According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) 2024 Plastic Surgery Statistics Report, breast augmentation remained the second-most-performed cosmetic surgical procedure in the United States in 2024. The procedure consistently ranks among the top five cosmetic surgeries performed annually. It highlights both the safety of modern techniques and the high patient satisfaction rates.
At Lahar Plastic Surgery in Beverly Hills, California, Dr. Nicholas Lahar trained under some of the best cosmetic surgeons in the country, and he’s refined his techniques for breast augmentation surgery to create the most beautiful and natural-looking results for each of his patients. While many women are good candidates for this procedure, some women shouldn’t consider it. Learn more about breast augmentation and candidacy below.
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Breast Augmentation basics
Beverly Hills breast augmentation, also known as augmentation mammoplasty or a “boob job” in the vernacular, is an elective cosmetic procedure that’s become more widely accepted and easily available as the field has developed. Plastic surgeons, too, have made great progress in how they use a Beverly Hills breast lift and shape the breasts to create the desired result.
Still, the decision to get breast implants is a highly personal one, and patients should always be honest with themselves and their physician about whether this procedure is a good fit for them or not, and whether they’re good candidates.
There are a number of reasons women choose to get breast implants; all are equally valid, as they’re personal. They include wanting to:
- Increase the size or volume of breasts
- Correct an asymmetry between breasts
- Restore fullness lost to pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Create a figure that’s more balanced (e.g., breast to waist)
- Correct breasts abnormally shaped
- Reconstruct breasts after cancer treatment
A woman must have fully developed breasts before the doctor can perform the augmentation procedure. But no matter what your reason for choosing it is, the best way to achieve a great outcome is to go in with a clear understanding of the process and have a reasonable expectation for the results.
According to the ASPS, up to 95% of breast augmentation patients say they would undergo the procedure again, making it one of the highest-satisfaction cosmetic surgeries available.
Patients can choose from two types of implants:
Saline
These implants have a silicone shell filled with a sterile saline solution. The surgeon can fill the implants with more or less saline to help you achieve a custom size and shape. And if the implant develops a leak, your body can easily process the saline solution.
Silicone
These implants have a silicone shell filled with a soft silicone gel, which offers a soft, natural feel that saline implants don’t. However, women who get silicone implants must have routine ultrasound or MRI scans to ensure there’s no sign of leakage, as the material can make you sick.
The implant choice conversation is one of the most important parts of the consultation. In our practice, the majority of patients choose silicone for the more natural feel. However, there are specific situations where saline makes more sense. We walk through the full picture of each option so patients can make a genuinely informed decision.
– Dr. Lahar
Who shouldn’t consider breast enlargement?
As a general rule, anyone in fairly good physical and mental health who doesn’t smoke can be a breast implant candidate. However, you’re not a good candidate for the surgery if:
- You’re either pregnant or breastfeeding
- Your mammogram was abnormal, or you have breast cancer
- You’re sick or battling a systemic infection
- You have unrealistic expectations for the end result
The ASPS advises that ideal candidates for breast augmentation should be in good overall health and have fully developed breasts. They should not be pregnant or nursing, and not be planning to breastfeed in the near future, as some evidence suggests breast surgery may affect milk supply in certain patients. While concerns about breast milk safety have also been raised, there hasn’t been enough research to resolve the issue one way or the other.
A clinical review published in PubMed confirms that the decision-making process for breast augmentation begins at the initial consultation. It notes that most complications are avoidable through careful planning and patient selection. The review emphasizes that patients should understand both the immediate and long-term risks associated with breast augmentation before proceeding.
Even if breast implants aren’t the right choice for you, Dr. Lahar may be able to recommend another procedure that can help you reach your aesthetic goals.
If you’re considering breast enlargement but aren’t sure if you’re a good candidate, contact Lahar Plastic Surgery to set up a consultation. Call our office at 310-403-3514, or book online with us today.
References
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). Plastic Surgery Statistics 2024.
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). Breast Augmentation.
- Alderman AK, et al. Complications in Breast Augmentation: Prevention and Correction. PubMed. 2001.
- Seidler M, et al. Quality of Life and Satisfaction After Breast Augmentation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of BREAST-Q Patient-Reported Outcomes. ScienceDirect. 2024.
- Mayo Clinic. Breast Augmentation: About.