Breast Augmentation Surgery in San Francisco Bay Area CA

Breast augmentation doesn’t only add size. It transforms the shape and quality of the female chest.

Breast augmentation is an incredibly popular procedure that uses breast implants to enhance the size, shape and proportions of a woman’s breasts. Hundreds of thousands of women undergo breast augmentation, breast enlargement and breast lift procedures every year; it’s the most popular form of plastic surgery in the US.

You may seek your perfect pair for many reasons: from adding symmetry to your cups, to restoring shape after weight loss, to increasing volume for a balanced look. Breast enhancement can transform the way you dress and improve your self-confidence. Under Dr. Usha Rajagopal’s experienced hand, it’s the right time to consider your own procedure.

Dr. Rajagopal and her professional team are here to guide you through your augmentation from evaluation to post-operative care. No matter your reason is for seeking implant surgery in San Francisco, we’re dedicated to premier care through your enhancement journey.

Natural looking breast enhancement with a woman’s touch. 

Board certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Rajagopal is the breast implant and female rejuvenation specialist in the Bay Area. If you’ve wanted curvier breasts and a more feminine figure, come learn about breast augmentation with Dr. Rajagopal and her team.



Real Patients. Real Results.

(Click through the images for more details.)


Breast Augmentation FAQ with Dr. Rajagopal (KRON4′s Body Beautiful)

What is Breast Augmentation?

Breast Augmentation (augmentation mammaplasty) encoumpasses many specific breast enlargement procedures including not only breast implants and breast lifts, but also many techniques which provide symmetry and other overall aesthetic improvements.

Why Breast Implants?

You may undergo breast augmentation for variety of personal reasons. Many women want their bodies to be more proportionally balanced. Others wish to improve their aesthetic profiles, add volume to sagging breasts, or address damaged breasts due to trauma or sickness. 

When is it time to consider breast enlargement surgery or a breast lift procedure for yourself?  There are physical, practical and personal considerations to make. A few reasons you may seek enhancement are to:

Physical:

  • Enhance natural shape and contours

  • Address reduction of volume after a life event

  • Balance an imbalance in breast sizes

Practical:

  • Appear more proportionate

  • Look shapely in form-fitting clothing

  • Reconstruct following breast surgery

Personal:

  • Increase confidence and self-esteem

  • Express your femininity and sexuality

  • Get the curves you’ve always wanted

dr-usha-rajagopal-vectra-breast-augmentation-scan.jpg

Are You A Candidate?

You may be a good candidate for breast augmentation surgery if:

  • Your breasts are fully developed

  • You are physically and mentally healthy

  • You aren't pregnant or breastfeeding

  • Have realistic expectations and goals

Your Bay Area breast enhancement journey will begin by scheduling an in-person consultation with Dr. Rajagopal. You will be oriented by our passionate team at our San Francisco breast implant facility. During your session you will be able to ask questions and receive a complete evaluation of your goals.  

We use the most advanced body simulation technology available at the San Francisco Plastic Surgery and Laser Center: the 3D Vectra XT imaging system. Our Vectra is a cutting-edge body scanner.  With the Vectra we can simulate how different implant sizes and shapes could appear on your body, showcasing your breasts before and after implant surgery. 

Considering breast augmentation surgery? Take a glimpse into the future of your body.

Considering breast augmentation surgery? Take a glimpse into the future of your body.

Proper patient education is one of Dr. Rajagopal’s highest priorities. Dr. Rajagopal carefully evaluates each patient’s body and talks with them about the potential risks of breast augmentation as well as the comparative benefits of breast enlargement vs breast lift surgery.  To learn more about our personalized evaluation process, contact our office to schedule a consultation with Dr. Rajagopal today.

Breast Implant Types

Some of the most frequently asked questions about San Francisco breast augmentation regard the choice of implant. As breast augmentation techniques have evolved over the years, so have the implants doctors use. There are three types of implants: Silicone, Saline and Highly Cohesive Silicone (“Gummy Bear”). 

