Breast Augmentation in Beverly Hills, CA

Breast augmentation is a popular cosmetic surgery that enhances the size and shape of a woman’s breasts.

This procedure helps women achieve fuller, more proportionate breasts that complement their figure and boost self-confidence. If you have naturally small breasts or have lost breast volume due to pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight loss, aging or any other reason, you may feel self-conscious about your appearance.

Breast augmentation surgery offers a safe, effective way to improve breast shape and create a more balanced, feminine silhouette — helping you feel attractive and confident in your body.

Beverly Hills breast augmentation surgeon Dr. Jaime Schwartz, MD, FACS specializes in delivering exceptional results, helping you look and feel your very best.

 

 

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Dr. Jaime Schwartz MD FACS

WHAT IS BREAST AUGMENTATION?

Breast augmentation (augmentation mammoplasty) is a surgical procedure designed to enhance the size, fullness, and shape of the breasts. The surgery involves inserting breast implants or using a fat transfer to add volume.

Breast implants are medical-grade prosthetics with a silicone outer shell, filled with either sterile saltwater saline or cohesive silicone gel, that are placed either beneath the chest muscle or directly behind the breast tissue.

Alternatively, a fat transfer breast augmentation uses liposuction to take fat from another part of your body (such as the abdomen, flanks, or thighs) and inject it into the breasts. Both methods aim to create fuller, shapelier breasts that look natural for your body.

A procedure tailored to your goals

The breast augmentation procedure is highly customized to your unique anatomy and cosmetic goals. You and your surgeon will choose the implant type, size, and shape that best complements your figure and achieves your desired outcome.

Breast augmentation can address a variety of concerns:

  • Increase the size of naturally small breasts,
  • Restore lost breast volume (for example, after pregnancy or weight loss)
  • Correct noticeable breast asymmetry,
  • Improve the appearance of tuberous or constricted breasts.

It’s important to note that augmentation alone will not significantly lift drooping or sagging breasts; if your breasts have substantial laxity, Dr. Schwartz may recommend a breast lift (mastopexy) in combination with implants for the best result.

Overall, breast augmentation is a safe and commonly performed cosmetic surgery that can dramatically improve your proportions and self-confidence when performed by a skilled, board-certified plastic surgeon.

BENEFITS OF BREAST AUGMENTATION

Increase your breast size and enhance your curves

Increasing breast size is the most common reason women seek breast augmentation. If you have always felt that your breasts are too small for your body, implants or fat transfer can provide a larger, fuller bustline that brings your figure into better proportion.

Enhancing your curves in this way often makes clothing fit better and helps many women feel more feminine and confident. Dr. Schwartz will evaluate your body shape and listen to your goals to help determine the ideal implant size and profile that will give you a noticeable yet natural-looking enhancement. The result is a shapelier silhouette that still suits your frame.

Restore fullness after pregnancy or weight loss

For many women, life events like pregnancy, breastfeeding, or significant weight loss can lead to a loss of breast volume and firmness. Your breasts might appear “deflated” or saggy after these changes.

Breast augmentation is a popular option for moms and others who want to restore fullness to their bust. By placing implants, Dr. Schwartz can give you back the fuller, perkier look you had before childbirth or weight changes.

Augmentation after pregnancy or weight loss helps rejuvenate your figure. Bras and clothes will fit better, and you can regain a youthful, shapely breast contour that boosts your confidence.

Correct breast asymmetry for a balanced look

No two breasts are exactly alike, but some women have more noticeable breast asymmetry that can be a source of insecurity. One breast may be a different size or shape than the other.

Breast augmentation can correct asymmetry by allowing each breast to be enhanced appropriately. For example, using implants of different sizes on each side or combining techniques to achieve better balance.

Dr. Schwartz pays special attention to planning in asymmetric cases. He will point out even subtle differences in your breasts and develop a strategy to even them out for a more harmonious result. After augmentation, your breasts will look much more symmetrical, helping you feel more balanced and confident in your appearance.

Improve tuberous or constricted breasts

Tuberous breasts (also called constricted breasts) are a congenital breast shape deformity that can affect breast size and contour. Women with tuberous breasts often have a high, tight breast fold that causes the breasts to be narrow at the base and pointed in shape, with more breast tissue pushed toward the nipple area. The areolas are usually enlarged as well.

