(925) 875-0700 Consultation

Breast Augmentation Serving Oakland & The San Francisco Bay Area

Breast augmentation, or augmentation mammoplasty, sometimes also called a "boob job" or an "aug", is a cosmetic surgical enhancement procedure to increase the size and improve the shape of a woman's breasts.

Breast augmentation can be done with implants (most common) or, for patients wanting a smaller change, with fat transfer. Breast augmentation can also be coupled with a breast lift as well as an areola reduction if that is desired.

Board-certified San Francisco plastic surgeons Dr. Steven Williams and Dr. Shreyas Makwana provide individualized breast augmentation consultations and can help you decide if it's the right breast surgery for you.

What is Breast Augmentation Surgery?

Breast augmentation is the surgical enhancement of breast volume via the use of implants or fat grafting, and may also be combined with other procedures to adjust the breasts’ or areolas’ size, shape, or placement. Breast augmentation is often performed in conjunction with a breast lift or an areola reduction.

Varying augmentation methods and related procedures make breast augmentation a versatile and customizable plastic surgery option for patients who have a clear vision of their ideal breast shape, size, and overall look. At Tri Valley Plastic Surgery, we see breast augmentation as an investment in yourself. While luxury items like shoes and handbags may excite for a while and then wind up in the closet, an investment in your body is one that augments your self-confidence and your look, no matter what you wear.

Request A Free Consultation arrow right icon
Breast Augmentation Patient

Benefits ofBreast Augmentation

Breast augmentation can offer different benefits for different people. For some, an increase in cup size can mean the realization of a goal that they have had for years. For others, the decision to undergo breast augmentation surgery can be derived from changes in breast size or shape due to age, weight loss, the removal of breast tissue due to breast cancer, or pregnancy.

Depending on your reasons for pursuing breast enhancement, this procedure can boost self-esteem, increase feelings of youthfulness and sexiness, or even offer professional and social benefits. Dr. Steven Williams is the Bay Area’s premier plastic surgeon for breast augmentation and sculpting. He and his expert team of medical professionals understand that an investment in self-improvement pays dividends every day, and are dedicated to delivering the best breast augmentation Oakland and the surrounding Bay area can offer, through exquisite results and exceptional care.

Breast Augmentation Patient

Is Breast Augmentation Right for You?

Breast augmentation, or augmentation mammoplasty, is a cosmetic surgical enhancement procedure to increase the size and improve the shape of a woman's breasts. Breast augmentation can be done with implants (most common) or, for patients wanting a smaller change, with fat transfer. For many of our patients in San Francisco and Oakland breast augmentation can also be coupled with a breast lift and areola reduction if that is desired. During the procedure, your physician will place a saline or a silicone implant behind the natural breast tissue and usually under the muscle to enhance breast size and shape.

Before & After arrow right icon

Breast Augmentation Patient

Preparing for Breast Augmentation Surgery

Once you have met with Dr. Steven Williams or Dr. Shreyas Makwana and made all of the necessary decisions involved in breast augmentation, your surgery will be scheduled. You may have to make adjustments to prepare, such as changes or temporary discontinuation of certain medications or habits; like quitting smoking. Our providers will discuss all necessary changes with you, as well as any other pre-op instructions.

What to Expect from Tri Valley Plastic Surgery

Breast Augmentation Procedure

- also called "boob job" or "aug"

Goal: Increase breast fullness and projection and shape


Length of Surgery 2-3 hours
Inpatient / Outpatient Outpatient
Anesthesia Usually General
Duration of Results Long lasting. Weight loss/gain, pregnancy, and age may reduce surgical results over time
Dr. Steven Williams - Oakland Plastic Surgeon

Breast Augmentation Tri Valley Plastic Surgery

Our providers Dr. Steven Williams and Dr. Shreyas Makwana are board-certified plastic surgeons and experts at breast sculpting. If you would like to learn more about all available breast augmentation options available at Tri Valley Plastic Surgery Oakland, please contact us during regular hours to schedule your consultation.

