Breast Augmentation

IN LONG BEACH, CA AND SERVING LA, ORANGE COUNTY AND SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Our breasts are such a crucial part of our feminine identity; it stands to reason that breast augmentation is the most popular plastic surgery procedure of all time. Cosmetic breast surgery has helped millions of women all over the world achieve fuller breasts and restore lost volume.

But there’s more to breast enhancement than enhancing the size of the breasts and improving their projection; those seeking breast implants in Long Beach are also looking to boost their confidence and pride in their body.

Breast enhancement techniques and the surgeons that perform them have evolved considerably in the last 50 years. Results look more natural than ever because surgeons are better able to customize treatment toward a patient’s unique body and aesthetic goals. With that degree of personalization, implants can give women a new figure that looks proportional and balanced.

Our Breast Augmentation Results

  • Breast Augmentation Before and After Result Long Beach & South Bay
  • Breast Augmentation Before and After Result Long Beach & South Bay
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*Individual results may vary.

Learn More About Breast Augmentation

Your Consultation for a Breast Augmentation

Dr. Josh Waltzman builds each treatment plan around one important component—you, the patient. Your breast procedure is highly customizable; patients and surgeons work together to determine where the breast implant is placed, what incision is used to place the implant, the size and shape of the implant, and the type of implant. That’s why you must find a surgeon who can help you make the right choices for your procedure. 

During your consultation, Dr. Waltzman will perform a thorough examination to analyze your skin and your frame and take detailed measurements. He’ll listen intently to what your personal goals are and walk you through what can be achieved.

Dr. Waltzman knows that patients are sometimes unhappy with their results because their treatment wasn’t tailored to their needs or the surgeon didn’t quite listen to their aesthetic goals. Before moving forward, Dr. Waltzman always takes the time to discuss important steps to the procedure so you can be an active collaborator in your own procedure.

Finding the lowest cost does not always ensure the best results. Four basic components make up the cost of breast augmentation surgery: the surgeon fee, the OR fee, the anesthesia fee, and the cost of the implants. Other factors which influence the cost of your procedure include:

  • The geographic location of where you have the surgery performed.
  • The surgeon’s training and experience.
  • The type of implant: Silicone is often more expensive than saline, and shaped implants are typically more expensive than round implants.

The price is competitive with most of Los Angeles. The cost might be slightly less due to less expensive OR facility fees in Long Beach compared to other parts of Los Angeles. Fees can vary based on the complexity of the procedure, the experience of the surgeon, and the type of implants selected.

Put your trust in Dr. Waltzman. His honesty, integrity, and devotion to his patients will serve you well. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

We have several ways that we can help you get the correct size. First, Dr. Waltzman performs a detailed exam of your breast tissue and takes multiple measurements of the breasts. Next, we create a 3D simulation of your breasts, and you can virtually try on different breast implants. The simulation allows you to see yourself from all angles and even allows you to try on different outfits virtually. We are able to create multiple simulations with varying sizes of implants. You will receive an email link to view your 3D simulations at home. 

At this point, we have a very good idea of your ideal size range. We then have you try on special implant sizers that are shaped like an actual breast. These sizers are worn under a sizing bra in our office, but we encourage you to wear your own clothing and look at yourself in the mirror during your consultation. Between these steps, Dr. Waltzman is able to understand what you are looking to achieve and come up with the best plan to meet your goals.

How Does Breast Augmentation Work?

Your procedure will be performed using general anesthesia and will be held in a Long Beach hospital or surgery center, where Dr. Waltzman has hospital privileges.

The first step is to create an incision; Dr. Waltzman will create an incision either around the areola or under the breast crease. He’ll then create a pocket inside the breast (either under or over the chest muscle), slip the implant inside, and center it behind the nipple. Dr. Waltzman uses two types of incisions, but the inframammary is Dr. Waltzman’s preferred incision for breast implant placement.