There are notable advantages and disadvantages of each implant type. There is no one size fits all. Different bodies require different implants to achieve similar outcomes. Choosing the type for your procedure is a matter you and your plastic surgeon should discuss.

SILICONE: the softest and most natural feeling implant. Is regarded safe for use in augmentation. Low likelihood of rippling compared to saline implants. Uses a longer incision compared to saline. By far the most commonly chosen implants due to their more “authentic” look and feel. Considered safe for women age 22 and older.

SALINE: the classic liquid-filled implant. Uses smaller incisions during placement than silicone. Provides adjustable implant volume during surgery. Easy to notice ruptures or leaks in the implant. Slightly more affordable than other types of implants. Considered safe for women age 18 and older.

GUMMY BEAR: the firmer, more durable new implant. Uses a highly cohesive form of silicone gel. Provides lower instances of rupture, rippling and other effects compared to other implants. They come in two basic shapes: round and teardrop, which maintain their shape well over time. The teardrop shape may produce a very natural looking result. These form-stable implants may be more expensive than traditional silicone.
The vast majority of women today choose silicone over saline. After decades of concern over the safety of silicone, it’s been proven that silicone is not harmful to the human body. Those who select saline implants often choose it for the smaller incision sites and lower cost.

It’s crucial to be informed by your surgeon about your implant type before surgery. There is no “one size fits all” when it comes to breast implants-- even for the same cup sizes. Dr. Rajagopal uses her vast knowledge of implant types to recommend implant types that are safe, effective and tailored to your body.  

breast implant placement

Implant Sites and Augmentation

We offer several San Francisco breast augmentation procedures utilizing the latest techniques. With two decades of experience in breast enhancement, Dr. Rajagopal and her team makes implant surgery straightforward and as minimally invasive as possible.

After your evaluation, Dr. Rajagopal will recommend which implant incision sites is right for you. Surgery will take place at our Bay Area breast implant office, located in downtown San Francisco. There are 3 type of incisions for breast implant surgery. The method of inserting your implant will depend on your anatomy and Dr. Rajagopal’s recommendation. 

The incision can be made either in the crease where the breast meets the chest or around the areola. Dr. Rajagopal is currently moving away from creating the incision in the armpit due to the high chance of getting capsular contracture. Every effort will be made to assure that the incision is placed so resulting scars will be as inconspicuous and minimal as possible.

Breast Augmentation Recovery

Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure. Like most forms of surgery, there is downtime associated with implant surgery. After you leave our office, the operating site will feel tired and sore for a few days. You will be up and about after a day or two of rest. You will be prescribed medication which alleviates some of the pain and discomfort you experience during recovery.

There may be scars from the operation depending on how your body heals. Initially your scars will be pink and firm for about six weeks. Your stitches will be removed in a week to ten days, while swelling may take three to five weeks to subside. You should be able to return to work within a week or so. Breast contact is allowed once your breasts are no longer sore, which is five to six weeks after surgery.
 
You have optional care appointments with Dr. Rajagopal during your recovery. Our trained staff will ensure your visits are as comfortable as possible. These appointments are to make sure you’re making smart lifestyle choices on the road to a healthy recovery.
 
The decision to undergo plastic surgery is a long-term commitment. It’s a months-long process to heal and recover. You can have confidence Dr. Rajagopal will be with you each step of the way-- providing expert counsel, a steady hand and over 21 years of aesthetic knowledge and technique.
 

Cost of Breast Implants

The cost of breast implants in our San Francisco practice ranges from $8500 and up. View our pricing chart for the cost of your local San Francisco Bay Area breast implant surgery and other related treatments, lifts and rejuvenation procedures.

Why Choose Dr. Usha Rajagopal for Breast Augmentation?

Dr. Usha Rajagopal is a televised pioneer in the plastic surgery world. Her stunning work on women and female rejuvenation in the San Francisco Bay Area sets her apart from the competition. Dr. Rajagopal has utilized her unique, female perspective of cosmetic surgery to educate and empower her augmentation patients for over 20 years. 

