Breast Augmentation San Francisco, CA

Timeless Rejuvenation

Introduction to Breast Augmentation

It’s completely normal for your relationship with your body to evolve over time. Whether it’s due to genetics, weight fluctuations, pregnancy, or simply a desire to feel more aligned with how you see yourself, changes in breast size or shape can impact your confidence in subtle but meaningful ways. For many women, it’s not about looking like someone else; it’s about finally feeling like themselves, and that’s why over 300,000 breast augmentations were performed just in 2024 alone, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.1

Breast augmentation is one of the most personalized and empowering procedures available today, enhancing volume, improving symmetry, and refining overall proportions. At Wes Plastic Surgery in San Francisco, Dr. Wes works closely with patients, allowing them to create a completely customized surgical plan down to every last detail.

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What Is Breast Augmentation?

Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure that enhances the size, shape, and overall appearance of the breasts using implants. It can be performed to increase volume, restore fullness lost after pregnancy or weight loss, or correct asymmetry between the breasts.

The procedure involves placing silicone or saline implants either beneath the breast tissue or under the chest muscle, depending on your anatomy and aesthetic goals. Modern breast augmentation is highly customizable, allowing patients to choose everything from implant type and size to placement and incision technique, with the goal of harmonizing their overall natural body proportions.

Who Are the Best Candidates for Breast Augmentation?

Breast augmentation, as performed by Dr. Wes in San Francisco, is great for individuals who want to enhance their breast size or improve shape while maintaining realistic expectations about their results.

You may be a strong candidate if you:

  • Feel your breasts are too small or lack volume
  • Have experienced loss of fullness due to aging, weight loss, or pregnancy
  • Have asymmetrical breasts
  • Are in good overall health and do not smoke (or are willing to stop before surgery)
  • Have fully developed breasts

Equally important is your motivation; this procedure should be something you’re choosing for yourself, not to meet external expectations.

What Are the Benefits of Breast Augmentation?

Breast augmentation offers both physical and emotional benefits, making it one of the most transformative procedures in aesthetic surgery.

Patients often experience:

  • Increased breast volume and improved fullness
  • Enhanced body proportions and silhouette
  • Improved symmetry between uneven breasts
  • Restoration of shape after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight loss
  • Greater confidence in clothing, swimwear, and intimate settings

When thoughtfully planned, breast augmentation can look incredibly natural, enhancing your features without overpowering them. Patients report a new sense of confidence and comfort in their bodies, in pictures, in different clothes, in social settings, and more.

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What’s the First Step?

When undergoing breast augmentation at Wes Plastic Surgery in San Francisco, your first step will be to reach out to our friendly practice manager, Julie. She will answer your initial questions, explain the procedure process, and help you figure out whether booking a more comprehensive consultation with Dr. Wes is the right next step.

If you decide to move forward, you will come to the office for a full in-person medical evaluation and physical assessment with Dr. Wes. He will assess your chest width, existing breast tissue, and proportions, then walk you through implant types, sizes, placement options, and incision approaches. You can try sizers, look at before-and-after photos, and ask as many questions as you need. Before you leave, you’ll have a clear plan and a set of pre-op instructions.

Type of Implant

There are two primary types of breast implants: silicone and saline. While the American Society of Plastic Surgery reported that the most commonly used implant type is silicone (78,814 of 101,657 procedures in 2018 used silicone), both types have their advantages.2

 

  • Silicone implants are filled with a cohesive gel that closely mimics the feel of natural breast tissue. They are the most popular option due to their soft, natural texture. They are also Dr. Wes’ preferred implant type in the vast majority of patients.
  • Saline implants are filled with sterile salt water and can be adjusted slightly during surgery. They tend to feel firmer and may be more prone to visible rippling in thinner patients.

Implant Size

Implant size isn’t just about cup size; it’s about proportion. The right size depends on your frame, chest width, existing breast tissue, and desired outcome. During your consultation, you may use sizers or visual tools to better understand how different volumes will look on your body.