Dr. Schwartz frequently diagnoses this condition and explains to patients that their breasts developed differently, which is why they may not have the same shape as others.

The good news is that breast augmentation can dramatically improve tuberous or constricted breasts. During surgery, Dr. Schwartz will carefully release the internal constrictive bands and lower the inframammary fold if needed, then place an implant to give the breast a rounder, fuller shape.

The goal is to create an aesthetically pleasing breast contour with proper proportions (approximately 45% of the breast volume above the nipple and 55% below it, for a natural-looking slope and cleavage). After a specialized augmentation for tuberous breasts, patients can finally enjoy a normal, beautiful breast shape.

BREAST AUGMENTATION TRANSFORMATIONS

Explore our gallery of real breast augmentation before-and-after results. See for yourself the transformative, natural-looking outcomes Dr. Schwartz has achieved for women of different starting shapes and sizes.

Explore the Gallery

YOUR BREAST AUGMENTATION CONSULTATION

The first step in your breast enhancement journey is a free, personalized consultation with Dr. Schwartz at our Beverly Hills office. This initial meeting is thorough and completely tailored to you.

Dr. Schwartz will review your medical history and ask about your specific concerns and goals for your breasts. He will perform a careful examination and take detailed measurements of your chest and breast dimensions.

Using these measurements, along with advanced tools like the VECTRA® 3D imaging system, Dr. Schwartz can even show you a preview of potential results. VECTRA uses a high-resolution 3D photograph of your torso and allows Dr. Schwartz to digitally “insert” breast implants of various sizes on the image, so you can virtually try out different implant sizes and see how your augmented breasts might look from all angles.

The consultation will review all of the important decisions involved in a breast augmentation procedure.

Dr. Schwartz will explain the different types of breast implants and help you compare their benefits. You’ll talk about what implant size and profile will best achieve the look you want. Incision placement and implant positioning (under or over the chest muscle) will also be reviewed, as these choices can affect your results and recovery.

If you are bothered by significant breast sagging as well as lost volume, Dr. Schwartz will determine whether you might benefit from adding a breast lift at the same time as your augmentation. He will answer all of your questions: from what to expect during surgery and recovery to details about breast augmentation cost and financing options.

SALINE VS. SILICONE IMPLANTS

As we mentioned above, breast implants come in a variety of types. The main distinction is the filler material: saline vs. silicone.

Both implant types have an outer shell made of silicone, but the difference is what’s inside that shell.

Saline Breast Implants

Saline implants are filled with a sterile saltwater solution. They are inserted into the breast pocket while empty and then filled once in place, which allows for a smaller incision and the ability to adjust the volume for ideal symmetry.

Many women appreciate that saline implants generally cost a bit less than silicone and, in the rare event of a rupture, the saltwater is harmlessly absorbed by the body.

However, saline implants can have a slightly firmer feel compared to silicone and may be more prone to visible rippling beneath the skin, especially in patients with thinner natural breast tissue.

Key features of saline implants

  • Filled with sterile saltwater inside a silicone shell
  • Can be adjusted in volume during surgery to help correct minor asymmetry
  • Typically require a slightly smaller incision
  • May feel less naturally soft than silicone gel implants
  • Slightly higher chance of visible rippling or wrinkling under the skin
  • Slightly higher risk of implant rupture or deflation over time (though still uncommon)
  • In a few cases, a slightly higher risk of capsular contracture (scar tissue tightening)

Motiva Implants

In addition to traditional saline and silicone, Dr. Schwartz offers innovative options like Motiva Implants®.

Motiva is a newer generation of silicone gel implant designed for a more natural feel and movement. They combine an elastic silicone gel with a soft gel to create implants that adapt to your body’s motions.

Motiva implants come in two styles:

  1. Motiva Round™, for a classic round look
  2. Motiva Ergonomix™, an implant that has a teardrop shape at rest but can move and behave more like natural tissue.

These implants are known for maintaining their softness over time. An added benefit of Motiva’s design is that implant placement can often be less invasive – the implants are very flexible, allowing for a gentler surgical technique, which may lead to a faster recovery and less internal scar tissue.

