Reasons Women Get Breast Augmentation

• Desire to increase breast size 
• Desire for a more proportionate figure 
• Desire to improve body contour and shape
• Correct asymmetrical breasts
• Enhance breast volume lost after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight loss
• Boost self-esteem and confidence
• Improve body image 
• Feel more feminine or attractive
• Correct previous breast augmentation issues or complications
• Revision of previous breast surgery results

Restore Breast Volume and Shape 

Breast augmentation impacts both the size and shape of breasts. Breast implants come in a smooth round form with varying projections, gel thicknesses, and widths. Volume is controlled by both the width of the implant and its projection. Implants with wide bases and fuller projections will have more volume whereas implants with narrow widths and lower projections will have less volume.

Breast implants can be used to restore volume and shape after pregnancy and/or weight loss. During pregnancy, the breasts expand in size for milk production. After breastfeeding, the breasts decrease in size, often becoming smaller than they were before pregnancy. The skin doesn’t retract as much, resulting in breasts that appear both deflated and droopy.

Breast implants can restore the breasts to their pre-pregnancy state by replacing the lost volume and filling out the excess skin, making the breasts look full and perky again. In some cases, a breast lift may be necessary to restore perkiness.

A similar process occurs in patients who have experienced significant weight loss. Their breasts can appear both deflated and droopy, and implants can be used to restore volume and shape.

In either case, a fuller profile helps restore shape by filling the skin and elevating the nipple. Often, a dual-plane technique is used to ensure that the breast and implant align perfectly and avoid a mismatch called “double bubble.” In cases of more severe droopiness or ptosis, a breast lift will be necessary to restore proper lift and shape.

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Give Better Breast Projection and Feminine Curves

Implants complement a woman's figure by giving curves and a more feminine silhouette. A flat chest produces an overall more rectangular figure. Getting and augmentation with implants enhances breast volume and projection rounds out the chest giving a contrast to a narrow feminine waist. From the side profile, the breast silhouette compliments the buttock curve giving an S-shaped curve.

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To Correct A Concern with Their Breasts

Tuberous Breast Correction

Many women suffer from breast deformities which can be corrected. Breast constriction is common and characterized by a narrow base width resulting in a tubular-shaped breast, and herniation of breast tissue into the areola resulting in a puffy or bulging and enlarged areola. The breast crease or fold is typically high with a decreased nipple to breast fold distance, and, there can be significant asymmetries with a tuberous breast deformity. 

Treatment for tuberous breasts involves a special type of breast augmentation: periareolar incision, placing the implant above the chest muscle (sub-glandular), radial scoring of the breast to allow the breasts to expand over the implant, and lowering the breast fold. 

Breast Asymmetry

Breast symmetry is often an issue for many women. While it is common to have subtle differences between the breasts, it is also common to have more significant size and shape differences. In many cases, breasts can be more droopy/ptotic or have large differences in volume. Breast implants and/or breast lifts can address issues of asymmetry.

 Breast augmentation has a tremendous psychological benefit for women. Many women will try to hide their chests or limit their wardrobe options. For many women, the changes with pregnancy can be difficult as the breasts will get smaller and sag due to excess skin. Breast augmentation can restore normal anatomy and proportions to women making them more self-confident and happy with their appearance.

Dr. Burns' Rapid Recovery Protocol

In the past, breast augmentation tended to be a painful procedure with an extended recovery period. Old techniques tended to rely on blunt dissection which caused pain and bleeding. Dr. Burns has developed a rapid recovery technique that minimizes recovery time, helping patients transition back to their normal routine more quickly while reducing the risk of complications.

• Before surgery, patients are encouraged to be in good health with no recent illness. Surgery is done precisely mainly through the inframammary breast crease incision to allow for exact pocket dissection.
• Dr. Burns' surgical technique involves using electrocautery so there is no bleeding.
• Care is taken to avoid any contact with the rib cage which can cause pain.
• Great care is taken to avoid trauma to nerves that provide sensation to the nipple.
• The implant pocket is made the same size as the implant to avoid any unnecessary dissection.
• The implant pockets are washed to remove all possible contaminants using antibiotic and betadine (surgical antiseptic) irrigation.
• The implants are carefully placed using a no-touch technique using a Kellar funnel to place the implants in a non-traumatic no-touch fashion.
• Before the implants are placed the muscle and implant pocket are numbed with a long-lasting local anesthetic to numb the area for several days after the procedure. Patients wake up in no pain but only feel pressure from the implants.
• After surgery patients can return to activities of daily living immediately: shower, drying hair, cooking, etc. Patients are encouraged to use their arms normally and gently stretch their shoulders and arms to avoid stiffness. Light exercise and more strenuous activity are encouraged one week with full return to full exercise in 6 - 8 weeks.

