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Breast Augmentation Houston

Embrace Your Body.

Breast augmentation is rarely about simply going “bigger.” It is about design, proportion, and the subtle interplay between your natural anatomy and your ideal silhouette. For many women in Houston, TX, this procedure serves as a strategic realignment—a way to restore volume lost after pregnancy, correct asymmetry, or finally achieve the balance they have visualized for years.

At Heights Plastic Surgery, we view breast augmentation as a collaborative process between the patient and the surgeon. Dr. Cara Downey and Dr. Jamal Bullocks bring a refined, dual-perspective approach to the operating room, combining technical precision with an artistic understanding of the female form. By utilizing advanced technology, including the next-generation Motiva implants, we help patients achieve results that feel authentic to their lifestyle and body type. This is not about fitting a standard mold; it is about curating a profile that looks and feels like you.

Augmentation Mammoplasty

also known as: breast augmentation \ og-men-TAY-shun MA-moh-pla-stee \

Plastic surgery procedure that adds volume and symmetry to the breasts via breast implant or fat grafting

Procedure options: Breast Augmentation, Silicone Breast Implant Enhancement, Transaxillary Breast Augmentation, Peri-areolar Breast Augmentation, Breast Augmentation Lift

Procedure Overview

Addresses

Asymmetry

Deflation

Minor Sagging or Excess Skin

Small Breasts

Procedure Time

1 - 2 hours

Eligibility

Female

18+

Non-Smoker

6 Months Post-Breastfeeding

Possible Side Effects

Swelling

Bruising

Temporary Changes to Breast or Nipple Sensation

Frequently Asked Questions

Jump to FAQs

What is Breast Augmentation?

Breast augmentation, clinically known as augmentation mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to enhance the size, shape, and projection of the breasts. While the fundamental goal is breast enlargement, the modern approach focuses heavily on shaping and upper-pole fullness. By placing a breast implant or utilizing fat transfer, surgeons can add definition to the chest wall, balance hip-to-chest ratios, and create a more harmonious figure.

The procedure involves creating a precise breast pocket behind either the breast tissue or the pectoral muscle to house the implant. The choice of technique, incision, and implant style is highly individualized. Whether you are looking to address naturally small breasts or restore fullness after significant weight loss, the goal is always a natural appearance that integrates seamlessly with your existing frame.

Beyond Volume: What Issues Does It Address?

Patients seek breast enhancement for diverse reasons that often go beyond cup size.

  • Volume Loss: Post-pregnancy and breastfeeding often leave the breast “deflated,” particularly in the upper pole. Breast augmentation restores this lost volume.
  • Asymmetry: It is common for one breast to be smaller or shaped differently than the other. Implants of different profiles or sizes can improve symmetry.
  • Tubular Deformity: For women with constricted or tuberous breasts, augmentation combined with specialized surgical techniques can reshape the breast base.
  • Body Contouring Balance: For patients with wider hips or broad shoulders, adding volume to the chest creates a more balanced, hourglass silhouette.

Your Guide to Breast Implant Options

Selecting the right implant is perhaps the most critical decision in the breast augmentation procedure. We offer a comprehensive range of breast implant options to suit different aesthetic preferences and tissue characteristics. During your consultation, we will discuss the benefits of saline implants, silicone implants, and the latest generation of Motiva implants.

Silicone Implants

Silicone implants are the most popular choice for breast augmentation in the United States. Filled with a cohesive silicone gel, these implants closely mimic the feel and movement of natural breast tissue.

  • Standard Silicone: Known for a soft, natural feel and a round shape.
  • Form-Stable (“Gummy Bear”): These utilize a highly cohesive gel that maintains its shape over time, offering more projection and firmness.

Saline Implants

Saline implants consist of a durable silicone outer shell filled with sterile saline (saltwater) after insertion.

  • Adjustability: Because they are filled during surgery, minor volume adjustments can be made to address asymmetry.
  • Incision Size: They can often be inserted through smaller incisions since the shell is inserted empty.
  • Safety Profile: In the rare event of a rupture, the body harmlessly absorbs the saline.

Featuring Motiva Implants®

We are proud to offer Motiva implants, a sixth-generation technology that represents a significant leap forward in patient safety and aesthetic outcomes.

  • Ergonomix® Design: These implants utilize a unique gel that adapts to gravity. They look round when you are lying down but settle into a natural teardrop shape when standing, avoiding the artificial “stuck-on” look.
  • SmoothSilk®/SilkSurface®: Unlike aggressive textured implants of the past, Motiva uses a nano-surface designed to minimize inflammation and reduce the risk of capsular contracture.
  • BluSeal® Indicator: This safety feature allows the surgeon to verify the integrity of the implant shell before it is ever placed in the breast pocket.

