Breast Augmentation: Advanced Techniques, Natural Results
The breasts have long been a symbol of femininity, motherhood, and sensuality, as well as an important element of a woman’s self-expression in personal and social relationships. This is why breast augmentation is one of the most commonly performed cosmetic procedures worldwide.
What is breast augmentation and in which cases is it performed?
Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure that increases the size of the breasts and corrects shape issues or any sagging.
Any woman, regardless of age, who feels her breasts are smaller than she desires is a suitable candidate for breast augmentation, provided that breast development is complete.
The procedure also addresses congenital breast underdevelopment or absence (Poland syndrome) and restores lost breast volume after pregnancy or weight loss. Beyond increasing breast size, breast augmentation can be performed in cases of asymmetry, tubular breasts, or as part of breast reconstruction after mastectomy to achieve symmetry.
Before Breast Augmentation: How do I choose the size for my new breasts?
Having beautiful breasts does not necessarily mean having large breasts. The ideal result is a breast that harmonizes with each woman’s body type, based on her body measurements (height, chest width, existing breast size), specific breast characteristics (nipple size, chest circumference, breast base dimensions), and personal preference, combined with the experience and aesthetic judgment of the plastic surgeon she has chosen.
Every woman is unique. To ensure natural, personalized, and predictable results, breast augmentation must be tailored to her individual needs. During the preoperative consultation, the patient will explore, together with her surgeon, the available options and decide on the solutions best suited to her case. The surgeon will take precise measurements and consider her body proportions, specific breast characteristics, and skin elasticity in relation to overall body aesthetics.
Next, the patient will try different implant sizes and shapes while observing herself from both front and profile mirrors, to finalize the ideal implant—this step is key to a successful breast augmentation. Realistic expectations from the patient and professional guidance from the surgeon are both crucial. An additional safety measure is the use of sterile trial implants (sizers) during surgery, which mimic the final implants before the permanent ones are placed.
The surgeon will also take a detailed medical history, focusing on overall health, medications, supplements, and lifestyle (daily habits and type of work), to provide guidance for before and after surgery. A mammogram may be recommended, or an ultrasound for younger patients.
For candidates of breast augmentation, a key step is visiting the clinic the day before surgery for photography and careful planning based on her needs. Instructions and answers to questions are provided to ensure the patient enters surgery with confidence and positive energy, actively participating in shaping the final result with the surgeon.
The preoperative assessment, performed on the morning of surgery upon arrival at the clinic, ensures a safe breast augmentation with smooth recovery. Shortly after, the patient is transferred in special attire to the operating room, where the anesthesiologist will be waiting.
Silicone Implants: What You Need to Know
In addition to choosing the ideal size, there are several other decisions that a woman makes together with her plastic surgeon regarding silicone implants during the preoperative consultation.
Implant Shape
Silicone implants come in two main shapes: round and anatomical (teardrop). Round implants are ideal for adding fullness to the upper pole of the breast, while anatomical implants provide more volume in the lower pole, achieving a more natural result. However, the patient’s individual anatomy ultimately guides the choice of implant type.
Implant Projection
Implants also vary in projection: low, moderate, or high (low profile – moderate profile – high profile). This refers to the ratio of the base diameter to the height of the implant, which determines how far the breast will project from the body.
Implant Content / Composition
Next-generation silicone implants with cohesive gel offer superior reliability and aesthetic results. Saline and polyurethane implants are now largely obsolete.
Implant Surface
Implants may have a textured or smooth surface. Textured implants are generally preferred because they provide a more natural result and minimize complications such as capsular contracture or implant displacement.
Implant Quality
Selected silicone implants should come from certified companies with a long-standing presence on the market and be approved by international organizations, such as the FDA in the USA or CE in Europe, ensuring durability and safety. These implants are accompanied by a lifetime integrity warranty, meaning they are designed to last indefinitely.
Breast Augmentation Procedure: How the Surgery Is Performed
The use of silicone implants remains the “gold standard” in breast augmentation.
The incision made under the breast to place the implants (inframammary approach) is considered the best option compared to other incision sites (periareolar or axillary), as it allows better access to the breast tissue, avoids visible scars due to its discreet location, preserves nipple sensation, and maintains the natural breastfeeding process.
