Breast Augmentation in Orange County: Sizes, Incisions & What to Expect

Breast augmentation remains one of the most requested procedures at Ocean Plastic Surgery Center, and patients from Los Alamitos, Long Beach, and throughout Orange County consistently ask the same three questions: what size is right for me, which incision approach fits my anatomy, and what does recovery actually look like. This guide walks through all three with input from Dr. Raman Mehrzad’s approach to natural-looking, proportionate results.

Choosing the Right Implant Size

Implant size is best chosen based on your existing breast tissue, chest wall dimensions, skin elasticity, and lifestyle, not a cup-size number alone. During consultation, sizers are used so you can see and feel a realistic preview of different volumes in proportion to your frame. Dr. Mehrzad prioritizes results that look balanced with your body rather than an arbitrarily large implant that can lead to long-term complications like tissue stretching or implant malposition.

Incision and Placement Options

• Inframammary incision: Placed in the breast crease, this is the most common approach, offering excellent surgical access with a scar that’s well-concealed under the breast.
• Transaxillary (scarless) incision: Placed in the armpit, leaving no visible scar on the breast itself. Read our full comparison of scarless vs. traditional breast augmentation to see which approach fits your goals.
• Periareolar incision: Placed at the edge of the areola, useful in certain revision or combination-procedure cases.
• Submuscular vs. subglandular placement: Implants can be placed under or over the chest muscle; Dr. Mehrzad will recommend the placement that best suits your tissue thickness and desired look.

Saline vs. Silicone Implants

Both saline and silicone gel implants are FDA-approved and commonly used. Silicone implants generally provide a more natural feel and are less prone to visible rippling, while saline implants use a smaller incision since they are filled after placement. The FDA’s breast implant safety resources outline the current guidance on both implant types, rupture detection, and long-term monitoring recommendations, which we review with every patient during consultation.

Recovery Timeline

• First few days: Soreness and swelling are expected. Most patients manage discomfort with prescribed medication and rest.
• 1-2 weeks: Most patients return to non-strenuous work. Support garments are worn continuously as directed.
• 3-4 weeks: Light exercise can typically resume with clearance from Dr. Mehrzad.
• 6+ weeks: Full activity, including upper-body strength training, is generally cleared.

Why Orange County Patients Choose Ocean Plastic Surgery Center

Dr. Raman Mehrzad is a board-certified plastic surgeon trained at Yale, Harvard, and Brown, with over 200 verified five-star patient reviews. Learn more about our full range of breast and body procedures, or read our guide to choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon before your consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do breast implants last?

Modern implants are not considered lifetime devices. Many last 10-20 years or longer, but routine monitoring is recommended, and some patients eventually choose implant exchange or removal.

Can I breastfeed after breast augmentation?

Most incision and placement techniques are designed to preserve breastfeeding ability, particularly inframammary and transaxillary approaches, but this should be discussed individually during consultation.

Will breast augmentation scars be visible?

Scar visibility depends on incision location and individual healing. Inframammary scars are concealed in the breast crease, and transaxillary incisions leave no scar on the breast itself. Scars generally fade significantly over the first year.

What is the difference between saline and silicone implants?

Silicone implants tend to feel more natural and show less rippling, while saline implants are inserted through a smaller incision and any leak is immediately noticeable as the saline is safely absorbed by the body.