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What Are The Different Types of Breast Implants?

Saline Breast Implants

Traditional Saline Breast implants are an often overlooked option for breast enlargement. These implants come without filling, and a sterile saline solution is added once placed. Saline implants tend to have a more water-filled feel and ripple more than silicone. Saline implants can be placed through a slightly smaller incision. In the event of rupture, the sterile saline is quickly absorbed by the body. 

Silicone Gel Breast Implants

Silicone gel implants have evolved since their introduction back to the market in 2006. Plastic surgery is now on its 6th generation of silicone implants. The implants have cohesive silicone implants which are semisolid. For this reason, many people refer to them as “gummy bear” implants as the gel inside doesn’t leak out just like the gummy bear candy.

Augmentation with Silicone implants is much more popular than saline due to their more natural look and feel. The silicone feels much more like breast tissue and does not ripple as much. Silicone implants can rupture but because the gel is cohesive the rupture may not be obvious. This is called a “silent” rupture. A radiographic exam such as an ultrasound or MRI is typically necessary to determine rupture. Dr. Burns' office recommends routine imaging every three years for silicone implants.

What Is Breast Implant Cohesivity?

Implants come in a variety of different gel cohesivities which range from soft to firm. The most popular brand from Allergan makes 3 gel consistencies: Responsive (Soft), Soft Touch (Medium), and Cohesive (Firm). The responsive implants are softer to the touch and have a more natural tear-drop appearance in response to gravity. Cohesive silicone implants are firmer and have more upper pole fullness in response to gravity. All are excellent options. Understanding which cohesivity is best for you will be determined in your virtual or in-office consultation.

What Are The Different Shapes of Breast Implants?

Round Breast Implants

Smooth surface round implants are by far the most popular implants placed today. A round implant shape responds to gravity normally where the saline or gel accumulates in the gravity-dependent part of the breast giving a natural teardrop shape; depending on the fill volume. As stated above, more cohesive implants resist this gravitational effect producing more upper pole fill and a rounder look while softer gel implants have a more teardrop shape.  

Teardrop Breast Implants

Teardrop or anatomic implants were very popular several years ago. These implants had a firm, cohesive gel with an implant coating designed in a teardrop shape. These implants only came in a textured surface to keep them from rotating in the implant pocket and deforming the breast. Because these implants were textured, the rare association with BIA-ALCL made them fall out of favor with almost all plastic surgeons.

Using Round Implants To Achieve A Teardrop Shape

Many women want a teardrop shape and a more natural augmentation with their breast implant surgery. This can be accomplished using a smooth round implant with a lower profile and a softer gel. The lower profile gives a more natural appearance while the softer gel is more gravity dependent giving a more teardrop shape. 

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How is My Breast Implant Size determined?

Crisalix 3D Imaging

Determining breast size is tremendously important. Communication with your plastic surgeon is paramount in achieving your goal size. Also, having goal photos to review with your surgeon is very helpful. There have been many methods for estimating implant size. Sizers have been used for years to demonstrate size and shape changes, but this method generally overestimates the size.

Modern sizing is done using 3D imaging. Dr. Burns uses a software called Crisalix that can be accessed at his clinic. Standardized photos of your breasts and measurements are used to simulate implant size, shape, and profile using the technology. The photos can be viewed from all angles in real-time. Essentially, you’ll see what you will look like after surgery and the technology is extremely accurate.

Implant volume is essentially based on the width of the implant and the profile or projection. A wider and higher profile implant will have more volume. The width of the implant should correspond to the base width of the breast. The profile adds more volume as the projection increases. Lower profile implants profile a more natural look while higher profiles give more volume, upper pole fill, and cleavage.

