Breast augmentation is the most commonly performed cosmetic surgery procedure in the United States—and it is also one of the most thoroughly researched by prospective patients before their first consultation. At Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery, Drs. David Kim and Eugene Kim field hundreds of pre-consultation questions each year. Here are the most common questions—and the most honest, complete answers.
Will I still be able to breastfeed after breast augmentation?
Most women retain their ability to breastfeed after breast augmentation. The procedure does not typically damage the milk ducts or glandular tissue needed for breastfeeding, particularly when the implant is placed beneath the muscle and the periareolar (around the areola) incision approach is avoided. That said, some women experience changes in nipple sensation that can affect breastfeeding. Women who plan to breastfeed should discuss this priority with Dr. Kim during the consultation so that incision and placement decisions reflect it.
Will breast augmentation affect mammogram results?
Breast implants can partially obscure breast tissue on standard mammogram views. Radiologists who know a patient has implants use specialized displacement views (the Eklund technique) to maximize the visualization of breast tissue around the implant. Patients with implants should always inform their mammography provider beforehand. The FDA recommends MRI screening every two to three years for silicone implant patients to monitor implant integrity.
How long do breast implants last?
Modern breast implants are not lifetime devices, but they are durable. Most patients keep their implants for fifteen to twenty years or longer without issue. Implants do not have a mandatory replacement schedule—they should be replaced when there is a clinical reason (rupture, capsular contracture, malposition, aesthetic change) or when the patient chooses to do so. Regular monitoring through self-examination and, for silicone implants, periodic MRI screening is recommended.
What is the difference between textured and smooth implants?
Smooth implants have a smooth outer shell and can move freely within the pocket. Textured implants have a rough outer surface designed to reduce implant movement and adhere to the surrounding tissue. Following the FDA’s 2019 recall of certain textured implants associated with BIA-ALCL, smooth implants have become the dominant choice in the United States. Drs. Kim use smooth implants for the vast majority of their breast augmentation patients.
Will my implants look natural?
Natural-looking results are the goal of modern breast augmentation—and they are absolutely achievable with appropriate implant selection, precise surgical technique, and anatomy-based planning. The most important factors are choosing an implant that fits the patient’s chest dimensions (not simply a volume number), selecting the appropriate profile and placement, and having the procedure performed by a surgeon with a strong track record of natural, proportionate results.
Can I exercise after breast augmentation?
Light walking is encouraged from the first day of recovery. Most upper body exercise and strenuous activity is restricted for four to six weeks. After clearance, patients can return to full athletic activity—including running, weightlifting, yoga, and sports. Many athletic patients find that submuscular implant placement feels somewhat more constrained during intense chest exercise, but most adapt quickly and find no meaningful long-term limitation.
What are the risks of breast augmentation?
Breast augmentation is one of the most commonly performed and well-studied procedures in cosmetic surgery. Risks include capsular contracture (the most common complication), implant malposition, implant rupture, changes in nipple sensation, infection, and anesthesia risks. Your surgeon will review the full risk profile during the consultation. Choosing a board-certified surgeon with experience in breast surgery and having your procedure in an accredited facility are the most important risk-reduction factors.
What is the recovery really like?
Most patients are surprised by how manageable recovery is. The first three to five days involve the most discomfort—tightness and pressure in the chest that is well managed with prescribed medication. Most patients return to desk work within five to seven days. Upper body exercise is restricted for four to six weeks. The final settled result is visible at approximately three months.
Drs. David Kim and Eugene Kim provide breast augmentation to patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Santa Monica, and throughout Southern California. To have your specific questions answered, schedule a consultation at beverlyhillsplasticsurgery.com.
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