Benefits of the inframammary incision:

  • Greater visibility when placing the implant
  • It removes the incision from the breast and places it neatly within the breast fold
  • It has lower capsular contracture rates
  • Less risk of damaging the milk ducts

The peri-areolar incision allows Dr. Waltzman to hide the incisions around the borders of the nipple, but there is a risk that the ability to breastfeed will be impeded in the future.

Dr. Waltzman uses an innovative device called the Keller Funnell to insert all implants. With the Keller Funnell, Dr. Waltzman can perform a type of no-touch breast augmentation in Long Beach where the implants never touch the patient’s skin. By limiting contact with the skin, the Keller Funnell keeps the implants sterile and drastically reduces the risk of certain complications.

The no-touch technique is a way of inserting breast implants without ever actually touching the implant with your hands. Dr. Waltzman uses a special implant funnel that is coated with a very smooth surface to squeeze the implant into the breast pocket gently. 

The results in minimal to no contamination of the implant with bacteria from the patient’s own skin reduces the risk of capsular contracture, and puts less stress on the implanted gel as it is placed into the breast. Additionally, it allows Dr. Waltzman to minimize the length of the incision when placing larger implants.

What are My Breast Augmentation Options?

Before each breast augmentation procedure in Long Beach, Dr. Waltzman will consider your measurements, skin elasticity, lifestyle, whether you’ve had children, whether you’ve breastfed, and other factors to help plan the surgery. 

When we talk about results that look “natural,” what we really mean is that the results look perfectly tailored to your unique body. By respecting your anatomy, Dr. Waltzman can create results that look impeccable and last for years.

Dr. Waltzman offers breast augmentation with multiple methods and implant types to achieve your best result. Learn more about fat transfer breast augmentation, the subfascial method, and implant types.

Breast Implants
Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation
Subfascial Breast Augmentation
Breast Revision

One is not better; they are just different. It depends on a variety of factors that are unique for each patient. Each option has pros and cons, but beautiful results are possible with each approach. Dr. Waltzman will review these options during your consultation. 

The true answer is that almost any implant can be made to feel and look very unnatural or very natural. Most of the art of creating a natural look and feel comes from selecting the right shape and size of the implant and then choosing the most appropriate pocket for placement (above or below the muscle). 

Typically, the most natural feeling implant will be a cohesive silicone gel implant. If a woman with very little natural breast tissue is trying to minimize upper pole fullness and create a very natural contour, then sometimes an anatomic (or teardrop) implant is the most appropriate option.

Am I a Candidate for Breast Augmentation?

You may benefit from breast augmentation in Long Beach if you are bothered by any of the following:

  • Breasts that look too small for your frame
  • Dissatisfaction with your breast size
  • Breast asymmetry
  • The desire for a more shapely, proportionate figure

You may have many reasons for choosing breast augmentation, but you should have reasonable expectations about your results. Dr. Waltzman will review many factors that affect whether you are a good candidate, including a full medical history and a discussion of your goals. 

My philosophy on breast augmentation is that an appropriately sized and placed implant will give you the best result for the longest amount of time. I personally like a more natural-appearing breast with nice curves, not an overly augmented breast that looks round and tight. It is important to realize that natural-appearing does not mean the same as “small implants.” Natural-appearing means using the “right implant.”

How to Prepare for Breast Augmentation

Patients are asked to stop taking blood-thinning medications such as Aspirin, along with Vitamin E, fish oil, and more. Patients are also asked to stop smoking for at least six weeks before and after their surgery.

Dr. Waltzman will give you specific instructions on how to prepare for your journey. It’s important to follow them closely to ensure a safe surgical experience and the best possible results. Individuals who have not followed these instructions might not be eligible for surgery. 

What Results Can I Expect from Breast Augmentation?

Dr. Waltzman offers his Long Beach patients a chance to visualize their possible results with Crisalix 3D, a simulation program that allows patients to “try on” their post-surgical results. The Crisalix 3D offers a 3D view of your new breasts before the big surgery day.

At first, your breasts will appear swollen and sit in a higher, more unnatural position. The swelling will decrease in a month, and in 3-6 months, the implants should drop and settle into the breast pocket. 