Many women find that Motiva implants provide an extremely natural-looking result with a supple feel and excellent long-term breast softness.

Silicone and “Gummy Bear” Implants

Silicone gel breast implants are the most popular choice worldwide for breast augmentation, accounting for about 80% of implants.

These implants come pre-filled with a cohesive silicone gel that closely mimics the feel of natural breast tissue. Silicone implants tend to have an especially soft, natural feel and a slightly lower risk of visible rippling compared to saline.

When properly matched to your body frame, silicone implants can provide a seamless enhancement. People often cannot tell by touch or appearance that you have implants.

There is also a special type of silicone implant commonly known as a “gummy bear” implant (form-stable cohesive gel implant).

Gummy bear implants are made of a thicker, highly cohesive silicone gel that holds its shape even if cut, similar to how a gummy bear candy retains its form when bitten. These implants are often anatomically shaped like a teardrop to mimic the natural breast silhouette with a gently sloping upper pole and more fullness at the bottom.

Gummy bear implants have been FDA-approved for cosmetic use since 2013 and are an excellent choice for many patients. For example, women undergoing breast reconstruction after mastectomy or transgender patients (MTF) seeking breast augmentation may benefit from the firmer, form-stable nature of gummy bear implants.

Implant brands and safety

Dr. Schwartz prefers to use Mentor® silicone breast implants: a top-quality American implant manufacturer known for superior safety standards as well as a lifetime implant replacement guarantee.

He is also a principal investigator in Mentor’s GLOW clinical study, which is tracking the long-term performance of MemoryShape™ and MemoryGel™ implants.

If you qualify to participate in the GLOW study, you could receive compensation for your contribution and an enhanced warranty for your implants. Our team will let you know if you’re eligible for this study or any special programs, and we always stand by the implants we use with comprehensive support and warranty coverage.

IMPLANT PROFILES, SHAPES, AND TEXTURES

Implant profiles

Breast implants come in three different profile options:

  1. Low
  2. Moderate (medium)
  3. High profile

Profile refers to how much the implant projects forward from the chest versus how wide its base is. Essentially, for a given volume, a low-profile implant will be broader and flatter, whereas a high-profile implant will be narrower with more projection.

Choosing the right profile helps achieve the look you want while fitting the implant to your chest dimensions.

For more than 90% of patients, Dr. Schwartz finds that a moderate profile implant provides the best balance. It gives a nice amount of upper-pole fullness and forward projection without looking unnatural.

However, based on your unique measurements and goals, he may occasionally recommend a low-profile implant (if you have a wider chest or desire only subtle projection) or a high-profile implant (if you have a narrow frame but want more pronounced projection).

Implant shapes

Breast implants come in two basic shapes:

  1. Round
  2. Anatomical (teardrop)

Round implants are the same shape all around and tend to provide fuller volume in the upper breast. They’re excellent for achieving enhanced cleavage and a gently curved upper breast shape.

Anatomical implants are designed to mimic the natural slope of the breast, thinner at the top and fuller at the bottom like the profile of a teardrop.

Dr. Schwartz is experienced in using both types of implants and will recommend the shape that best suits your goals. If you already have a pleasing breast shape and just want to increase volume, a round implant often works beautifully to amplify your curves. If you have a very flat chest shape or you desire a very specific breast contour, an anatomical “gummy bear” implant might be ideal to create a more naturally contoured look.

Implant texture (smooth vs. textured)

Implant shells have either a smooth or a textured surface. The vast majority of breast implants used today are smooth, especially in the United States.

Smooth implants generally move freely within the breast pocket, which can result in a more natural movement of the breasts. They also have a lower incidence of certain complications and are the standard choice for most augmentations.

Textured implants were developed to have a rougher surface that encourages tissue adherence. This can help hold an implant in place, which is useful for anatomic/teardrop implants that must not rotate and was once thought to reduce the risk of capsular contracture.

Dr. Schwartz may recommend a textured implant in specific cases: For example, if an implant is being placed above the muscle (subglandular) or if a patient has had a history of capsular contracture, but in general, he uses textured implants sparingly.

It’s important to be aware that a rare condition called BIA-ALCL (Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma) has been linked to certain types of heavily textured implants.