American Society of Plastic Surgeons American Board of Plastic Surgery Medical Board of California Dartmouth Vox Clamantis In Deserto The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, Inc Yale Universerty School of Medicine
American Society of Plastic Surgeons American Board of Plastic Surgery Sate of California Department of Consumer Affairs Medical Board of California logo Dartmouth Vox Clamantis In Deserto The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, Inc Yale Universerty School of Medicine American Society of Plastic Surgeons American Board of Plastic Surgery Medical Board of California Dartmouth Vox Clamantis In Deserto The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, Inc Yale Universerty School of Medicine
woman by the water, with hat over her face

Choosing an Implant Size

Doctors Speak in Volume

The first thing you should know when choosing an implant size is that doctors don't speak in cup size, they speak in volume. You may imagine that you are interested in a "full C" size cup, but depending on the measurements of your chest and the skin available, you and your doctor will need to decide how many cc's of implant volume you see need to accomplish.

Keep Your Lifestyle in Mind

If you are an athlete, having larger breasts might make exercising more difficult for you. Make sure you keep your lifestyle in mind when conversing with your physician regarding size.

Bring in an Image

The best way to show your doctor what you want is by bringing in a photo. An even better way is to bring in a picture of one of your physician's past patients. To see Tri Valley Plastic Surgery previous patients, visit our Before & After gallery.

Breast Augmentation Patient
Breast Augmentation Patient
Realself Top 100 Realself Hall of Fame Realself Verified Realself Patients Choice Realself Advisory Board
Realself Top 100 Realself Hall of Fame Realself Verified Realself Patients Choice Realself Advisory Board Realself Top 100 Realself Hall of Fame Realself Verified Realself Patients Choice Realself Advisory Board

Types of Implants

Silicone or Saline?

Silicone implants are filled with silicone gel while saline implants are filled with sterile salt water. They feel slightly different and typically, patients have a preference for which one they prefer.

Smooth or Textured?

Smooth implants are designed to be slightly mobile in the breast pocket allowing for more natural movement while textured implants are designed to develop scar tissue which keeps the implant in place.

Teardrop or Round?

Teardrop implants are designed to look more like a natural breast while round implants can be made to look natural or less-natural depending on profile. It should be noted that teardrop implants aren't used as frequently due to their tendency to rotate in the breast pocket.

Which profile?

By profile, we mean the projection of the implant. You might hear your physician talk about high profile, moderate profile and low profile implants. We have examples of all types in the office and are happy to help you make your decision.

Breast Augmentation Patient

Fat Grafting is a Modern Technique

Breast augmentation using fat grafting is a modern technique in which a plastic surgeon harvests unwanted fat from a part of your body and then uses it to replenish fullness in the breasts.

This method can be used in cases where the patient is striving for a less dramatic change in the shape and size of the breasts. If a more dramatic change is preferred, breast augmentation with implants may be a more effective option. While breast augmentation performed with fat grafting does not offer the same dramatic results as breast augmentation with implants, it does offer its own distinct set of benefits.

In addition to looking and feeling natural, breast augmentation with fat grafting is less invasive than implant surgery, presents a lower risk of complication, reduces body fat where it’s unwanted, and offers permanent results. It can also be combined with other procedures such as a breast lift or areola reduction.

Recovery

Breast augmentation recovery varies depending on the enhancement method, implant placement, incorporation of additional procedures, and healing speed of each patient, though full results for all methods are visible after about 6 months.

Recovery after implant breast augmentation typically takes approximately 6 weeks, with most patients returning to work after the first week. Soreness and swelling can be expected, and prescription pain medication is likely to be necessary for the first 3 to 5 days. Mild activity should be resumed after the first week. Most patients can return to all activities within 2 months of their breast augmentation.

Recovery following breast augmentation with fat grafting is less significant than recovery from implant surgery. Recovery takes 1 to 3 days, though some swelling and soreness may be present for several weeks following surgery. It is important to note that each patient’s healing process is specific to them, and that healing times may vary. Dr. Steven Williams and Dr. Shreyas Makwana closely monitors each patient as they heal, provides detailed recovery instructions, and advises when regular activities may be resumed according to their recovery stage.

Breast Augmentation Patient
office reception area

Results

Full results from breast augmentation are permanent and take approximately 6 months to appear. This is the case for both implant and fat grafting augmentation surgeries. Patients should be aware that natural changes in the breasts due to age, weight gain, or pregnancy may still occur.

Tri Valley Plastic Surgery Oakland Reception

Customizing Your Breast Augmentation

While breast augmentation is an exciting prospect, it is important to take the proper steps and considerations before surgery to maximize results and benefits.