Getting Beautiful Breast Augmentation Factors In Specific Measurements 

Choosing the perfect size can be challenging because breast implants are measured in cubic centimeters (cc) rather than bra cup sizes. This distinction is important because bra cup sizes vary significantly between brands—a C cup from one manufacturer may differ greatly from a C cup from another. Additionally, a C cup may look different on one person compared to another.

Cubic centimeters provide a precise and standardized measurement, allowing both the surgeon and patient to make more accurate assessments. Although cup-size implants are familiar to most people, they are not consistent and only offer a general estimation. In contrast, 3D imaging provides accurate representations of how you will look, making it easier than ever to choose your desired outcome.

Complimentary Consult

How Is Breast Augmentation Performed?

Choosing the perfect size can be challenging because breast implants are measured in cubic centimeters (cc) rather than bra cup sizes. This distinction is important because bra cup sizes vary significantly between brands—a C cup from one manufacturer may differ greatly from a C cup from another. Additionally, a C cup may look different on one person compared to another.

Cubic centimeters provide a precise and standardized measurement, allowing both the surgeon and patient to make more accurate assessments. Although cup-size implants are familiar to most people, they are not consistent and only offer a general estimation. In contrast, 3D imaging provides accurate representations of how you will look, making it easier than ever to choose your desired outcome.

Will The Breast Implants Be Placed Over Or Under The Pec Muscles?

The vast majority of breast implant procedures done in the US are placed under the pectoralis muscles. The most commonly used incision is the inframammary breast crease incision which allows for the most precise pocket dissection which hides the incision in the breast fold. Submuscular incisions are popular for several reasons: more tissue coverage over the implant, a softer and more natural transition in the upper pole, and a lower incidence of capsular contracture (scar tissue buildup around the implant).  

Implants can also be placed above the muscle in the subfascial or subglandular plane. The subglandular plane is popular for its quick recovery and direct effect on the breast tissue. It is commonly used in cases of mild breast ptosis or drooping to help align the breast tissue with the implant. It is also used in cases of a tuberous breast deformity where the implant has a more direct effect on the breast tissue and can help shape the breast. Subglandular implants do not have animation deformity which is where the implants move with contraction of the chest muscle. There can be more visibility of the implant which is usually seen with a sharper upper pole transition and visible rippling of the implant. The incidence of capsular contracture is also higher with subglandular implants.

Recently, subfascial implants have gained widespread acceptance. This is a “hybrid” procedure where the implant is placed under the fascia of the muscle. There is some protection against capsular contracture and no animation deformity. Subfascial augmentation is popular in smaller, athletic women with a greater degree of muscle tone who do not want animation deformity.

How Long Is Breast Augmentation Surgery?

Breast augmentation takes about 1 hour and is a relatively painless procedure if the rapid recovery protocol is followed. Most patients are back to work in just a few days and light activity in about one week.

Getting a breast augmentation in my practice takes a few hours from start to finish. You’ll have a consultation first, followed by a subsequent pre-op appointment with our nurse to review the details of your post-op care. On the day of your surgery, you’ll arrive at our AAAA-SF surgery center one hour before your procedure. Breast augmentation takes one hour and you’ll then spend about one hour in the recovery room before going home. Most patients go home, take a nap, and feel well enough to go out to dinner that night if they want to.

How Much Are Breast Implants in Dallas?

Breast implant costs vary depending on the type of breast implant chosen. The cost ranges from about $6800 to $8000 depending on what type of implant you want. The cost entails the surgeon’s fee, operating room/facility fee, anesthesia, and post-surgery bra and supplies.   

What Is Breast Augmentation Recovery Like?

Selecting Your Breast Augmentation Surgeon

While breast augmentation may appear simple, it takes years and hundreds of cases to master beautiful breast augmentation Make sure your surgeon is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons. Your procedure should be done in a fully accredited facility. You should have a board-certified anesthesiologist as well. You’ll want to view before and after photos of your surgeon’s work, ask for referrals, and read their reviews. Dr. Burns has over 25 years of experience performing breast augmentation and is one of the best in the nation.