This issue is extremely uncommon. There have been fewer than 400 cases worldwide out of millions of implants placed, but as a precaution, most surgeons limit the use of textured implants unless they are truly necessary.

The treatment for BIA-ALCL, if it occurs, is to remove the implant and surrounding scar capsule, and it is usually curative. The risk is very low, and it has been primarily associated with specific brands of aggressively textured implants that are now largely off the market.

For most patients, a smooth, round silicone gel implant offers the best combination of safety, softness, and natural appearance.

SURGICAL TECHNIQUE & INCISIONS

Implant placement (above vs. under the muscle)

In breast augmentation surgery, implants can be placed either under the breast’s glandular tissue, but above the pectoral chest muscle or submuscularly (under the pectoral muscle).

Dr. Schwartz will recommend the best placement for you based on your anatomy and desired outcome.

In the majority of cases, he prefers a submuscular placement because it provides extra tissue coverage over the implant and tends to yield the most natural-looking results. Placing the implant under the muscle can also significantly reduce the risk of capsular contracture, since the implant is further away from the breast glands where bacteria reside.

Submuscular placement is especially beneficial if you have relatively little natural breast tissue. The muscle helps “pad” the implant, making the edges less detectable and the upper breast slope more smooth.

In some situations, a subglandular (above-muscle) placement may be considered. If you have adequate existing breast tissue and desire a certain look, a breast implant surgery that places the implant over the muscle can sometimes provide a more pronounced roundness to the breast or avoid animation deformity, which is distortion of the implant when the chest muscle flexes.

Incision options

Dr. Jaime Schwartz will help you choose the breast augmentation incision type that best fits your anatomy, aesthetic goals, and personal preferences.

There are three common incision locations for breast augmentation, each with advantages:

  1. Inframammary fold (IMF) - This incision is made in the crease underneath the breast. The IMF incision is Dr. Schwartz’s preferred method for most augmentations because it offers direct access for precise implant placement and is associated with the lowest risk of complications. With an inframammary incision, the implant is inserted without cutting through breast tissue, which reduces the risk of capsular contracture and preserves nipple sensation better (since there’s minimal interference with the nerves around the nipple). The resulting scar typically hides in the natural breast crease and is completely concealed when you’re wearing a bra or bikini top. Over time, IMF scars often fade into a thin line that’s very hard to see unless you’re specifically looking for it.

  2. Periareolar - A periareolar incision is made along the border of the areola (the darker skin surrounding the nipple). The scar usually blends where the darker areolar skin meets the lighter breast skin. This approach allows the surgeon to place the implant through the nipple area and can be useful if you are combining augmentation with an areola reduction or a minor breast lift. However, Dr. Schwartz notes that periareolar incisions have some trade-offs. There is a slightly higher chance of changes in nipple sensation or difficulty with breastfeeding in some cases, since the cut is closer to the nipple ducts and nerves. There may also be a slightly higher rate of capsular contracture with this incision compared to the inframammary approach, possibly due to bacteria in the milk ducts. For these reasons, Dr. Schwartz typically uses a periareolar incision only if it best suits the surgical plan (for instance, if a lift around the nipple is needed). If you and Dr. Schwartz decide on this incision, he will take great care to minimize any impact on sensation and to ensure the scar heals as inconspicuously as possible on the front of the breast.

  3. Transaxillary - This method involves a small incision in the armpit through which the implant is inserted endoscopically. The appeal of a transaxillary incision is that there is no scar on the breast itself. Instead, the scar is hidden in the underarm area. Dr. Schwartz’s philosophy, however, is that this approach is least ideal for most cases. A transaxillary augmentation can be more technically challenging and may have a higher chance of issues like implant malposition or the need for revision surgery. If a future surgery is required (for example, to replace implants years down the line), it often cannot be done through the same armpit incision. This means another incision would be needed anyway. Additionally, a scar in the armpit, if it heals poorly, might be visible when you wear certain clothing like tank tops. For these reasons, Dr. Schwartz rarely uses the transaxillary approach except in special circumstances. If avoiding breast scars is a top priority for you, he will discuss whether this method is appropriate and the potential risks involved.