At your consultation with Dr. Steven Williams or Dr. Shreyas Makwana, you will be asked questions about the size, shape, and type of implants you would like, or what you would like to achieve with fat grafting. Factors to consider when making these decisions include lifestyle, aesthetic preferences, textural preferences, implant placement recovery, implant longevity, and personal health.

Patients who are active or athletic may want to stay under a certain size to prevent their augmented breasts from inhibiting their athleticism. It is also important to note that while implant placement behind the muscle provides the most natural-looking results and added protection, this method also requires a slightly more involved recovery. Patients who would like the most natural and subtle results might prefer fat grafting over implants, while patients who would like to achieve a more significant increase in volume are likely to be most successful with implant augmentation than with fat grafting.

Oakland Breast Augmentation Patient Model
Oakland Breast Augmentation Patient Model

More to Consider

It is important to consider your life goals for the future when deciding which method of breast augmentation is best suited to your specific needs.

Breast implants are typically replaced or removed after 10 to 15 years, often due to natural changes in the breasts such as aging or weight loss. For patients who plan on becoming pregnant, it is important to consider that breast implants may complicate breastfeeding. Patients interested in silicone breast implants should plan on regular screenings to detect implant rupture or leakage.

Also, patients with a family history of breast cancer should consider that implants may be obstructive in mammogram imaging. Knowing these factors can help you determine how to balance your aesthetic goals with your practical goals to find the right path that helps you achieve both. Dr. Williams, Dr. Shreyas Makwana and the team at Tri Valley Plastic Surgery will be on that journey with you every step of the way and can answer any questions you have about these considerations.

Frequently Asked Questions

In general, a good candidate for breast augmentation is:

  1. 18 years of age or older
  2. Not currently pregnant or nursing, and with no immediate plans to become pregnant
  3. In good physical health
  4. Psychologically stable
  5. Wanting to improve their appearance
  6. Realistic in their expectations

At Tri Valley Plastic Surgery, Dr. Williams and Dr. Makwana spend the time to make sure that each patient receives all of the information needed when considering a breast augmentation. In our offices in the San Francisco Bay Area, often we perform silicone or saline breast augmentations. Breast augmentation (mammaplasty), also known as breast enlargement or breast enhancement surgery, is used to enhance the breast contour and breast size for a female who views her current breast size as small for her frame. Breast augmentation can also be used to correct the natural loss in breast fullness which occurs following pregnancy and breast feeding, weight loss, or to balance an asymmetry in breast size.

Some of our patients seeking breast augmentation are young women who have been unhappy with their figures all of their lives, women who feel that their breasts are no longer attractive following changes in weight, changes associated with aging, or changes due to childbearing. This means a relatively wide age range of women seek this procedure for a variety of reasons.

The best candidates for breast augmentation are women with little or no sagging, and who have a reasonable amount of breast tissue with which to cover the lower part of the implant. Women who are less than ideal candidates can still get excellent results as Dr. Williams and Dr. Makwana have many techniques to help you improve your appearance.

A breast augmentation (mammoplasty), commonly known as a “boob job”, also known as breast enlargement, breast implant surgery, and breast enhancement, is a surgical procedure to reshape the breast in order to make it larger. Breast augmentation is typically performed to enlarge small breasts, underdeveloped breasts or breasts that have decreased in size after childbirth by surgically inserting an implant behind each breast.

Breast augmentation involves inserting a saline (salt-water) filled or silicone gel-filled breast implant underneath the breast and pectoralis muscle via a hidden short scar underneath each breast. The smooth round saline or silicone gel-filled breast implant permanently resides under your pectoralis major muscle.

This operation does not weaken your chest muscles, future breast feeding is still possible and nipple sensation is preserved. The incisions can be hidden in the fold between your breasts and chest, around the areola or in the armpit. Once faded, the scars are well concealed.

The procedure is performed as outpatient surgery, meaning you will go home the same day of your operation. No drains are required and only absorbable sutures are used, making recovery easier. Most patients are able to return to work within a week or less.

Dr. Steven Williams, Dr. Shreyas Makwana, and the Tri Valley Plastic Surgery team will carefully explain your breast augmentation operation with you at your initial consultation. Prior to surgery, you will be given specific instructions and information to prepare you for your procedure. This may include:

  1. Pre-surgical considerations, diagnostic testing and medications
  2. Day of surgery instructions and medications
  3. Specific information related to the use of anesthesia
  4. Post-operative care and follow-up

In addition, you will be asked to sign consent forms stating that you fully understand the procedure you are undergoing, as well as any potential risks, complications and side effects associated with breast augmentation surgery.

