Breast augmentation is one of the most common cosmetic procedures in the United States, staying popular throughout the ’90s and 2000s—and even through the pandemic years of 2020, 2021, and 2022. It remains one of the most routinely performed procedures throughout the country, as well as at The Waldorf Center for Plastic Surgery. Our surgeons, Kathleen Waldorf, MD, and Rachel Streu, MD, have performed countless successful breast augmentation surgeries, helping patients feel happier and more confident about their appearance. We invite you to experience the latest advances in technology and techniques with breast augmentation at our Portland, Oregon, practice.
WHO IS A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR BREAST AUGMENTATION?
“How do I know if breast implants are right for me?” That’s the first question you may be asking yourself if you’re thinking about breast augmentation surgery. The decision to get a breast enhancement is a highly personal one, and each patient is unique, so this is a decision only you and your surgeon can make. Patients may be considered ideal candidates for breast augmentation if they meet certain criteria.
They may qualify if they are physically healthy, in a healthy frame of mind, aren’t pregnant or breastfeeding, maintain realistic goals and expectations, do not have allergies to the materials used in breast augmentation surgery (or other allergies that could increase the risk of complications), and are older than 18. Any potential augmentation patient’s breasts must be fully matured and developed.
Patient satisfaction with breast augmentation is high, and the procedure can be extremely rewarding, but patients should be sure they are doing it for themselves rather than for someone else.
During your consultation, you should be honest about any medical conditions you have so that your surgeon can help you determine whether breast augmentation would be the best choice for you. If you are not a suitable candidate for breast augmentation, we may be able to suggest another option that can help you to get the contours you are seeking.
Research has proven that breast augmentation is very safe, and all implants used at The Waldorf Center are FDA-approved, but it is important for you to be aware of the rewards as well as the risks associated with breast augmentation. Full knowledge of what to expect is a priority at our practice—and it also improves patient satisfaction.
Request a consultation for breast augmentation at The Waldorf Center for Plastic Surgery online, or by calling 503-646-0101.
WHICH BREAST IMPLANT SIZE, SHAPE, AND PLACEMENT IS BEST FOR YOU?
At The Waldorf Center, we use only FDA-approved saline implants and silicone implants when performing a breast augmentation. The outer shell on all of the implants is made of a silicone polymer. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages that your surgeon will discuss with you during your breast augmentation consultation.
Many women don’t realize that they have more choices to make besides choosing the material of the implants they will receive. Besides the size, the shape of the implant is also an important decision. Implant shapes can vary. Some offering rounder shapes that create a fuller, deeper, and more pronounced cleavage, while others that are closer to the breast’s natural shape.
Some of the most common questions we are asked by patients are, “Which type of breast implant looks the most natural?” and “Which breast implant is the safest?”
There are two types of silicone gel implants—a round cohesive gel and a highly cohesive gel. There are also IDEAL IMPLANT Structured Saline Breast Implants, which are advanced implants that offer the peace of mind of saline but still look and feel as natural as silicone.
Another thing patients often ask is, “What is the perfect breast implant size?” Although trends for ideal sizes of breasts fluctuate constantly, in 2022, a growing number of patients are preferring more natural-looking, proportionate results from breast augmentation.
Your surgeon will discuss these factors with you and make a recommendation based on your anatomy and desired outcome. Your lifestyle also plays a role and will be taken into consideration in guiding you in the selection of which implant is best for you.
During your breast augmentation procedure, the implants may be placed either in front of the pectoral muscle or under it. This decision will depend on your preferences, your anatomy, and your surgeon’s recommendation for your case. Another factor to consider before choosing to receive a breast augmentation is whether you would like to be able to breastfeed in the future after breast augmentation.
Breast augmentation at Portland’s Waldorf Center involves an incision made in the crease where the breast meets the chest wall, known as an inframammary incision. This allows for the insertion and positioning of the implant, as well as hides any resulting scar in the fold below the breast.
YOUR BREAST AUGMENTATION CONSULTATION
We believe you need to be well informed about your options, including the pre-and post-operative expectations of your breast augmentation. At your initial consult, your surgeon will meet with you to discuss your goals and concerns, and to determine which implants will best fit your lifestyle. They will address the current appearance of your breasts and how you would like them to look after breast augmentation. Feel free to bring images of looks you both like and don’t like, which will help your surgeon better understand your aesthetic tastes and how exactly you would like to appear after surgery.
A consultation at The Waldorf Center will also include a Vectra 3D imaging model that enables you to view simulations of different breast sizes and shapes with your own 3D picture. This technology allows you to envision how you will look after a breast augmentation and to further guide you in the decision-making process.
Your surgeon will discuss the simulation pictures with you and offer their opinion as to how to achieve your goals through a breast augmentation based on your lifestyle and desired outcome.
If you feel that your breasts have also begun to sag, your surgeon may also recommend receiving a breast lift, which can be performed along with your breast augmentation surgery to maximize your results, as well as minimize overall healing time.
A consultation is also the ideal time to discuss breast augmentation cost, as well as other details specific to your procedure. While breast augmentation cost is understandably something on the forefront of just about every patient’s mind, know that breast enhancement surgery is not something to consider cutting corners. Your long-term health and appearance are very important, so choosing a reputable, experienced, and talented surgeon is critical. Don’t simply type “breast augmentation near me” and settle on the closest practice to where you live! Take the time to find a surgeon who understands you and your goals, who is open and transparent about what to expect, and who truly listens.