FEATURED ON

MINIMIZING SCARRING

One common concern with any surgery is scarring. Dr. Schwartz is a leading scar expert who has published articles and has even led national clinical trials on improving scar outcomes.

Several factors affect how a scar heals.

Part of it is genetic: some individuals simply have a tendency to form thicker or raised scars (like keloids), and if you have that history, Dr. Schwartz will discuss preventive strategies and post-op treatments to help.

The other major factor is tension on the incision while it heals. If a wound is under a lot of tension or gets pulled, the scar is more likely to stretch or become prominent. Dr. Schwartz has developed a unique scar management system to address this issue.

He uses precise suturing techniques and specialized dressings to support the incision and take tension off the scar during those critical early weeks of healing.

With these precautions, most patients find their breast augmentation scars heal extremely well. In the first few months, it’s normal for a new scar to look a bit red or firm. This is the active phase of healing when the body is laying down collagen.

After about 6 months to a year, scars typically enter a maturation phase where they steadily fade in color and become softer and flatter. After around one year post-surgery, the scars often fade to thin, faint lines that are difficult to notice.

Following your procedure, Dr. Schwartz will provide you with detailed scar care instructions (such as scar massage, topical treatments, or silicone gel sheeting if appropriate). His goal is that once you’re fully healed, you’ll be able to wear bikinis or low-cut clothing with no visible reminder of your breast augmentation.

SCHWARTZ RAPID RECUPERATION™

One of the hallmarks of Dr. Schwartz’s approach is his Schwartz Rapid Recuperation™ program — a set of techniques that help you recover from breast augmentation faster and more comfortably.

Every aspect of the procedure and aftercare is designed to minimize trauma and post-operative pain, so you can get back to your normal life with minimal downtime.

Gentler anesthesia

It begins with anesthesia. Dr. Schwartz uses a gentler form of general anesthesia called TIVA (Total Intravenous Anesthesia). Unlike traditional general anesthesia that uses inhaled gases and requires a breathing tube, TIVA involves administering anesthesia medications through an IV.

You will be in a deep, comfortable sleep for the duration of the procedure, but you’ll be breathing on your own and won’t need a tube in your throat.

The medications used in TIVA wear off more quickly once the infusion is stopped, and they tend to cause much less nausea. In fact, the IV anesthetic has anti-nausea properties, so most patients wake up feeling clear-headed and avoid the “hangover” effect of anesthesia.

Thanks to this approach, you’ll spend a shorter time in the recovery room and you’ll likely feel ready to go home soon after surgery without the usual grogginess.

Minimizing discomfort

Another component of Schwartz Rapid Recuperation™ is minimizing discomfort after surgery.

Dr. Schwartz uses a combination of innovative techniques to achieve a nearly pain-free recovery. For example, he may inject a small amount of BOTOX® into the pectoral muscles during surgery. This temporarily relaxes the chest muscles to reduce tightness as they adjust to the implant.

He also utilizes EXPAREL®, a long-acting local anesthetic, by administering it into the chest area during the procedure. EXPAREL provides targeted pain relief for up to 72 hours, greatly reducing the post-op soreness that patients typically feel.

Most of Dr. Schwartz’s patients find they only need minimal pain medication afterward, often just over-the-counter acetaminophen instead of strong narcotics. In fact, many clients feel well enough to go out for dinner the very next evening after surgery, and they typically return to office work or non-strenuous activities within a week.

With you, every step of the way

Throughout your recovery, Dr. Schwartz’s team will be available to you 24/7.

You will receive detailed post-operative instructions and personal check-ins to ensure you’re healing comfortably. Should you have any questions or concerns during your recuperation, you’ll have direct access to support at any time. The combination of precise surgical technique, advanced anesthesia, and proactive pain management makes the recovery process far easier than most people expect.

With Dr. Schwartz’s Rapid Recuperation protocol, you can focus on enjoying your beautiful results sooner.

WHY PATIENTS WORLDWIDE CHOOSE DR. JAIME SCHWARTZ

Patients from Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, and all over the world travel to Dr. Schwartz for his unparalleled expertise, including cases when they need corrective surgery.