Her eye for aesthetic quality is only matched by her crafter’s hand and dedication to patient care. Improving natural confidence and self-assurance through implant surgery is an earmark of her work. Dr. Rajagopal believes in uncovering the innate beauty of the chest and body, never letting the tools of operation define her results or patient satisfaction.

Common Questions

What are some risks of breast augmentation/implants?

The decision to have plastic surgery is a personal one. All surgical procedures have a degree of risk. There are specific risks and potential complications to breast augmentation. It’s important to weigh the risks versus the benefits before committing to any type of surgery.
Some of the risks include:

  • Bleeding

  • Temporary Swelling

  • Scarring

  • Infection

  • Tissue loss

  • Reactions to anesthesia

  • Hematoma and seroma

  • Capsular contracture - formation of scar tissue around implant

  • Changes to breast or nipple sensation

  • Residual pain

  • Malposition of implant

  • Implant leakage or rupture requiring replacement

  • Possibility of revision surgery

These risks and complications should be clearly understood. You must sign consent forms before surgery that you fully acknowledge the risks associated with the procedure. Patient education is necessary for you to make an informed decision prior to your breast augmentation. Dr. Usha will provide supplementary information about these risks, including answers to your questions, at any time.

How soon can I resume regular activity after surgery?

It’s important to minimize the chances of bleeding or complications as your recover. It’s advised you wait approximately four weeks before regular exercise. After surgery, light walking can be beneficial to healing. Your body will be sore in the weeks following surgery, so work towards your regular level at a gradual, sensible pace.

Most patients are able to return to work within the same week of surgery. This is dependent on the physical activity level of your job and your individual body’s healing. Those who work from home or at a desk can return to work as soon as they feel capable of it.

What will my postoperative appointment schedule look like?

There is no committed long term appointment schedule for patients after surgery. Dr. Usha would like you to visit her a week after surgery to see that you are recovering properly and there are no complications. After that, patients may visit the office for “check-in” appointments which can be every few weeks to few months. How often these visits occur depends on you. If there’s any reason for Dr. Usha to be concerned she will have you visit more frequently. Postoperative care is important to us. When you visit our office Dr. Usha and our staff ensures you’re comfortable and your questions are addressed before you leave. 

What type of implant is best?

There is no objective best implant type or shape. Today the vast majority of women choose silicone implants over saline for the many advantages silicone affords. Silicone implants tend to feel more authentic and be more durable than saline. Saline implants are initially less expensive and use smaller incisions.

Other than implant type, there is an ideal implant size and shape for your body. An implant that’s perfect for one woman can be completely different for the next. Sizing your implants correctly is what separates great plastic surgeon from the rest. 
There are physical, practical and monetary considerations with your implant choice. Dr. Usha strives to find implants that not only meet your aesthetic goals, but more importantly, fits your body.

To gain a clearer perspective of which implants are right for you, it's recommended you visit our office for an evaluation. 

How visible will my incision scars be?

As with any surgery that involves cutting the skin, there will be scars which may be visible. There are three incision sites: the armpit, the areola and underneath the breast.  Dr. Usha makes the incision whichever area makes sense for your lifestyle. 
Armpit scars may be visible with tank tops or sleeveless attire. Areola scars may be apparent when naked or while wearing certain types of revealing clothing. Under the breast scars are often faint and is only visible from underneath the breast or when it is lifted. 

There is no such thing as a scarless breast augmentation. How visible your scars will be is dependent on several factors, including your incision site, skin pigmentation, and your body’s healing. If you are concerned about the scar, consult with Dr. Usha. It’s her aim to minimize the appearance of the incision, the scars of which cannot be completely hidden after surgery.

How soon can I use scar removal cream and laser treatment after breast augmentation surgery?

I would not recommend scar treatment until there is some healing in the scar. The earliest laser treatment, especially to reduce redness would be with the Vbeam laser, I would say approximately 3-4 weeks and then for actual scar treatments with silicone gel sheeting, would be approximately a month later.