In addition to providing outstanding patient care, Dr. Waltzman personalizes your treatment so your results won’t just look stunning—they’ll look right and natural for your body.

See what your breast augmentation results could look like with Crisalix 3D Imaging!

Every woman has a natural “footprint” of where their breasts are positioned on their chest. Some women have breasts that sit higher on their chest, and some have breasts that are positioned relatively low on their chest. Some women have breasts that are widely spaced (wide cleavage), and some have breasts positioned very close to each other (narrow cleavage). 

The best way to think of breast augmentation is that it makes you a bigger version of yourself. If you have cleavage before, you will have cleavage after. If you have wide cleavage before, you will likely have wide cleavage after. A good-quality bra is the best solution for shaping cleavage post-operatively.

All scars fade with time, but there will always be a scar. Dr. Waltzman knows this is a concern to many patients, so we include scar therapy in every single breast surgery we perform. Silicone scar therapy has been shown to decrease redness and help flatten scars. There is no way to perform breast augmentation without a scar somewhere. All patients have to make the trade of larger, fuller breasts for a small scar. 

Yes, you should definitely try breastfeeding. We generally tell patients that any type of breast surgery (augmentation, lift, reduction) can increase the likelihood that you will need to supplement your breastfeeding with formula. Many women who never had breast augmentation are not able to completely breastfeed, and there is no way to tell how your body will respond.

All implants are man-made and have a risk of rupture. For saline implants, you would notice the implant deflate in a matter of 24 hours. Your body will absorb the saline, and the breast will be significantly smaller. Silicone implants can be a little less obvious. 

If your silicone implant has ruptured, you might notice that the breast appears different or possibly flattened on a particular part. Capsular contracture can also be a sign of implant rupture. The best thing to do is have an exam by your plastic surgeon, who can examine the breast and order an ultrasound or MRI.

Absolutely! Just let the person performing your mammogram know that you have implants. Regular mammograms on your usual schedule are still recommended. Ask Dr. Waltzman if you have any concerns. 

Breast implants have not been shown to cause breast cancer. However, there are some implants (no longer on the market) that have been associated with an extremely rare type of lymphoma called ALCL. If identified early, this lymphoama is very curable and treatable. Dr. Waltzman only uses safe, FDA-approved implant types. 

Probably at some point. On average, women with breast implants have some type of surgery every 10-15 years. Reasons you might have surgery include changing size, changing to a newer material, correcting capsular contracture, replacing a ruptured implant, or taking your implants out completely. Dr. Waltzman does not believe that implants need to be replaced just because it has been ten years.

What is Recovery Like After Breast Augmentation?

Breast augmentation patients in Long Beach tend to recover after 1-2 weeks, but it really depends on the patient’s work. If their job is much more physical than an office job, then the recovery process might be longer.

After a breast augmentation, you feel like you did a whole bunch of push-ups. Your chest will feel tight and sore. Most patients take prescription pain medication for 2-3 days, and then only Tylenol or Advil. 

In general, Dr. Waltzman’s patients tend to feel some soreness, swelling, and tightness after the procedure. Dr. Waltzman’s more active patients tend to experience more soreness in their chest muscles. However, many of his patients also report that the recovery is very tolerable and that they can switch from prescription pain medication to over-the-counter pain pills in just a few days.

Any surgical procedure that carries potential risks. Dr. Waltzman will spend time in the office with you, discussing the risks and benefits of breast surgery in detail. Some of these risks include:

Implant rupture or leakage. When a saline implant ruptures, patients notice almost an immediate change in breast shape or size, similar to breaking a balloon filled with water. In contrast, if a silicone implant is damaged or ruptured, the patient may not notice any difference. Often, the rupture is detected incidentally during an imaging study, referred to as a “silent rupture.” Many implant companies will cover the replacement of a ruptured implant under the product warranty.

Bleeding: If there is significant bleeding around the implant (called a hematoma), the patient will need to return to the operating room to remove the implant, wash out the blood collection, and then replace it. It is not a good idea to leave blood collections around the implant because it is uncomfortable for the patient and can increase their risk of infection and capsular contracture.