Dr. Schwartz is well-known for fixing complicated cases and “botched” surgeries that other surgeons could not repair. In fact, Dr. Schwartz was featured on a popular TV show about botched plastic surgeries due to his success in revising difficult breast procedures.

Colleagues often refer patients to him when multiple prior breast surgeries have failed. He has a proven track record of restoring beautiful results even in challenging revision scenarios, earning him a reputation as the go-to expert for complex breast surgeries.

What truly sets Dr. Schwartz apart is his meticulous, individualized approach.

He has performed thousands of breast augmentations and developed precise techniques to tailor each result to the patient’s body. During your consultation, Dr. Schwartz will carefully measure your chest dimensions, such as the base width of your breasts and the height of your breast crease, to determine the ideal implant size and shape for a perfect fit. By “building” the breast from the chest wall up, he ensures the implant sits in the optimal position for a smooth contour and natural appearance.

Dr. Schwartz firmly believes that bigger is not always better. The goal is a balanced, proportional look.

With the right implant selection and placement, he can create a stunning enhancement that doesn’t require an overly large implant to achieve the volume or cleavage you desire. His philosophy emphasizes natural-looking results: the kind of refined, elegant outcome that has attracted many Hollywood clients and discerning patients from around the world to his practice.

A personal consultation with Dr. Schwartz is often described as incredibly informative and even eye-opening. He takes the time to explain every nuance of breast augmentation, from implant materials to surgical techniques, so you feel educated and confident about your choices.

Safety is always his top priority, and he will discuss how each option relates to your health and goals.

With Dr. Schwartz and his dedicated team guiding you through every step (including 24/7 support after surgery), you can feel at ease knowing you are truly in the best hands for your breast augmentation journey.

Ready to learn more about breast augmentation? Our clinic is conveniently located off Wilshire and San Vicente in Beverly Hills.

240 S La Cienega Blvd #200
Beverly Hills, CA 90211

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BREAST AUGMENTATION FAQS

Am I a good candidate for breast augmentation?

Most healthy women who are unhappy with the size or shape of their breasts can be good candidates for breast augmentation.

Ideal candidates are adults in good overall health (non-smokers or willing to quit around the time of surgery) who have no uncontrolled medical conditions. You should not be pregnant or currently breastfeeding, and it’s best if you have finished having children, though augmentation can certainly be done after childbearing as well).

It’s also important that your breast development is complete. This is generally age 18 or older for saline implants, and 22 or older for silicone gel implants, per FDA guidelines.

During your consultation, Dr. Schwartz will review your medical history, discuss your goals, and examine your anatomy to ensure that surgery is safe for you and will address your concerns.

Is silicone safe?

Yes. Silicone breast implants have been extensively studied and are considered very safe for the vast majority of patients.

Modern silicone implants use a cohesive gel that stays within the implant shell. It’s sometimes described as “gummy” because it holds together.

Studies have shown that the amount of silicone that might “bleed” out of an intact implant over time is extremely small. In fact, it’s less than the exposure we get from everyday consumer products containing silicone. Additionally, large long-term studies involving hundreds of thousands of women have found no link between silicone implants and any systemic diseases or autoimmune disorders.

Silicone implants have been FDA-approved for many years and improvements in their design have only increased their safety.

Dr. Schwartz trusts the safety of silicone gel implants so much that he says he would use them on his own family members without hesitation. As with any medical device, there is a small risk of complications, but overall silicone implants have an excellent safety record and a very high satisfaction rate. Dr. Schwartz will discuss all safety aspects with you so you can make an informed choice about implant type.

Breast augmentation or breast lift – which do I need?

This is a common question. A breast augmentation increases the size and volume of the breasts, but it does not significantly lift breasts that have sagged.

A breast lift (mastopexy) is a separate procedure that removes excess skin and raises the breasts to a higher position on the chest. If your main concern is that your breasts are small or deflated but they still sit relatively high on your chest, then breast augmentation alone may be sufficient to give you the improvement you want.

On the other hand, if your breasts droop or your nipples point downward, adding an implant alone won’t reposition the breast enough. In those cases, a lift is needed to re-shape and elevate the breast. Many women, especially mothers after pregnancy, end up benefiting from a combination augmentation + lift to both restore volume and achieve a perkier shape.