The next step is creating a “pocket” to house the implant. The most advanced modern technique is the dual-plane method, where the implant is positioned partially under the pectoralis major muscle (upper pole) and partially under the breast tissue (lower and outer pole) simultaneously, often using anatomical implants. The pocket is prepared using a no-touch technique, meaning the surgeon neither touches the implant with fingers nor uses a scalpel directly on the tissue—special instruments ensure tissue respect and a minimally traumatic procedure. Fat grafting may also be combined to correct imperfections, such as wide breast spacing, asymmetry, or uneven contours.
The dual-plane technique offers several advantages: simultaneous breast lift without additional scars, reduced pain, predictable and natural results, lower risk of capsular contracture, better definition of the lower pole and inframammary fold, and accurate mammography afterward.
Drains are typically not used, and the incision is closed with absorbable sutures. Over time, the scar becomes virtually invisible.
How long does breast augmentation take, and what type of anesthesia is required?
Breast augmentation lasts approximately 1–2 hours and is performed under general anesthesia in a fully equipped medical facility that meets strict safety and healthcare quality standards.
What is the recovery like after breast augmentation?
Minimizing surgical manipulation through the dual-plane and no-touch techniques makes breast augmentation almost painless, with little to no postoperative discomfort, same-day discharge from the clinic, and a fast recovery with a quick return to daily life. A patient can usually resume light work after 1 week and full activity after 3–4 weeks.
What can you do after breast augmentation to speed up recovery and support optimal aesthetic results?
- Carefully follow your plastic surgeon’s postoperative instructions. Don’t hesitate to contact them if any instructions are unclear or if you experience any discomfort, even if it seems minor. Professional evaluation is essential for the outcome.
- Ensure adequate rest to reduce swelling and promote healing. Give yourself a few days off work after surgery.
- During the first weeks post-surgery, prefer sleeping on your back and use pillows to avoid putting pressure on your breasts.
- Although early mobilization is important, avoid lifting weights or intense exercise during the early postoperative period. Also avoid driving and sexual activity to minimize the risk of injury.
- Wear the recommended sports bra without underwire for the duration advised by your surgeon.
- Be patient with your body. Your breasts may feel firm or slightly large initially. Do not jump to conclusions or feel anxious—swelling will subside and full healing will reveal the final natural result. Trust the process and enjoy your new shape.
- Wait 4–5 weeks before returning to your favorite gym routine. During this period, focus on lower-body exercises.
These steps help ensure a smooth recovery and maximize the aesthetic outcome of your breast augmentation.
Breast augmentation and breastfeeding: Can I breastfeed after the surgery?
Modern breast augmentation provides women with an attractive and, above all, functional breast, fully preserving the ability to breastfeed in case of pregnancy after the surgery. Specifically, placing the implant using the dual-plane technique does not affect the mammary gland, so the continuity of the milk ducts is maintained and the anatomical integrity of the breast is not disrupted. Thus, a woman has the same chances of successful breastfeeding as if she had not undergone the procedure.
When will I see the results of breast augmentation?
he results of breast augmentation are immediately visible on the table. A woman can see her new breast size right after the surgery. However, the final shape of the breasts develops after approximately 3–4 months, once the initial swelling subsides and the implant settles into its new position. By then, the texture of the breasts will have improved, and the aesthetic result will be fully revealed, allowing the woman to enjoy high levels of postoperative satisfaction.
Are the results of breast augmentation permanent?
As mentioned earlier, the latest-generation silicone implants come with a lifetime integrity warranty, and advanced breast augmentation techniques provide long-lasting results that can endure for many years. However, as with breast lifts and reductions, factors such as the natural aging process, the effects of gravity, fluctuations in body weight, and possible pregnancies can influence the aesthetic outcome. Therefore, the longevity of breast augmentation results also depends on the woman herself, through maintaining a stable body weight, adopting a healthy lifestyle, and following the personalized guidance of her plastic surgeon.
Breast augmentation without implants: What is fat transfer breast augmentation?
Breast augmentation can also be performed using fat from the woman’s own body (fat grafting / fat transfer). The procedure is minimally invasive and can be done under sedation or local anesthesia. The plastic surgeon removes fat through liposuction from areas where it is unwanted—such as the abdomen, thighs, or arms—and injects it, after special processing, into the breasts.