How painful is the recovery?

The days immediately following your surgery are the most difficult. Patients generally feel a tightness in their chest with minimal pain. You will experience swelling, soreness and mild discomfort in your chest. This can be alleviated with medication and self care. Dr. Usha will prescribe medication for you just in case over-the-counter remedies aren’t strong enough. 

You may have to adjust the way you sleep to alleviate discomfort and keep the implant in position. You will be asked to sleep on your back for a few weeks. Pillows behind the shoulders will address some of the pressure you may feel.

What is recovery like after surgery?

Like with most surgical recoveries, you are an active part of your own recovery process. Dr. Usha will provide postoperative care instructions on cleanliness and self maintenance. We recommend a sports bra/compression garment and gauze be worn for about six weeks after surgery. Your incision sites will need to be kept dry and clean to prevent infection.  
You will need to limit physical activity, other than light walking, for the first three or four days after surgery. After the first week or so you can gradually and carefully increase your activity level. You will be unable to lift heavy objects for the first three or four weeks as you recover. 

During your recovery you may dress in attire that compliments your new form, as long as incisions are covered. Your incision sites should be kept away from direct sunlight for a few months to prevent hyperpigmentation. Dr. Usha will be with you throughout this process. At any time you can schedule an appointment to see the doctor about your healing.

How long will my breast augmentation last?

It’s a commonly held myth that breast implants need to be replaced every ten years. However, the reality is that this is not likely a one-time-only procedure. At some point, one or two revision surgeries should be kept as a possibility down the line. Implants are capable of leakage and rupture and may need to be replaced. Over time implants may also malposition themselves within the breast pocket, requiring surgical realignment.

Do breast implants have a warranty?

Yes, breast implants do come with warranties. These warranties typically cover implant breakage or leakage and for offer replacements for implants within a certain period of time. 

There is often additional compensation offered to cover part of the cost of surgery as well. The warranties vary between the manufacturer and the type or model of implant purchased. The most current information about the implants and their warranties can be found on the manufacturer's websites.

At the San Francisco Plastic Surgery and Laser Center we use high-quality implants by Ideal Implant, Natrelle, and Sientra.
 

When will I need to replace my implants?

There is no definite period of time a given implant will last. A common misconception is that breast implants need to be adjusted or replaced every few years. This can lead to concerns about long-term costs and surgeries. On average, the majority of implants last 10-20 years without complications. 

Recent FDA reports indicate that one in six women will have their implants repaired or replaced within ten years of the original surgery. There are no guarantees of how long your particular implant will last. However, there are warranties available for implants that can cover some of the costs of surgery, replacements, or repairs. 
 

How natural will my breasts look after surgery?

The outcome of your breast augmentation will depend on several factors, which include the skill of your doctor, the size and shape of the implants used, and your body type. 

If you are very slender the implant may be partially visible given its positioning inside the chest.  Smaller implants fitted in thicker breast tissue looks more natural. Choosing a dramatic, multiple cup size increase may yield less natural looking results. If your implants are sized properly for your body they will appear more authentic to your form-- this is where your doctor’s skill in tissue and breast measurement is crucial.

Choose a doctor that can determine the proper size and shaped implants for your body. An experienced doctor with a natural aesthetic eye can give you realistic expectations about your outcome: before surgery takes place. The risks of selecting the wrong doctor include ill-advised procedures and the “fake” look many women dread with augmentation surgery. 

For further information on Dr. Usha’s natural looking results see our Breast Augmentation procedure page or visit our office for a walk-through consultation.

Breast Implants Bay Area: Before & After Photos (explicit images)

*Disclaimer: Results are not guaranteed and may vary from person to person.
 