During your consultation, Dr. Schwartz will assess the position of your nipples and the amount of sagging you have. If a lift is recommended, he will explain how it can be done. Sometimes the implant and lift can be done in one surgery, other times it may be staged.

What about fat transfer to the breasts?

Fat transfer to the breasts is an alternative or adjunct to implants where we use your own fat to provide volume. In a fat transfer breast augmentation, Dr. Schwartz performs liposuction on areas like your abdomen, flanks, or thighs to harvest fat, then processes and injects that fat into your breasts to create a modest increase in volume or improved shape.

The idea of using your own natural tissue is very appealing to some patients. It eliminates the need for any implant and also contours the donor area. Fat grafting can produce beautiful, subtle results, and it’s often used to fine-tune the results of an implant augmentation (for example, adding a bit more fullness to the cleavage area or softening the outline of an implant).

However, there are important considerations with fat transfer. The increase in breast size is usually modest — typically one cup size or less per session — so if you desire a dramatic change or a very predictable volume increase, implants are more reliable.

Also, not all the transferred fat cells will survive in their new location. It’s normal for the body to reabsorb a percentage of the fat after the procedure, so the final result isn’t fully seen until about 3-6 months post-op, once the lasting fat has established a blood supply. In some cases, a second fat transfer procedure may be done down the line to further enhance volume if needed.

The positive is that the results that do “take” are your own tissue and generally long-lasting as part of your body. Dr. Schwartz will help you weigh the pros and cons. For patients who want just a small enhancement or have specific shaping goals, fat transfer is a wonderful option to consider. For those who want a significant volume increase or the most predictable outcome, implants might be the better choice. In some instances, we even combine the two techniques to achieve the perfect outcome.

How long do breast implants last?

Breast implants are durable, but they are not guaranteed to last a lifetime. The good news is that they do not have a hard expiration date.

Many women have implants that last 15-20 years or longer without any issues. That said, the risk of implant complications can gradually increase the longer they’ve been in place. The most common reasons an implant might need to be replaced are rupture (a tear in the implant shell) or capsular contracture (hardening of the scar tissue around the implant).

Modern implants are very robust and ruptures are uncommon in the first decade. The FDA recommends that women with silicone implants get periodic imaging (MRI or ultrasound) starting around 5-6 years post-op and then every few years after, to check “silently” that the implants are intact.

Dr. Schwartz advises patients that you should start considering the idea of an implant exchange or check-up roughly 10-15 years after your augmentation. This doesn’t mean something bad will happen at 10 years. In fact, if you’re having no problems and the breasts still look and feel good, you can absolutely continue to enjoy them. It simply means it’s wise to be mindful that at some point down the road, a revision surgery might be necessary.

Some patients elect to update their implants around the 10-15 year mark to take advantage of newer implant technology or because their body or aesthetic preferences have changed, for example switching to a different size or type of implant.

Others go much longer. Again, if it isn’t broken, there’s no rush to fix it. The bottom line is that you should maintain a relationship with your surgeon, have any concerns or changes evaluated, and follow recommended guidelines for implant monitoring. Should an implant rupture or an issue arise, implants can be removed or replaced in a relatively straightforward procedure.

How much does breast augmentation cost?

The cost of breast augmentation in Beverly Hills can vary widely depending on your specific needs and the details of your procedure. Factors that influence the price include the surgeon’s fee, the type of implants used, the surgical facility and anesthesia fees, and whether any additional procedures are being done at the same time (for example, a breast lift or liposuction).

Every patient’s situation is unique, so it’s difficult to give a one-size-fits-all price without a consultation.

At your consultation, we will provide a transparent quote that breaks down all the costs involved. This will include Dr. Schwartz’s surgical fee, the cost of the implants themselves, the operating room and anesthesia fees, and any postoperative garments or follow-up care.

Our office also offers financing options to help make your breast augmentation affordable (many patients use plans that allow them to pay over time).

Choosing a renowned board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Schwartz means you’ll benefit from his expertise, advanced techniques, and an exceptional level of care. We truly believe that the value of loving your results and having peace of mind is worth it. During your visit, we’ll answer any specific questions you have about pricing, and we never pressure anyone. Our goal is simply to inform you of your options so you can make the best decision for yourself.