Breast Augmentation
Conveniently located to serve the areas of Houston, TX
Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure that increases the size of the breasts using either implants or fat transfer techniques. (1)
Breast augmentation is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures worldwide, known for its ability to increase breast volume, improve shape, and enhance overall proportions. (2) Many patients seek this treatment after noticing changes from aging, pregnancy, or weight fluctuations, while others pursue augmentation to improve symmetry or achieve a fuller figure. Whatever the reason, the goal is often the same: to feel more confident in your appearance and restore balance to your silhouette.
Dr. Oren Paul Mushin and his skilled team at Memorial Center for Cosmetic Surgery bring years of experience in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery to every breast enhancement procedure.
If you are ready to explore how breast augmentation can transform your appearance, contact Memorial Center for Cosmetic Surgery online or call (713) 722-7400 to schedule your personal consultation.
Contents
Before and After Photos
About Breast Augmentation
This procedure is highly customizable, with various implant types, shapes, and placement techniques that allow for results tailored to each patient’s individual goals.
With options such as saline and silicone implants, as well as fat grafting from the patient’s own body, Dr. Mushin can help create results that are both natural in appearance and long-lasting.
Breast Implants
Breast implants remain the most widely chosen method for augmentation. (3) At Memorial Center for Cosmetic Surgery, patients have access to different implant types, each offering distinct benefits.
- Saline implants: These implants have a silicone shell and are filled with a sterile saline solution. Because they can be filled after insertion, they often require a smaller incision. Saline implants provide a consistent shape and firmness, though they may feel less natural than silicone options. They are sometimes preferred for patients who want adjustable sizing during surgery and an implant that allows easy detection of rupture, as the saline is safely absorbed by the body if leakage occurs, and this creates a noticeable difference in appearance that lets patients know it’s time to get the implant replaced.
- Silicone implants: These implants are filled with a cohesive silicone gel designed to closely mimic the natural feel and movement of breast tissue. Because of their softer, more natural texture, they are often preferred by patients with thinner breast tissue or those seeking a more natural appearance. The “gummy bear” implant, a type of silicone implant, contains a thicker, more cohesive gel that helps the implant maintain its shape more effectively. Silicone implants, in general, tend to hold their shape well and are less likely to cause visible rippling compared to saline implants. However, since ruptures may not be immediately noticeable, regular imaging is recommended to monitor implant integrity.
Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation
Fat transfer breast augmentation is a natural alternative for patients seeking subtle enhancement. (4) With this method, Dr. Mushin uses liposuction to remove fat from areas with excess fat, such as the abdomen, thighs, or flanks. He then purifies this fat and carefully injects it into the breasts.
This approach is ideal for women who want only a modest increase in size or who prefer to avoid implants and the maintenance they require altogether. While the volume increase is smaller compared to implants, fat transfer also provides the added benefit of contouring donor areas, creating a more sculpted overall figure.
Dr. Mushin can perform a fat transfer in conjunction with implant-based augmentation; this can help cushion the edges of the implants and make the breasts appear and feel more natural.
Ideal Candidates
Ideal candidates often include women who:
- Are dissatisfied with the size or shape of their breasts
- Seeking balance and proportion in their figure
- Have fully developed breasts
- Have experienced volume loss due to pregnancy, breastfeeding, or aging
- Have breast asymmetry
- Do not use nicotine or are willing to quit temporarily
- Are in good overall health
- Have realistic expectations
Dr. Mushin will determine whether you are a good candidate during your personal consultation.
Personal Consultation
Your breast augmentation journey begins with a personal consultation. During this appointment, Dr. Mushin will listen carefully as you describe your goals and reasons for seeking surgery. He will review your medical history, evaluate your anatomy, and discuss which options best align with your desired outcome.
The consultation is also an opportunity for you to ask questions about implants versus fat transfer, placement techniques, recovery timelines, and expected results. Dr. Mushin and his staff will provide personalized guidance and outline a personalized treatment plan designed specifically for you.
If you are ready to begin your journey, schedule this consultation by calling (713) 722-7400 or contacting us online.
