Breast Enhancement

Breast augmentation and breast implants to enhance your shape

A peaceful middle-aged woman practices a yoga pose in a sports bra, representing the confidence gained from breast augmentation.

Breast augmentation and breast implants to enhance your shape

Cosmetic breast surgery is one of the leading types of plastic surgery performed today. Many patients want to increase their breast size with implants, while others seek to reduce large breasts to improve comfort or appearance. Some patients whose breast tissue has sagged due to aging, pregnancy or other factors seek a simple “lift” to raise their natural breasts a little higher on the chest. 

 

Breast surgery can feel like a major step for many women. When done correctly and with careful screening and discussion, breast surgery can greatly improve appearance and self-image. Whatever your goal, Scripps Clinic plastic surgeons in San Diego offer breast augmentation and breast surgery procedures that fit your lifestyle.

Breast augmentation and types of breast implants

Women who choose to enlarge their natural breasts with implants — also known as breast augmentation or breast enhancement — may do so to improve their confidence and feel good about the appearance of their breasts. Many breast augmentation patients seek to achieve a more rounded breast shape, increase fullness or improve breast asymmetry as a result of weight loss, pregnancy or other factors.


Our board-certified plastic surgeons at Scripps Clinic offer saline and silicone implant types, both of which are approved by the FDA. Some women opt for fat transfer breast augmentation, which uses fat from another part of the patient’s body instead of implants to improve breast volume. Some women may also choose to have a breast lift along with implants or elect to have a “mommy makeover” for a tummy tuck and implants.


Talk to your physician regarding the type of procedure that’s right for your body.

Breast augmentation before and after photo

1 of 5
2 of 5
3 of 5
4 of 5
5 of 5

Breast lift and breast augmentation revision

Some women may be happy with the size of their breasts, but wish to “lift” their breasts higher for an improved shape. Other women may want to revise a previous breast augmentation that doesn’t meet their goals. Learn more about these two types of breast surgery below.

Breast lift

Many women notice a difference in the size and shape of their breasts as they age, which can be attributed to pregnancy, breastfeeding or simple gravity. When skin loses elasticity, breasts can lose shape and firmness and take on a saggy appearance. A breast lift can help restore a more youthful appearance by raising and reshaping the breasts.


Because breast augmentation does not correct severely drooping breasts, some women choose to have a breast augmentation and breast lift together to raise sagging breasts while also increasing breast size. Your plastic surgeon can advise you about this decision.

Breast augmentation revision

In some cases, women who have previously had breast augmentation surgery find they would like alterations in the size, shape, placement or contour of their implants. Our surgeons have the expertise to revise breast augmentation for a more natural-looking result. 


View breast augmentation revision before and after photos in the slideshow above.

Breast reduction

Women seeking a breast reduction typically do so because their naturally large breasts cause back and neck pain. Large breasts also may interfere with physical activity due to difficulty finding a well-fitting and supportive bra. Our physicians will help you decide how much of a reduction will be beneficial for you. 

Breast reconstruction

Women who have had a lumpectomy or mastectomy for breast cancer treatment may choose to have breast reconstruction surgery to restore one or both breasts to a more natural shape and balanced appearance. Breast reconstruction may involve multiple procedures performed in stages, and may begin at the time of mastectomy surgery or delayed until a later date. A newer surgery option is the deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap procedure. DIEP flap is a form of microsurgery that uses fat from the abdomen to reconstruct breast tissue. 


Our plastic surgeons at Scripps Clinic are proud to help breast cancer survivors reconstruct their breasts. Talk to your surgeon about what you may be able to expect as a result of breast reconstruction.

Why choose Scripps Clinic Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

When you’re considering plastic surgery, you want to be sure to choose a plastic surgery center that meets the highest standards for safety and quality.


Scripps Clinic plastic surgeons:


  • Are board certified in plastic surgery
  • Have years of experience in the artistry of plastic surgery
  • Partner with board-certified anesthesiologists


In addition, we perform all procedures in a hospital or approved ambulatory surgery setting for added sterility and infection prevention, as well as maximum safety.


The decision to have cosmetic surgery is very personal. It’s important to ask questions and talk with your plastic surgeon to:


  • Decide if this procedure is right for you
  • Find out what results you can realistically achieve 
  • Explore the benefits and risks 


Find Scripps Clinic locations for plastic surgery and reconstructive surgery.