The Center for Cosmetic Surgery
725 Heritage Road #100
Golden, CO 80401
Phone: (303) 278-2600
The Center for Cosmetic Surgery
755 Heritage Road #100
Golden, CO 80401
Phone: (303) 279-6100
The Center for Cosmetic Surgery
501 South Cherry Street #900
Denver, CO 80246
Phone: (303) 951-2100
The Center for Cosmetic Surgery
501 South Cherry Street #900
Denver, CO 80246
Phone: (303) 951-2102
The Center for Cosmetic Surgery
6985 Tutt Blvd Ste 110
Colorado Springs, CO 80923
Phone: (719) 380-1823
Breast Augmentation
Your breast augmentation should be everything you dream of, and you should settle for nothing but the best. Our breast augmentation surgeons are renowned in the Denver metro area for beautiful, natural-looking breast augmentation results and unsurpassed patient care. Dr. Steven Vath, Dr. Andrew Wolfe, Dr. Paul Steinwald, Dr. Matthew Freeman, and Dr. Teresa Cunningham share a passion for impeccable results, outstanding patient care, and ensuring we provide an experience that exceeds your expectations.
TRUST YOUR BREAST AUGMENTATION TO THE EXPERTS
Learn why the Center for Cosmetic Surgery is a top destination for breast augmentation patients from Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, and throughout the Denver metro area:
- Our team has performed thousands of breast augmentation surgeries
- We specialize in customized results and the natural-looking Colorado aesthetic
- Our relationships with all 3 U.S. implant manufacturers mean more options for you
- Selected for participation in several breast implant clinical trials
- We take the time to learn about your lifestyle and your goals to ensure your best outcome
Our breast augmentation surgeons would be happy to meet with you in person and answer all your questions. Simply call (303) 278-2600 or request your consultation online.
On This Page
WHAT IS BREAST AUGMENTATION SURGERY?
Breast augmentation is a cosmetic procedure that increases your breast size using saline or silicone implants placed within the chest in a surgically created pocket. The procedure has evolved over more than a half century and is safer and more customizable than ever before. More recently, breast augmentation with fat transfer has garnered a lot of attention. While our breast surgeons prefer the reliability and predictable outcomes of implants, they may use fat transfer to add upper breast fullness in addition to implants.
In some women, implants alone create beautiful, filled-out breasts. In others, an enhancement with a breast lift (or mastopexy) is necessary to achieve an attractive, fuller shape. Our breast enhancement experts will guide you through all the decisions involved in creating your ideal results.
Breast Augmentation
Before & After Photos
WARNING:
This feature contains nudity. Please click OK to confirm you are at least 18 years of age and are not offended by such material.
BENEFITS OF BREAST AUGMENTATION
Breast augmentation can help you feel more attractive, confident, and feminine. Other benefits breast augmentation can provide include:
- Increasing the size of naturally small breasts
- Restoring volume to breasts that became smaller after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight loss
- Correcting breasts of different sizes (asymmetry)
- Making breasts more proportional to the rest of the body
ARE YOU A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR BREAST AUGMENTATION?
If you are unhappy with your natural breast size, asymmetry, or the shape of your breasts after pregnancy, you may be a good candidate for breast augmentation. You should be a healthy non-smoker and at a stable weight. Our experienced surgeons carefully evaluate your health and lifestyle factors to ensure you are a good candidate for breast augmentation.
CONSIDERATIONS FOR CUSTOMIZING YOUR BREAST AUGMENTATION
You have more options than ever before in terms of implant selection, placement, and surgical techniques.
CHOOSING IMPLANTS
Saline vs. Silicone
At the Center for Cosmetic Surgery, our surgeons use both saline and the latest silicone gel breast implants; both types are safe and each device has advantages and drawbacks. Silicone gel implants are by far the most popular choice worldwide. They are FDA approved and look and feel extremely natural. There are several types of cohesive silicone implants available, including the form-stable silicone or “gummy bear” implants. If silicone implants rupture, the semi-solid gel material does not leak throughout the body but rather is maintained within the body’s naturally created capsule that forms around the implants.
How Do I Choose My Breast Implant Size?
The right breast implant size for you depends on numerous factors, not just desired cup size. Our plastic surgeons take precise measurements and share their experience and wisdom to help determine your ideal implant size. We also use 3-D imaging to show you how different sizes may look. You can read more about selecting your best implant size on our blog.
How Do I Know Which Implant Profile and Shape Are Best for Me?
Some of our breast augmentation patients want subtle, discreet results. Others would like a dramatic transformation and more cleavage. We offer different implant shape options to accommodate each woman’s goals. We also have several options for implant profile, meaning how far the implant projects from the body in relation to the width of its base. You can read more about selecting implant profile and shape on our blog.