Another good practice is to browse any prospective plastic surgeon’s breast augmentation before-and-after photos, whether in an online gallery or in person. Look for past patients who resemble you in terms of height, weight, and body proportions in order to get a “preview” of the results you can expect.
*Patient results may vary.
See The Difference
Many patients come to The Waldorf Center as part of one’s personal health & beauty journey. Visit our before & after photo gallery to see the possibilities for yourself.
*Patient results may vary.
We know that choosing a surgeon for your breast augmentation can be an intensely personal decision, which is why we encourage you to take the time to ask questions of our surgeons and our team, whether about breast augmentation cost, recovery, or other details. We believe the formation of a personal bond is an integral part of a successful surgery and healing process.
YOUR BREAST AUGMENTATION PREPARATION
To prepare for breast augmentation, you may be advised to get a blood test, refrain from taking certain medications (or adjust how you’re taking your current medications), quit smoking for four to six weeks before and after surgery, stop taking blood thinners and anti-inflammatory drugs (because they will increase bleeding), and avoid taking recreational drugs.
Some patients may also need to get a baseline mammogram before breast augmentation.
Patients are encouraged to make arrangements for someone to drive them to and from surgery and stay with them for at least the first night after breast augmentation surgery. You should also set up an area in your home for recovery. It’s important that you follow any guidelines that your surgeon gives you to ensure that breast augmentation goes smoothly, and you heal quickly.
THREE TALENTED DOCTORS
ONE FOCUSED MISSION
The experienced surgeons at The Waldorf Center for Plastic Surgery—Dr. Kathleen Waldorf, Dr. Rachel Streu and Dr. Heidi Johng—built the practice on a foundation of providing patients with high quality, ethical care. One of their guiding principles is a belief that cosmetic surgery is as much an art as it is a science.
Meet The Doctors
The experienced surgeons at The Waldorf Center for Plastic Surgery—Dr. Kathleen Waldorf, Dr. Rachel Streu and Dr. Heidi Johng—built the practice on a foundation of providing patients with high quality, ethical care. One of their guiding principles is a belief that cosmetic surgery is as much an art as it is a science.
YOUR BREAST AUGMENTATION SURGERY
You will be under general anesthesia during your breast augmentation surgery, which will typically take about one to two hours.*
Our surgeons always do everything they can to keep scars as inconspicuous as possible, such as placing them under the crease of the breasts. This is what’s known as an inframammary incision. An incision is made along the inframammary fold which is at the crease between the breast and chest wall at the lower part of the breast, to allow easy access to the breast pocket. The implant is carefully placed through the small incision, which is then sutured with safe, absorbable stitches that do not have to be removed. The scar is easily hidden beneath the natural crease of the breast.
You can return home the same day, but you will be drowsy and need a responsible adult to take you home and stay with you for 24 hours following surgery.*
The Waldorf Center in Portland, OR, offers special financing for the recommended surgical or non-surgical procedure you want. Convenient monthly payments can be structured to fit your financial situation. Call the practice for more information at 503-646-0101 or contact us online.
RECOVERING FROM BREAST AUGMENTATION
What is it like to recover from breast augmentation? Most women are able to return to work and other normal activities within a week after their breast augmentation surgery.* You will need to refrain from sports and strenuous exercise for at least another three to four weeks. You may resume these activities after this period if you feel no pain or discomfort.
You may be asked to wear a compression bandage or post-surgical support bra for a period of time, and you can expect some swelling, bruising, and mild pain. Some women are surprised with the size of their breasts right after their breast augmentation procedure and become concerned that they appear larger than desired. These “just after” results come from both the implants themselves as well as post-surgical swelling. Once the swelling subsides and the breast implants are properly seated in their position, the results should much more closely resemble what you were looking to achieve.
You may take pain medication and use cold compresses to ease any pain, discomfort, and swelling. You may also be advised by your surgeon to sleep on your back for a period of time.
Your surgeon and our clinical staff will give you full post-op instructions and follow you closely after your surgery to make sure you are healing properly. It is very important to follow all recommended breast augmentation aftercare instructions to ensure you achieve the best possible results from your operation at our Portland, OR, clinic.
WHAT IS THE LONG-TERM OUTLOOK FOR BREAST AUGMENTATION?
If you were to type “How do I know when my breast implants need replacing?” into your search engine of choice, you would find that there’s no one right answer as to how long implants will last. The lifespan of each implant varies. Although today’s breast implants are extremely durable, patients should not expect them to last a lifetime. Breast implants usually have a lifespan of a few decades after the initial breast augmentation surgery, but know that there is an increased chance of rupture if your implants are older. Routine check-ups may be advised, especially for patients with form-stable silicone-filled implants, since leaks or ruptures would not result in any noticeable deflation.
ARE THERE OTHER COSMETIC OPTIONS FOR ENHANCING THE BREASTS?
We understand that every patient has different needs. For those who would like to reduce the size of their breasts, or lift and tighten them to improve their appearance, we offer breast reduction, breast lift, and breast revision surgeries, in addition to breast augmentation.
Request a consultation for breast augmentation at The Waldorf Center for Plastic Surgery online, or by calling 503-646-0101.
*Patient results may vary*