask about most:

Factor Silicone Gel Saline
Minimum age (FDA) 22 years old for breast augmentation 18 years old
Feel Denser, more closely mimics natural breast tissue Firmer, may show more rippling in thin-skinned patients
If it ruptures Often a "silent rupture" — gel typically stays contained within the surrounding scar tissue and may not be immediately noticeable Implant deflates visibly within hours to days as the saline is safely absorbed by the body
Monitoring The FDA recommends periodic MRI or ultrasound screening to check for silent rupture Deflation is self-evident, so routine imaging for rupture isn't required in the same way
Longevity Breast implants of either type are not considered lifetime devices — most patients can expect years of good performance, but replacement needs vary by individual and should be discussed at routine follow-up visits Same as silicone: individualized, not a fixed timeline

According to the FDA, silicone gel implants are available to patients 22 and older, while saline implants are available starting at 18. Mayo Clinic notes that patients with silicone implants are generally advised to begin MRI or ultrasound screening five to six years after surgery, and periodically thereafter, since silicone rupture doesn't always produce noticeable symptoms. ASPS confirms that a ruptured saline implant deflates quickly and the saline is harmlessly absorbed by surrounding tissue.

Dr. Jerome Liu and Dr. Tom Liu walk every patient through these tradeoffs at consultation using TouchMD's interactive displays, so patients can see and feel implant samples before deciding what's right for them.

Types of Breast Implant Incisions and Placement Options

Incisions can be located around the nipple (periareolar), in the armpit (axillary) or in the fold beneath the breast (inframammary).

Periareolar incision

Here the doctor makes his incision surrounding the areola, which will conceal any scarring in its dark pigment. When performing breast augmentation in combination with mastoplexy, a periareolar incision is the most common choice.

Transaxillary incision

In this case, the surgeon will create a small incision hidden in the folds under the arm. Once he has formed a pocket, he will then slide the breast implant through the armpit incision where it is snugly cradled within the capsule.

Inframammary incision

Forming the incisions in the inframammary folds, also known more familiarly as the breast creases, offers the advantage of mostly invisible scars post-op. These 3-5 cm long incisions provide the doctor with the easiest path to proper implant placement and adjustment.

Subglandular Placement

The implant is placed above the pectoralis muscles but underneath the breast tissue. Recovery is hastened and discomfort minimized with this choice.

Submuscular Placement

A surgeon will often select this method – placing the implants below the pectoralis muscles – to reduce the likelihood of the implant shifting or rippling, and lower the risk of capsular contracture (hardening around the implant pocket).

Recovery

After your breast augmentation surgery, you will be sent home wearing a support bra. Our team will release you into the care of a friend, spouse, or another responsible adult who you have designated ahead of time and who can stay with you for the following 24 hours.

You may feel some mild discomfort, for which we will recommend oral pain medication to alleviate discomfort. You’ll likely be up and moving around the evening of your surgery.

While you should walk around, our team will inform you of activities and exertion you should avoid, such as heavy lifting. The day after you receive arguably the best breast augmentation San Francisco offers, you'll return to our office for a follow-up visit. Sutures will typically be removed two weeks postoperatively.

You should be able to return to work or school within one week, and after four to six weeks, you should be able to resume exercise routines. We will ensure you fully know your post-operative instructions to enjoy a safe recovery and great results.

What Is the RNR® Breast Augmentation Recovery Approach?

Quickly returning to your routine is one of the most common recovery goals for breast augmentation recipients. In response, the Silicon Valley Institute for Aesthetics has pioneered a recovery approach that enhances the process and foregoes the need for narcotics pain medications, thanks to our signature RNR® Procedures.

Our RNR® Procedures provide the following benefits:

  • Accelerated aftercare process
  • Minimal use of opiates
  • Use of gentle medications
  • No restrictions on movement
  • No need for special dressings, bras, or drains
  • Use of nerve blockage for enhanced comfort
  • Ability to shower within 24 hours of your procedure
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Financing

We are aware that securing the proper financing is an important part of any procedure. Insurance does not typically cover breast augmentation treatment sought out for cosmetic reasons, although if a patient is undergoing the procedure due to reconstruction after breast cancer, there may be exceptions. Please check with your healthcare provider. In the meantime, our friendly patient coordinator will work with you to figure out the best payment options for your needs.

Some of the lending companies we work with include:

  • Prosper Healthcare Lending
  • CareCredit
  • United Medical Credit

Breast Augmentation FAQ

What Is the Difference Between Breast Augmentation and a Breast Lift With Implants?

Is breast augmentation part of a Mommy Makeover?

Can I combine breast augmentation with liposuction?

What are my options if I want smaller, perkier breasts instead?

What Is the Difference Between Breast Augmentation and a Breast Lift With Implants?

Breast augmentation alone adds volume; it does not reposition breast tissue that has begun to sag. A breast lift with implants (augmentation-mastopexy) is needed when sagging, or ptosis, accompanies a desire for more volume.

Dr. Liu and Dr. Tom Liu evaluate two clinical signs during consultation to determine which procedure fits a patient's anatomy:

  • Nipple position relative to the inframammary fold (IMF). If the nipple sits at or below the IMF, augmentation alone will not correct the position, and a lift is typically recommended alongside implants.
  • Degree of ptosis. Mild ptosis, where the nipple sits close to but above the fold with minimal loose skin, can sometimes be addressed with implants alone by adding fullness that fills out the skin envelope. Moderate to severe ptosis, where breast tissue and the nipple hang well below the fold, generally requires the additional lifting and tissue repositioning of a mastopexy.

Patients who are unsure which category applies to them can review our dedicated Breast Augmentation with Lift page or bring reference photos to their consultation so their SVIA® surgeon can map the right combination of procedures to their goals.

Is breast augmentation part of a Mommy Makeover?

Yes, breast augmentation is often included in a customized Mommy Makeover plan. This combination procedure is designed to restore your pre-pregnancy body and may include tummy tuck, liposuction, and breast procedures. Your surgeon will tailor the plan based on your goals and anatomy.

Can I combine breast augmentation with liposuction?

Absolutely. Many patients choose to combine breast augmentation with liposuction to achieve more balanced, contoured results. This approach can help enhance overall proportions and reduce recovery time by addressing multiple areas in a single surgery.

What are my options if I want smaller, perkier breasts instead?

If you're seeking a smaller, lifted appearance instead of enhanced volume, a breast reduction may be a better fit. This procedure removes excess tissue and reshapes the breast, often including a lift for a youthful contour.

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