INCISION OPTIONS
Our surgeons offer four incision options for your breast augmentation:
- Inframammary (breast crease)
- Periareolar (along the border of the areola)
- Transaxillary (armpit)
- Transumbilical (TUBA)
The inframammary incision is the most frequently chosen approach. There are many advantages to this location. The resulting scar hides well in the breast crease and is inconspicuous after it fades. The inframammary approach provides an extremely reliable, safe means of accurately inserting implants. It allows for tunneling behind the breast to get to the muscle while only minimally disrupting the milk ducts. We discuss the pros and cons of each incision pattern to help you decide. We’ve written a blog post on the different incisions for breast augmentation to provide more information.
TUNNEL
The tunnel made for implant insertion from the breast crease incision goes beneath the breast tissue, causing minimal disruption of the milk ducts. At The Center for Cosmetic Surgery, our plastic surgeons believe that tunneling behind the breast rather than through it reduces the risk of infection and capsular contraction, which may require revision surgery.
Vectra 3-D Imaging
Preview Your Projected ResultsIMPLANT PLACEMENT
Breast implants can be placed subpectoral (beneath the pectoralis muscle) or subglandular (in front of the pectoralis muscle). There are several advantages to placing the implants beneath the muscle:
- The extra coverage of the implant in the upper portion of the breasts assists
in achieving a more natural contour and appearance. - Visible rippling in the upper pole of the breast is significantly reduced.
- Implant palpability is less likely with implants positioned behind the
muscle. - There is maximal preservation of the nerves that supply nipple sensation.
- There is evidence that capsular contraction (heavy scar tissue forming
around the implant) is reduced. - There is less interference with mammography because the implant is
partially separated from the breast tissue by the muscle.
If you’d like to learn more, read our blog post about breast implant placement options.
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM YOUR BREAST AUGMENTATION SURGERY
We will give you all the information and support you need to feel comfortable and confident on the day of your surgery. From picking up your prescriptions early to restricting eating the night before surgery, our list of detailed instructions makes it easy for you to prepare for your breast augmentation.
Our surgeons perform your surgery using general anesthesia, so you will be asleep and comfortable the entire time. A breast augmentation takes about one hour to perform. The surgeon delicately and precisely creates the pockets for the implants behind the natural breast position. Then, they place the implants and suture closed the small tunnel and skin. Even with the most meticulous methods used, the surgery does not require more than one hour to complete.
OUR EXCEPTIONAL PLASTIC SURGEONS
Our team of experienced plastic surgeons are respected industry leaders, having investigated breast implants and published, lectured, and taught on the subject of breast augmentation surgery, to both national and international audiences.
WHAT IS BREAST AUGMENTATION RECOVERY LIKE?
PAIN/DISCOMFORT AFTER BREAST AUGMENTATION
You may find that recovering after breast augmentation is faster than you expected. Most of the discomfort comes from having implants placed behind the chest muscle, but the soreness is managed well with pain medication during the first couple of days. Most people no longer need pain medication within 1 to 5 days.
BREAST AUGMENTATION RECOVERY TIMELINE
Even though healing after breast augmentation surgery is different for everyone, here is what you can generally expect during your recovery:
- First 24 hours post-op: You may experience soreness, fatigue, nausea, tightness in your chest, and oversensitivity or a
loss of sensitivity in the breasts. You may also notice swelling and bruising, which resolves on its own. - 5 to 7 days post-op: By the end of the first week of recovery, you’ll likely feel fairly normal and may return to work if it
isn’t physically strenuous. You can also resume driving and other activities that don’t require physical exertion. It’s
important to follow the post-op instructions your surgeon provides. - 2 to 4 weeks post-op: At this point, your breasts will begin settling into place and you’ll feel little to no discomfort.
You should continue wearing a surgical bra for the first month after surgery. Light exercise that doesn’t involve your
upper body is also permitted. - 4 to 6 weeks post-op: You should feel back to normal, gradually resuming more strenuous exercises. You won’t notice
any swelling or bruising, and your breasts will continue to look more natural.
Again, this is a general timeline; your specific experience may be different. We encourage patients to contact us if they have questions during recovery.
HOW YOU CAN ENHANCE YOUR BREAST AUGMENTATION RECOVERY
You can also set yourself up for a smooth recuperation by following your surgeon’s instructions, avoiding certain activities, and temporarily changing a few simple habits. These changes include:
The Best Sleeping Positions
Don’t lie flat on your back following your procedure. It’s best to keep your body elevated and avoid sleeping on your side or stomach in the weeks following surgery. The first week or so after your breast augmentation, rest in a recliner or prop yourself up with pillows to minimize swelling and pressure on the breasts. After this initial recovery period, most patients are cleared to resume sleeping on their sides if they find that position more comfortable.
Do’s and Don’ts for Bathing & Swimming
Your incision should be kept clean and dry following surgery. Be careful when taking a shower and avoid swimming until your incision has healed, which is usually about 3 weeks or so after surgery.