Preparation
Proper preparation is essential for achieving safe and successful results. Dr. Mushin will provide detailed preoperative instructions, which may include:
- Discontinuing blood-thinning medications and certain supplements
- Avoiding nicotine and alcohol before and after surgery
- Filling prescriptions in advance
- Arranging transportation and help at home for the first recovery period
- Scheduling time off work
Each patient’s preparation plan is unique, and Dr. Mushin’s team will guide you through every step to ensure you feel confident and ready for surgery.
Procedure
Breast augmentation is typically performed under general anesthesia to ensure patient comfort and is done in an outpatient setting, meaning you will not have to stay overnight. The details of your procedure will depend on whether you choose implants or fat transfer.
For implant-based augmentation, Dr. Mushin will create incisions in discreet locations; incision types include:
- Inframammary: This incision location is hidden in the crease under your breast. It is arguably the gold standard in breast augmentation and allows for optimal control of breast contour and implant location.
- Periareolar: This incision is placed around the areola. When well-healed, the scar will be hidden in the transition between the skin and areola.
- Transaxillary: This incision is placed in the armpit, away from the breast, but may be noticeable in some sleeveless shirts. This approach is less common because it limits visibility for implant placement.
After making the incisions, he will create a pocket either above or beneath the chest muscle, depending on your goals and anatomy. Once the implants are in place, he will close the incisions with precise techniques to promote healing and minimize scarring.
For fat transfer augmentation, Dr. Mushin will make small incisions in the donor area and inject a solution called tumescent fluid; this is designed to swell the fat cells, minimize bleeding, and provide localized numbing. After letting the solution settle, Dr. Mushin will insert a suction cannula through the same incisions to remove an adequate amount of fat. After purifying the fat, he will inject it strategically into the breasts to provide subtle enhancement and natural-looking results.
Recovery
In the first few days after surgery, patients can expect swelling, bruising, and some discomfort, which can be managed with the approved medications and rest. A supportive surgical bra or compression garment will help minimize swelling and support healing. Most women can return to light daily activities within a week, though strenuous exercise and heavy lifting should be avoided until Dr. Mushin deems it appropriate. Dr. Mushin will schedule follow-up visits to monitor your healing and provide guidance tailored to your recovery.
Results
Following their breast augmentation, patients find that some results are visible immediately, though final results become more apparent as swelling subsides. Patients enjoy fuller, more proportionate breasts, improved symmetry, and a boost in self-confidence.
For implant patients, results can last many years, but implants are not considered lifetime devices. Replacement or revision will be needed over time due to factors such as rupture, capsular contracture, or changes in breast tissue. Most patient can expect their implants to last for 10-15 years, though this can vary.
Fat transfer patients benefit from a natural look and the added effect of body contouring from the donor site, although a portion of the transferred fat may be reabsorbed, sometimes requiring additional sessions to achieve the desired volume. After the transferred fat is stable, these enhancements are considered to be permanent.
Cost of Breast Augmentation in Houston
The cost of breast augmentation varies depending on the chosen method, implant type, surgical details, and individual goals. During your consultation, Dr. Mushin will provide a personalized estimate and discuss financing options.
Schedule a consultation today to learn what you can achieve with breast augmentation. If you have any further questions or prefer to schedule over the phone, please call our Houston office at (713) 722-7400.
FAQ
How long do breast implants last?
Breast implants tend to last 10 to 15 years, though this can vary.
Will there be visible scarring from breast augmentation?
Dr. Mushin carefully places incisions in discreet areas to minimize visible scarring. Over time, scars fade and become less noticeable.
What is recovery like after augmentation?
Most patients resume light activity in about a week, with full recovery taking longer. Dr. Mushin will provide a customized recovery plan to outline and support your healing process.
References
- Fardo D, Sequeira Campos M, Pensler JM. Breast Augmentation. PubMed. Published 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482206/
- Meretsky CR, Knecht EM, Schiuma AT. Advantages and Disadvantages of Breast Augmentation: Surgical Techniques, Outcomes and Future Directions. Cureus. 2024;16(9). doi:https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.69846
- Patel BC, Wong CS, Wright T, Schaffner AD. Breast Implants. PubMed. Published 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441998/
- Davis MJ, Perdanasari AT, Abu-Ghname A, et al. Application of Fat Grafting in Cosmetic Breast Surgery. Seminars in Plastic Surgery. 2020;34(01):024-029. doi:https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0039-1700958
