At St. Louis Cosmetic Surgery, breast augmentation is one of our most popular procedures.
Women who want to enhance the size, shape, and symmetry of their breasts trust us for beautiful, natural-looking results. You’ll find some of the best breast augmentation surgeons in St. Louis, MO, at our practice, each specializing in rapid recovery techniques with minimal tissue dissection, allowing you to return to your daily life more quickly and comfortably.
Request A ConsultationWho Is a Good Breast Augmentation Candidate?
Most women who feel they would look and feel better with larger breasts are candidates for breast augmentation. Breast augmentation is also a good option for women with noticeable breast asymmetry or tuberous breasts. Patients should be healthy non-smokers with minimal breast sagging.
Breast Implant Options
Patients can choose between saline or silicone implants. Saline implants are placed in the breast before being filled with a sterile saltwater solution. This allows the surgeon to use smaller incisions. In the unlikely event of rupture, the implant will visibly deflate as the harmless saline is released into the body.
Silicone implants are pre-filled with a cohesive gel that closely mimics the look and feel of natural breast tissue. They require slightly larger incisions to place but are less prone to rippling than saline implants. Silicone implants are generally sturdy and long-lasting; if they do rupture, the effects are less noticeable. The cohesive nature of the gel tends to minimize leakage, but regular scans are still recommended to monitor the implants’ integrity.
Both implant types are available in various sizes and low, medium, or high projection (how far the implant extends from the chest).
Choosing Implant Size
Implant sizing is deeply personal and based on your height and frame, activity level, and personal preferences. As cup sizes aren’t standardized across bra manufacturers, implants are measured in cubic centimeters (CC). Keep in mind that how a certain implant size looks on one woman may look very different on another. We will help you choose the best implant size for your unique anatomy and wishes using Vectra 3D imaging.
Vectra 3D imaging technology allows you to bring your results to life before surgery. During your consultation, we will help you preview different implant options so you can simulate your prospective results from all angles. The technology recreates your anatomy for a realistic depiction of how you may look after surgery so you can confidently move forward with your implant selection.
Implant Placement
Implants are generally placed over the pectoral muscles (“sub-glandular” placement) or under them (“sub-muscular” placement). The sub-muscular placement is generally preferred for patients with little to no breast tissue, as the muscle can help mask the implants’ edges for a more natural-looking result. If you have sufficient breast tissue, the sub-glandular placement may be used. This technique places the implant between the breast tissue and the pectoral muscles.
Incision Locations
Inframammary Incision: The most common breast augmentation technique we use, this procedure involves an incision where the base of the breast meets the chest. This location carries the least risk of complications, and the scar is easily concealed in the fold below the breasts.
Periareolar Incision: The incision for this technique is made around the areola. The resulting scar is discreetly masked by the natural color delineation of the breast.
Transaxillary Incision: Patients choosing saline implants can choose to have incisions placed in the natural crease of the armpits (axillae). There is no scarring on the breasts, and the scars from this incision are artfully hidden away.
Breast Augmentation With Fat Transfer
For a more subtle enhancement, some patients choose to have fat transfer to the breasts. This technique uses liposuction to collect fat from a donor site. Once this fat has been purified, it is then injected into the breasts to add volume to the upper portion of the breasts. This option suits women who want to go up a cup size or less.
Breast Augmentation Before & After Gallery
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Breast Augmentation Benefits
When you undergo breast augmentation with our breast enhancement experts, you can expect the following:
- Desired improvements in size and shape
- More symmetrical breasts
- Increased body confidence
- Results as subtle or dramatic as you want
What Is Breast Augmentation Recovery Like?
Most patients experience a tight, sore sensation in their chests for the first 48 hours of recovery. Swelling and bruising will usually peak by day 3 or 4, and most patients feel ready to return to work after a week, thanks to our rapid-recovery techniques.
You can gradually ease into nonstrenuous exercise after 2 weeks, though most patients need 6 weeks before they are ready to resume their normal workouts and activities fully. Around this point, your implants will begin to “drop and fluff” into a more natural position.
Breast Augmentation FAQs
Will breast implants make my breasts perkier?
Implants can help restore volume to the breast, particularly in the upper pole, but they cannot “fill in” stretched or loose skin. If sagging and skin laxity are a concern, combining your procedure with a breast lift can give you the perky, full appearance you desire.
Do larger breast implants cost more?
No, the size of the implant does not affect the price. However, silicone gel implants have a slightly higher price tag than saline-filled implants.
Can I breastfeed with breast implants?
Yes, and countless women have done so without problems. If you are concerned about your ability to breastfeed after breast augmentation, be sure to discuss this with your surgeon.
Trust Our Board-Certified Plastic Surgeons for Your Breast Augmentation
With 4 expert plastic surgeons on staff, St. Louis Cosmetic Surgery has the skill and finesse to make your aesthetic dreams a reality. If you are interested in exploring your breast enhancement options—including visualizing your prospective results with 3D imaging technology—please request a consultation online or call us at (636) 530-6161 to get started.
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