Your breast augmentation will be performed in an accredited ambulatory surgical hospital. We only use board certified anesthesiologists, nursing and OR staff trained in cosmetic plastic surgery.

STEP 1 – PRE-OP

The nursing staff will start an IV. Dr. Williams or Dr. Makwana will answer all last minute questions and perform pre-operative markings on your breasts and chest wall. These markings help us in the operating room.

STEP 2 – ANESTHESIA

Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedures. Most of our patients don't remember going to sleep or most of their time in the post-op recovery area. Our anesthesiologists use special tools to make sure you are asleep and safe throughout the whole procedure.

STEP 3 – THE INCISION

The most common incisions include:

  1. An inframammary incision near the crease just under the breast
  2. An auxiliary incision in the underarm area
  3. A periareolar incision placed at the edge of the areola, the pigmented skin surrounding the nipple
  4. Incision patterns vary based on the type of implant chosen, the degree of enlargement desired, and the individual patient's anatomy.
STEP 4 – IMPLANT PLACEMENT

Once the incisions are made, a pocket is created beneath the pectoral muscle and on top of the chest wall (submuscular placement). Occasionally the pocket may be modified as needed to achieve an optimal result. Dr. Williams and Dr. Makwana use special tissue sizers to find the perfect size implant at this stage in the operation.The implant is then positioned within this pocket and the incisions are closed with layered, removable sutures, surgical tape and a post-operative dressing.

STEP 5 - RESULTS

The results of breast augmentation are immediately visible. Over time, post-surgical swelling will subside and incision lines will gradually refine in appearance. Implants are typically positioned somewhat high and settle over the first few weeks. Patients see an immediate satisfaction at their results, and experience fulfillment in self-confidence and personal body image.

By making the decision to consult with our team at Tri Valley Plastic Surgery and following all the instructions given, you are taking an important step in helping to assure your safety. Dr. Williams and Dr. Makwana are certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery, a certification ensuring that your surgeon is a designated expert who is trained in the field of plastic surgery of the face and body.

BREAST AUGMENTATION SIDE EFFECTS:
  1. You may feel sick as a result of the general anesthetic.
  2. For a few weeks after surgery your breasts will feel sore, swollen and firm, and you may feel a burning sensation in your nipples or along the incisions. Using extra pillows when sleeping can help reduce the swelling around your breasts.
  3. You will have scars which will be pink and noticeable at first but should fade gradually.
BREAST AUGMENTATION COMPLICATIONS:

Possible complications of any operation include an unexpected reaction to the anesthetic, excessive bleeding or developing a blood clot, usually in a vein in the leg (deep vein thrombosis, DVT).

BREAST AUGMENTATION RISKS AND COMPLICATIONS ARE RARE, BUT CAN INCLUDE:
  1. An unevenness in size and shape, possibly caused by natural differences highlighted by the surgery.
  2. Creasing, crinkling and ripples on the skin over the breast implant (less likely with silicone implants).
  3. Infection which may need antibiotic treatment, sometimes requiring the implant to be temporarily removed .
  4. Abnormal scar tissue forming around the implant which may cause a firm, sometimes painful swelling called capsular contracture requiring further surgery.
  5. Change in skin and nipple sensation which is a rare but potentially permanent condition.
  6. Build up of fluid around the implant (seroma) which may require further surgery.
  7. Unusual red or raised scars (keloids) which can take years to improve.

It's possible that you still won't be satisfied with your appearance after the operation.

The exact risks are specific to you and will differ for every person. Dr. Williams or Dr. Makwana will explain how these risks apply to you.

11820 Dublin Blvd, Dublin, CA 94568

Tri Valley Plastic Surgery in Dublin provides expert plastic surgery with great results and minimal downtime. We are leaders in breast enhancement, body sculpting, and facial cosmetic surgery, serving the entire San Francisco Bay area. Whether you live in the Bay Area or are coming in from out of town, we’re happy to answer any questions you may have on your path to your new self. Schedule a consultation with us today to take the first step towards realizing the look you’ve always wanted for yourself.

Medspa Surgical