Excessive scar tissue can form around the implant and distort the shape of the breast implant. This is called capsular contracture. Whenever a foreign substance is put in the body, the body recognizes it as foreign and attempts to isolate the material. However, if this capsule becomes too thick, it may cause the breasts that feel firm and hard. Between 5-10% of patients will develop capsular contractures. If this happens, it may require an additional surgical procedure to correct it. Capsular contractures pose no health threat, but they can compromise the aesthetic results and be uncomfortable.

Dr. Waltzman is also one of a few plastic surgeons in California that utilizes Aspen Therapy, a revolutionary non-surgical treatment for breast augmentation complications such as capsular contraction.  

At the first sign of any infection, the patient is immediately placed on antibiotics. Unfortunately, if the actual implant is infected, it often requires removing it to treat the infection. Once the infection is appropriately treated, the implant can be replaced at a later date.

Changes in sensation in the nipples and breasts can result in increased or decreased sensation, which is usually only temporary.

Dr. Waltzman does not require patients to wear a specific bra immediately after breast augmentation. For the first several weeks, patients can wear either nothing, a tank top, a padded top, or a loose-fitting sports bra. After about one month, we advise patients to have a professional bra fitting. At that point they can wear any type of bra except for underwire. After about the 3-month mark, or once the implants have fully dropped, patients can wear any type of bra.

Any time someone is having surgery on their breast, there is always the risk of changes in sensation. This could happen on any part of the breast, including the nipple or areola. 

Occasionally, a patient will experience temporary decreased sensation over parts of the breast or nipple. This typically returns to normal over the first several weeks as the swelling resolves. It is extremely unusual for a woman to lose sensation in the nipples after primary breast augmentation completely.

No, Dr. Waltzman does not use drains with primary (first-time) breast augmentations. However, if other procedures are performed at the same time, a drain might become necessary. We will discuss the use of drains before your procedure so you know what to expect. 

It really depends on what kind of job you have. If you have a desk job, then you can probably return to work in as little as 3-4 days. If your job is more physical or requires you to drive from location to location, then you will probably want to consider taking 1-2 weeks off. If you have a very labor-intensive job that requires heavy lifting, then you will need to consider four weeks off of work. However, many of our patients can return much sooner on “modified” or “light-duty.”

You should be sitting at the dinner table the evening of your surgery. You should not be lying in bed for days. However, you do need to give your body a chance to heal. Walking is okay from Day 1. We recommend no upper body exercise for four weeks. Lifting less than 10 pounds per hand is ok from the first day. This works out to about the weight of a gallon of milk per hand. 

Normal movement, such as getting dressed, showering, or making food, will not hurt anything, and raising your arms above your head will not hurt anything. A moderate amount of activity, as approved by Dr. Waltzman, will help you heal more quickly.

Why Choose Dr. Waltzman for Your Breast Augmentation?

Of course, even with the incredible advancements in cosmetic surgery, your surgeon is still the most crucial aspect of your treatment plan. That’s why so many women choose Dr. Waltzman, a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon who’s renowned for his work with breast augmentation in Long Beach. Dr. Waltzman was specialty trained at an Aesthetic Surgery fellowship at the world-renowned Cleveland Clinic, where he learned advanced techniques for this procedure.

Dr. Waltzman is known for his dedication to helping women achieve self-confidence. He takes great care to support every patient throughout their entire journey. From the consultation to the recovery period, Dr. Waltzman will be there to guide you personally. Dr. Waltzman understands that breast augmentation is a transformative process, and his ultimate goal is to make sure every patient feels peace of mind.

Take the Next Step

When you are ready to consider breast augmentation, reach out to The Waltzman Institute Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics at (562) 448-6100 to schedule your initial consultation and learn more about our many aesthetic enhancement options.

We are located in Long Beach and serve patients in LA county, Orange County, the South Bay and all of Southern California. You’ll find that we are fully committed to the best possible experience and outcomes for all of our patients!

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