The Right Bra
It’s important for your breasts to be supported properly in the weeks following breast augmentation. For the first 6 weeks, we recommend avoiding any bras with underwire as they can irritate your incision. Pushup bras are also discouraged since they can affect implant placement during the healing process. We suggest you wear a medical-grade bra that supports your breasts as they heal. These bras generally close in the front, allowing for easier access while you are sore and healing.
Exercise After Surgery
Avoid weightlifting or chest exercises such as pushups until you’re fully healed. After 2 weeks, you can usually begin light cardiovascular activity, but listen to your body. If something doesn’t feel right, stop the activity and back off for a while. Other strenuous exercises should be avoided for about a month after your procedure. You’ll get back to all your pre-surgery activities eventually, but the timing to get there varies from person to person.
WHEN WILL YOU SEE YOUR FINAL RESULTS?
The aesthetic recovery can be an evolution. Some patients’ breasts look terrific and natural directly after surgery, while others need some time for the lower pole breast skin to relax and allow the implants to drop into a more natural position (sometimes referred to as “drop and fluff”). This can vary from a few weeks to even a couple of months. Either way, the breasts will look great in clothes, a dress, or even a bikini right after surgery.
ABOUT BREAST AUGMENTATION SCARS
Our surgeons make precise, fine-line incisions in the most inconspicuous locations possible, but the resulting scars can take up to 2 years to fade completely. At The Center for Cosmetic Surgery, our surgeons perform any scar revisions at no cost in the rare event it is helpful in achieving an improved, thinner, flatter scar appearance. The color of a scar is determined by the individual genetics of the patient, and only time can allow for fading of this color. Scars creams and topical therapies such as silicone sheeting can help reduce the thickness of a hypertrophic or keloid scar, but these products actually offer no long-term benefit in normal scar appearance as compared with time.
COMBINING BREAST AUGMENTATION WITH OTHER PROCEDURES
Many women add a breast lift to their augmentation to perk up droopy breasts and remove loose, saggy skin. Many of our patients combine breast augmentation with liposuction and tummy tuck surgery as part of a mommy makeover treatment plan. Because the nipples and/or areolas often become stretched and enlarged with pregnancy, breastfeeding, and weight gain, many women have them reshaped during their breast enhancement surgery. Our knowledgeable staff will guide you through your options and let you know if another surgery would complement your goals.
BREAST AUGMENTATION VS. BREAST LIFT
Women who want larger breasts but don’t have any sagging are good candidates for breast implants. Women who have sagging but don’t want a boost in size are good candidates for a breast lift. Many women can benefit from both procedures. We make a recommendation for you after a thorough evaluation.
BREAST AUGMENTATION REVISION SURGERY
Even though the vast majority of women who get breast augmentation are happy with their results—actual patients give it a 97% “worth it” rating on the RealSelf website—you may need a secondary breast augmentation for various reasons. Breast augmentation revision surgery is more complicated than primary breast augmentation largely due to the presence of scar tissue that forms around the implants. Our surgeons are renowned for their success in correcting complications from an earlier breast augmentation, updating implant size or type, and creating beautiful results should you decide to remove your implants.
Read more on our breast augmentation revision page.
BREAST AUGMENTATION FAQS
HOW MUCH DOES BREAST AUGMENTATION SURGERY COST IN THE DENVER, COLORADO, AREA?
The cost for breast augmentation procedures at our Denver practice depends on a variety of factors, including:
- Choice of breast implants
- Surgical technique
- Whether it is combined with other procedures
You will be provided with a personalized estimate for your procedure when you come in for your consultation with one of our plastic surgeons. Our financing options can be helpful for qualified patients if desired.
WHEN SHOULD YOU START MASSAGING YOUR CHEST AFTER BREAST AUGMENTATION?
Wait until your incisions have healed before beginning your daily breast implant massages. Most patients can comfortably massage the chest area around 1 week after surgery.
HOW MANY YEARS DOES A BREAST AUGMENTATION LAST?
The best answer to this question is that breast augmentation results last as long as you’re happy with the appearance of your breasts and your implants remain intact. Practically speaking, implants typically last anywhere from 10 to 20 years.
CAN YOU GO BRALESS AFTER BREAST AUGMENTATION SURGERY?
You should wear a supportive bra during the first 6 weeks after breast augmentation. Not wearing a bra after that is up to you, but going braless can accelerate breast sagging.
Please schedule a personal consultation to learn what breast augmentation with our highly trained and experienced surgeons can do for you. The Center for Cosmetic Surgery has 2 plastic surgery offices, including one just outside of Denver in lovely Golden, Colorado, immediately off 6th Avenue West. We also have a downtown office in Cherry Creek, Denver. Simply call (303) 278-2600 or request your consultation online.