ASIAN BREAST AUGMENTATION

Plastic surgery is rising in popularity among Asian American populations, and breast augmentation is in the top three most common procedures being chosen. Asian breast augmentation is a unique because there are some notable differences between Asian women and other ethnicities, such as Caucasians and African Americans. They have a tendency to be shorter and slimmer overall. They commonly have a lower body mass index, and small breasts, with large nipples but small areolas. This all comes into play when considering breast surgery. Asian women also have a relatively high incidence of developing an overly enlarged, rounded nipple, a deformity that is especially common after giving birth, and which can be corrected during breast augmentation surgery. Further, Asian women are prone to developing hypertrophic (raised) scars, as well as darkly pigmented scars.

If you are an Asian woman, all of these issues need to be taken into consideration when you are planning on undergoing breast surgery. Your treatment must be adapted to your individualized needs. Because raised or dark scars are more likely to occur in Asian skin, and because the other factors mentioned above all change the way in which your doctor will approach your surgery, it is especially crucial that you select a physician with the knowledge to attend to your unique situation. Dr. Rajagopal has extensive experience performing breast surgery on Asian patients; under her care, you can be secure in the knowledge that you are being treated skillfully and knowledgeably. You can be confident in the best possible and natural looking results.

REVISIONAL BREAST AUGMENTATION

Breast implant surgery can sometimes require revisional surgery to fix breast augmentation for various complications including leaks, capsular contraction, rippling, bleeding, and more. As a breast augmentation specialist, Dr. Usha Rajagopal has helped hundreds of women regain their desired breast shape and size.

While breast implants can remain intact for decades in the body, all such devices will fail at some point. Leaks can be caused by degradation of the implant shell, chest trauma, damage during implantation and in rare cases from the pressure of mammograms. Saline implants have a failure rate of two percent per year while silicone gel implants have a lower failure rate of .5 percent per year. When saline breast implants break, they usually deflate quickly and can be easily removed. When silicone implants break they do not usually deflate, and the silicone can leak and require removal of the implant. Dr. Rajagopal can help determine implant leaks and ruptures and recommend a solution to fix breast augmentation.

CAPSULAR CONTRACTION

Capsular contraction can occur when capsules of tightly-woven fibroblasts naturally form as the body’s response to an implant. They wall the implant off and sometimes begin squeezing the implant. Capsular contraction may be caused by contamination, rupture or leakage, and bleeding, and the complication can be painful and distort the appearance of the breast. It requires removing the implant & scar tissue & re-inserting the implant. There’s increased risk of capsular contraction with silicone gel implants as well as implant placement above the muscle (subglandular), or insertion of the implant via the nipple. Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Rajagopal is experienced at helping patients dealing with capsular contraction and is able to fix breast augmentation.

DOUBLE BUBBLE DEFORMITY

A so-called ‘double bubble deformity’ can be caused by problems with the pocket where the implant is located in the body. In a double-bubble deformity, the implant can sit at the normal level for the breast, but the natural breast tissue and nipple have sagged downward. It can occur after surgery or over time because of pregnancy, weight loss or gravity. Patients often need more surgery to redo the pocket an dreplace the implant in another pocket, remove extra skin to create a normal-appearing breast, and Dr. Rajagopal can provide a solution.

BLEEDING / HEMATOMA

Bleeding, and hematoma or bruising is another complication and may require surgical correction to control. Implant surgery can cause infection, which can be treated with antibiotics, though serious infections require not only antibiotics but also removal of the breast implant and about a ninety-day wait before reimplantation. Dr. Rajagapol takes every possible step to ensure a speedy recovery.

IMPLANT RIPPLING

The normal process of implant settling can also pull on the implant’s scar capsule. This pull in turn pulls on skin and can cause rippling, leading to more visibility of the implant. Rippling can be lessened by using an implant with a smooth shell or silicone gel implant and Dr. Rajagapol can recommend the best implant for a patient.

BREAST IMPLANT SCARRING

Every skin type is different, but breast implant surgery creates a scar that can be treated early on by applying scar cream. Even with the best technique, a patient can get scars, and number of options exist for scarring including Maderma (scar cream), silicone gel sheeting, V beam laser. Patients with serious scars may require reimplantation and Dr. Rajagapol can help.