"I had two surgeons recommend a lift in addition to the implants, because of the shape of my breasts. My goal was increased volume/fullness and proportion to my hourglass shape. I didn’t have extreme deformity that medically necessitated correction. And I didn’t want scars on my breasts.

I love my results and am happy I listened to my instincts:)"

Terrific121959, Realself.com

"Dr. Burns and his staff are amazing! They were there to answer any questions I had during my entire process of my breast augmentation. They treat you like that have known you for years and make you feel very welcome. Such a great experience!"

K. Spivy, Google Business

"After some recent weight loss + age + having the money I decided to pull the trigger and get my long-desired implants. Dr. Burns was great. The surgery was quick and the recovery to date has been easier than expected. I am already seeing the swelling go down and the desired size shaping up. I highly recommend Dr. Burns and his wonderful staff."

Modest601933, Realself.com

Breast Augmentation FAQs

What is rapid recovery breast augmentation?

Rapid Recovery Breast Augmentation is a life-changing procedure that incorporates the latest advances in breast augmentation from a procedural and recovery standpoint. To understand how rapid recovery works it is important to understand how breast augmentation was done in the past. Traditionally, breast augmentation was done using a lot of blunt or blind dissection to create space for the implant. This method resulted in trauma to the chest muscle, bleeding, and contact with the rib cage. The technique was also imprecise so the implant pocket varied in size. Rapid Recovery breast augmentation utilizes direct visualization to create the pocket using electrocautery. There is no bleeding with this technique and because everything is done under direct visualization, the pocket dissection is very precise. Additionally, there is great care to avoid any contact with the rib cage which causes pain. Rapid Recovery uses numbing medication to numb the pocket and muscle where the implant is placed. The pocket is washed to remove any contamination and the implant is placed using a Kellar Funnel in a no-touch technique. These steps avoid contamination and trauma to the patient and implant.

In the past patients were instructed not to move their arms or upper body and to rest for an extended period after breast augmentation. This resulted in stiffness and soreness due to lack of mobility. In rapid recovery, patients are encouraged to use their arm as they normally would which allows them to get back to normal activity and work very quickly. The use of narcotic pain medication is almost never needed which results in better sleep and recovery.

How old do I have to be to get breast implants?

Patients should be at least 18 years of age to have breast augmentation. It is important to understand that breasts slightly may continue to develop up to age 22.

How do I sleep while healing from breast augmentation surgery?

You’ll spend the first week sleeping slightly elevated on your back. You can resume side sleeping at about 1 week and stomach sleeping at 6 - 8 weeks provided you are comfortable in these positions.

When can I wear a normal bra?

Dr. Burns recommends wearing a bra night and day for the first 3 months to keep the implants in perfect position while they heal. After 3 months you can wear the bra during the day.

With a breast crease incision, you’ll want to avoid an underwire bra for the first 6 - 8 weeks as you heal. The underwire can cause discomfort at the incision site. After several weeks you should be fine to have your breasts fitted for any style bra you like.

What will my follow-up appointments look like if I live out of state?

Dr. Burns has many out-of-state and international patients. You’ll likely come to Dallas the day before your procedure to meet me and our team and go over all the details. Most patients are fine flying home the day after their procedure.

Can I finance my breast implants?

Yes. We have several financing options. Our office manager can assist with applications and all information relating to financing. You can apply online here.

Dr. John L. Burns Jr. MD is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and President of the Dallas Plastic Surgery Institute, one of the largest plastic surgery group practices in the United States. Dr. Burns is also the Medical Director for the EpiCentre Skin Care and Laser Center, a world renowned medical spa. Dr. Burns dedicates his practice to aesthetic or cosmetic plastic surgery.

Dr. Burns widely known for his expertise in cosmetic breast surgery, facelift, and fat transfer to the face, breast, and body. Dr. John. L Burns, Jr., MD has been named among America’s Best Plastic Surgeons 2023 for Facelift, Rhinoplasty, and Breast Augmentation by Newsweek Magazine and Statista. He also named among D Magazine's Best Doctors  Realself Top Doctors.


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Dr. Burns offers complimentary consultations for women throughout the world who are seeking breast augmentation in Dallas. We invite you to meet our team and experience our difference. Get started here.

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