Implant Shape

Implants come in two main shapes:

  • Round implants, which provide more fullness in the upper portion of the breast and a classic augmented look
  • Teardrop (anatomical) implants, which mimic the natural slope of the breast for a more subtle enhancement

Implant Placement

Implants can be placed:

  • Above the muscle (subfascial)
  • Below the muscle (submuscular

Placement affects everything from how natural the implants look to recovery time and long-term outcomes. Submuscular placement is often recommended for a more natural appearance, especially in patients with less existing breast tissue. In the right patient though, Dr. Wes loves the look and quick recovery of a subfascial placement.

Incision Placement

There are several incision options, including:

  • Inframammary (under the breast fold)
  • Periareolar (around the nipple)
  • Transaxillary (through the armpit)

Each approach has its proponents, but Dr. Wes recommends placing the small incision under the fold to minimize visible scarring and preserve nipple function/sensation.

What to Expect on the Day of Breast Augmentation Surgery

On the day of your procedure, you’ll arrive at the surgical facility in San Francisco, where you’ll be prepared for surgery and meet with your care team. Breast augmentation is performed under general anesthesia and takes about one to two hours, during which Dr. Wes will make carefully planned incisions, place the implants according to your agreed-upon plan, and close the incisions with precision. After surgery, you’ll be monitored in a recovery area before being discharged home the same day with detailed aftercare instructions.

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Breast Augmentation Recovery

Your Guide to Post-Breast Augmentation Care

Recovery is a gradual process, but most patients are pleasantly surprised by how manageable it is.

In the first few days, you can expect swelling, tightness, and mild discomfort, which can be managed with prescribed medication. Most patients return to light activities within a week, though strenuous exercise should be avoided for several weeks.

Your implants will initially sit higher on the chest and gradually settle into a more natural position over time, a process often referred to as “drop and fluff.” Final results become more apparent over the following weeks to months as swelling resolves.

How Much Does Breast Augmentation Cost in San Francisco, CA?

The cost of a Breast Augmentation in San Francisco can vary per person, depending on several factors, including the type of implants used, surgical complexity, facility fees, anesthesia, and the surgeon’s expertise.

Because this procedure is highly customized, pricing is best determined during your consultation, where we will provide a detailed cost breakdown and information on financing options, if needed. Investing in an experienced plastic surgeon is key to achieving safe, beautiful, and long-lasting results.

Why Choose Dr. Wes?

Ari Wes brings an uncommon combination of surgical training, academic depth, and aesthetic precision to every procedure. A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Dr. Wes has authored over 50 peer-reviewed publications and has received research funding from the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation, reflecting a commitment to evidence-based care that goes well beyond the operating room.

But credentials alone don’t define the experience. What sets Dr. Wes apart is his approach: collaborative, detail-oriented, and grounded in the belief that great results come from truly understanding each patient’s anatomy and goals. He listens carefully, educates thoroughly, and builds surgical plans designed to look and feel authentic to you, not like you had something done.

At Wes Plastic Surgery in San Francisco, patients receive the full benefit of Dr. Wes’s training and philosophy in a boutique setting where quality is never compromised by volume. Every decision, from implant type to placement, starts with your frame, your tissue, and what will actually look right on you.

Breast Augmentation FAQ’S

Sources

  • American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Plastic Surgery Statistics Report 2024. American Society of Plastic Surgeons, 2024, Plastic Surgery Statistics Report 2024.
  • Jalalabadi, Farzan, et al. “Breast Implant Utilization Trends in the USA versus Europe and the Impact of BIA-ALCL Publications.” Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open, vol. 9, no. 5, 2021, e3595. PubMed Central, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8099399/

Schedule a Consultation

Call (415) 746-9363 to schedule your appointment in San Francisco and begin your journey with expert guidance and a team dedicated to helping you feel confident, informed, and excited about your results.