Many women who are uncomfortable with the idea of placing a foreign material in their body or using silicone implants ask about fat transfer breast augmentation. As mentioned, this technique effectively corrects aesthetic concerns such as mild or more pronounced asymmetry and wide breast spacing. It is safe, does not cause allergic reactions, and provides a dual benefit by reshaping the body through the combination of liposuction and breast augmentation.
Despite its advantages, this technique has limitations, such as a modest increase in breast size (about one cup) and the fact that some of the transferred fat is naturally absorbed by the body. It also does not provide the lifting effect of implants. However, the use of autologous fat—when indicated—can be combined with silicone implants to achieve the ideal breast shape, making it part of my approach for creating “full,” well-shaped breasts with long-lasting results.
How much does breast augmentation cost?
“Breast augmentation price”: one of the most common questions I receive as a plastic surgeon from women interested in enhancing the size or shape of their breasts.
Breast augmentation is one of the most personalized aesthetic procedures, which is why the answer to the question “how much does breast augmentation cost?” can only be provided after a detailed preoperative evaluation at the clinic.
The factors that determine the cost of breast augmentation are:
- The technique chosen, mainly concerning the placement of silicone implants. As mentioned, I use the most advanced augmentation technique, the dual plane method.
- The cost of the surgery (fees for the plastic surgeon and anesthesiologist, clinic costs, medical supplies)
- The cost of silicone implants, specifically their type, shape, size, and most importantly, quality.
- The duration of hospitalization
- Combining breast augmentation with another procedure during the same surgical session, e.g., breast lift or autologous fat transfer, or surgery on another area of the body, e.g., abdominoplasty.
Most women who undergo breast augmentation consider the procedure postoperatively as one of the best “investments” they have made for themselves. Therefore, it is not worth risking the desired result by being tempted by a particularly low breast augmentation price, which may hide pitfalls, such as compromised implant quality.
As a plastic surgeon, my priority is to create a consistent and lasting quality experience for recipients of plastic surgery services. That is why, in breast augmentation, the only non-negotiable elements for me are the highest quality silicone implants and the safety of the patient.
Breast augmentation experiences
Women who honored me with their trust by choosing me for breast augmentation share their experiences.
“I had breast augmentation with plastic surgeon Konstantinos Spiliopoulos and I am absolutely satisfied with the result! My biggest concern was whether, from an almost nonexistent breast, I would end up at the other extreme and look fake. The seriousness and professionalism with which the doctor handled my case during the first visit dispelled all my doubts, as he suggested a subtle increase of the breast without exaggeration.
I am so relieved and impressed with my postoperative recovery! I returned to my daily routine in just a few days with almost no pain.
What I want to tell all women with a similar issue is not to hesitate… make an appointment to discuss with Mr. Spiliopoulos. He will respect your individuality and successfully perform your breast augmentation!!!”
A.F.
“As a teenager, I experienced obesity and the problems that come with it. When I became an adult and finally lost all the extra weight, my breasts completely deflated… and the reflection in the mirror was even more disappointing and totally incompatible with my age. I postponed breast augmentation for a long time because I hadn’t found a plastic surgeon with whom I felt truly comfortable and at ease. The scientific expertise, calmness, and honesty of Konstantinos Spiliopoulos were decisive in my choice. At the same time as the augmentation, I also had a tummy tuck, so I didn’t have to go through recovery twice.
Today, at 22, I truly feel beautiful in my body… and I am determined to maintain the result forever!
A big heartfelt thank you to my doctor and his entire team!”
K.H.
“Immediately upon waking, the anesthesiologist handed me a mirror and I saw my new breasts! I felt safe every step of the way and needed very few painkillers. A few days after the breast augmentation, I’m wearing my favorite t-shirts and getting ready for summer, already picking out… swimsuits!
Thank you so much, Doctor!”
If you are concerned about the appearance of your breasts, schedule your appointment at our Spiliopoulos Plastic Surgery Clinic in Athens to learn about breast augmentation and receive a personalized approach to your concerns.
Breast augmentation before and after
