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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 affect body image, confidence, and self-esteem in subtle but meaningful ways. For many women considering breast augmentation in San Francisco, it’s not about looking like someone else; it’s about restoring volume, fullness, or symmetry in a way that feels natural and proportionate, which helps explain 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, using silicone or saline implants to enhance breast size, shape, and overall proportions. At Wes Plastic Surgery in San Francisco, Dr. Ari Wes works closely with each patient to create a fully customized surgical plan tailored to their anatomy, goals, and desired outcome.

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What Is Breast Augmentation?

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

The procedure involves placing silicone breast implants or saline breast 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 different surgical methods used to tailor the procedure to your anatomy and goals and harmonize your overall natural body proportions.

Breast Augmentation Quick Facts

  • Surgery Time: Approximately 1-2 hours
  • Price: Varies based on your personalized surgical plan. A detailed quote will be provided during your consultation.
  • Recovery: Many patients return to light daily activities within approximately 5–7 days, although recovery varies and activity restrictions may continue for several weeks.
  • Results: Increased breast volume is visible immediately, with the shape continuing to evolve over the following months as swelling subsides and the implants settle.

Who Are the Best Candidates for Breast Augmentation?

Breast augmentation, as performed by Dr. Wes in San Francisco, is great for individuals considering breast enlargement surgery 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, and are concerned about sagging breasts
  • Have asymmetrical breasts
  • Are in good overall health and do not smoke (or are willing to stop before surgery)
  • Have fully developed breasts

Some candidates may also benefit from breast lift surgery in addition to augmentation when position, not just volume, is the main concern.

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 for patients who want fuller, more balanced contours.

Patients often experience:

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

Patients often report feeling more confident and comfortable in their bodies, whether they’re getting dressed, taking photos, or enjoying everyday activities.

Steps of Selecting Your Implants

Choosing your implants is one of the most exciting (and important) parts of the process. Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, every decision is carefully guided to complement your natural anatomy and aesthetic preferences.

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How to Begin Your Breast Implant Journey

When women undergo breast augmentation at Wes Plastic Surgery in San Francisco, their first step is to reach out to our friendly practice manager, Julie. She will answer your initial questions, explain the procedure, and provide early guidance and support to help breast augmentation patients decide whether to book a more comprehensive consultation with Dr. Wes.

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 personalized set of pre-operative instructions, so you’ll know exactly what to expect before surgery.

If you’re considering breast augmentation in San Francisco, a consultation with Dr. Wes is an opportunity to explore your options and determine what may work best for your anatomy and goals. Call (415) 993-3682 or use our appointment request form to schedule your consultation with Wes Plastic Surgery.

Type of Implant

There are two primary types of breast implants: silicone and saline, and both offer distinct advantages depending on your anatomy, preferences, and aesthetic goals. Highly cohesive silicone implants, often referred to as “gummy bear” implants, are another silicone option that may be discussed during your consultation.

  • Silicone implants contain silicone gel inside a silicone shell and are FDA-approved for women age 22 and older. They are the most popular option due to their soft, natural texture, and they are also Dr. Wes’ preferred implant type in the vast majority of patients. A highly cohesive silicone gel option is the gummy bear implant, which can more closely mimic natural breast tissue and maintain its shape more effectively than other types.
  • Saline implants also use a silicone shell, are filled with sterile salt water, and are FDA-approved for women age 18 and older. They can be adjusted slightly during surgery, 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:

  • Subfascial (above the muscle)
  • Submuscular (below the muscle)

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 typically recommends placing the small incision within the breast fold, where the resulting scar can remain relatively discreet while avoiding an incision directly around the nipple.

Breast Implant Safety and Long-Term Monitoring

Breast implants are not lifetime devices and require appropriate long-term follow-up. During your consultation, Dr. Wes will review device-specific risks, monitoring recommendations, and the FDA patient decision checklist so you can make an informed choice. Read our complete guide to breast implant safety.

 

5 Steps to Prepare for My Breast Augmentation with Dr. Wes

  1. Complete your medical evaluation: Review your medical history, medications, and surgical goals with Dr. Wes to ensure breast augmentation is appropriate for you.
  2. Stop smoking and nicotine use: Stopping smoking and nicotine use supports the healing process, so you’ll need to stop well before surgery and throughout recovery.
  3. Adjust certain medications: You may need to temporarily stop blood-thinning medications, aspirin, NSAIDs, supplements, or herbal products as instructed.
  4. Prepare your recovery space: Arrange comfortable pillows, loose clothing, prescriptions, healthy meals, and any supplies you’ll need during the first several days.
  5. Arrange transportation and assistance: Because breast augmentation is performed under general anesthesia, you’ll need someone to drive you home and stay with you during your first night.

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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Combining Your Breast Augmentation with Other Procedures

Breast augmentation is frequently combined with related plastic surgery procedures in a customized plan to create more comprehensive rejuvenation. Whether you’re restoring your figure after pregnancy, addressing age-related changes, or refining multiple areas during a single recovery period, Dr. Wes develops customized treatment plans that balance safety, efficiency, and beautiful long-term results.

Breast Lift (Mastopexy)
Breast augmentation restores volume, while a breast lift addresses sagging and repositions the breasts to a more youthful position. Combining these procedures is ideal for women who have experienced pregnancy, breastfeeding, aging, or significant weight loss and want fuller breasts with improved shape and projection.

Liposuction
Liposuction can sculpt areas such as the abdomen, waist, flanks, or bra line to further enhance your overall silhouette. Combining liposuction with breast augmentation often creates more balanced body proportions while allowing you to recover from both procedures simultaneously.

Tummy Tuck
Many patients choose to combine breast augmentation with tummy tuck surgery as part of a comprehensive mommy makeover. While breast implants restore upper-body volume, tummy tuck surgery tightens weakened abdominal muscles, removes excess skin, and creates a flatter, firmer midsection.

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. Many patients can gradually return to light activities within the first week, depending on their healing, while strenuous exercise should be avoided until cleared by Dr. Wes.

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.

6 Tips for Recovery From Breast Augmentation Surgery

  1. Wear your surgical bra exactly as instructed to minimize swelling and support proper healing.
  2. Take short walks several times each day to encourage healthy circulation.
  3. Sleep on your back with your upper body slightly elevated during the first few weeks.
  4. Avoid lifting anything heavy or performing strenuous upper-body activities until cleared by Dr. Wes.
  5. Attend every scheduled follow-up appointment so your healing can be monitored.
  6. Be patient as your implants gradually soften and settle into their final position over the coming weeks.

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?

Dr. 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 extends 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 a deep understanding of 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

Related Content

Sources

  1. American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Plastic Surgery Statistics Report 2024. American Society of Plastic Surgeons, 2024, Plastic Surgery Statistics Report 2024.

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