Candidates for Breast Augmentation

The ideal candidate for breast augmentation surgery is a healthy individual with realistic expectations who wants to improve the contour or volume of their breasts. You may be a good candidate if:

  • You feel your breasts are naturally small compared to the rest of your body.
  • You have experienced a loss of breast volume due to pregnancy, hormonal changes, or aging.
  • Your breasts have different sizes or shapes (asymmetry).
  • You are physically healthy and a non-smoker.

A Note on Lifting: If you have significant excess skin or if your nipple sits below the breast fold (ptosis), implants alone may not be enough to achieve a perky, youthful look. In these cases, we may recommend combining breast augmentation with a breast lift to remove loose skin and reposition the nipple. This combination is often a core component of a mommy makeover.

What to Expect

Before, During, and After Your Breast Augmentation in Houston

1. Attend a One-on-One Consultation.

If you're interested in a breast augmentation in Houston, you'll first meet with a physician for a one-on-one consultation. We take the time to get to know you—your goals, medical history, breast shape and size, current nipple orientation, and more.

2. Review Your Treatment Plan.

Houston breast augmentation surgeons, Dr. Downey and Dr. Bullocks, collaborate on every patient case to best advise you on the best approach for your unique needs, including the incision technique, placement, shape and texture of implant, and more. We build a highly personalized treatment plan that may include a combination of other surgical procedures, such as a breast lift, to achieve the best possible results.

3. Make Your Decision.

At Heights Plastic Surgery, our mission is to give you the information you need to decide what will work best for your desires, timeline, and budget. After we make recommendations, we give you the space and time to make your own decision.

4. Schedule Your Breast Augmentation.

We will schedule your breast augmentation—an outpatient procedure performed in our private, on-site surgery center—for a day and time that works best for you. You'll want to factor in about 3 to 5 days of downtime from everyday activities and work after your procedure.

5. Arrive for Surgery.

We will provide you with all of the ways you can best prepare for the procedure well in advance of your Houston breast augmentation. When you arrive, we will escort you to our state-of-the-art surgical suite, review our process in detail once more, and administer general anesthesia.

6. Getting Your Breast Augmentation.

Your highly skilled surgeon will be in the operating room from start to finish, executing every detail of your agreed-upon plan for your breast augmentation. Make sure you plan to have a plan for getting home after your procedure, as you will not be able to drive yourself.

7. Follow Up.

Following your breast augmentation Houston plastic surgeons at Heights Plastic Surgery will also book you for follow-up visits to meet with your surgeon to monitor your healing. This important step ensures you are healing properly, safely, and efficiently.

Types of Incisions

Dr. Downey or Dr. Bullocks will make an incision in one of three discreet locations, discussed during your treatment plan:

  • Inframammary Incision: Made in the breast crease (fold) under the breast. This is the most common approach as it provides the surgeon with maximum control and hides the scar in the natural shadow of the breast.
  • Periareolar Incision: Made along the lower border of the areola. This is often used for patients who also require a mild lift or adjustment to the areola size.
  • Transaxillary Incision: Made in the armpit, leaving no scar on the breast itself. This is typically reserved for saline implants or smaller silicone implants.

Implant Placement

The surgeon creates a pocket for the implant.

  • Submuscular (Dual Plane): The implant is placed partially under the pectoral muscle. This provides extra coverage, reducing the risk of visible rippling and creating a smoother transition from the chest wall to the breast. This is the preferred method for most patients, especially those with thin breast tissue.
  • Subglandular (Over the Muscle): The implant sits directly behind the breast tissue but on top of the muscle. This may be an option for women with sufficient natural tissue who want a milder recovery, though it is less common today due to the superior shape benefits of dual-plane placement.

Recovery: What to Expect

Recovery is a process, not an event. While many patients are surprised by how manageable the recovery is, it is vital to follow your post-op instructions to ensure natural-looking results.

  • First 24–48 Hours: You will likely experience soreness, tightness in the chest, and fatigue. Pain medication will be prescribed to manage discomfort. You should have a responsible adult with you to help around the house.
  • Week 1: Most women can return to light, sedentary work (desk jobs) after 3–5 days. You must avoid raising your arms high above your head or lifting anything heavier than a gallon of milk.
  • Weeks 2–4: Swelling begins to subside, and the breasts may start to look more natural. You can resume light cardio (walking), but high-impact exercise is still restricted.
  • Weeks 6+: Most women are cleared for full activity, including upper body workouts.
  • The “Drop and Fluff”: Immediately after surgery, implants often sit high and feel firm due to muscle tightness. Over the first 3–6 months, the implants settle into the breast pocket, and the skin relaxes (“fluffs”), resulting in a softer, natural feel and shape.

Complementary Procedures

Breast augmentation is frequently combined with other treatments to achieve comprehensive body contouring.

  • Breast Lift: As mentioned, lifting sagging tissue alongside augmentation maximizes the youthful appearance of the breast.
  • Fat Grafting: Also known as fat transfer, this involves taking fat from areas like the abdomen or thighs and injecting it around the edges of the implant. This “hybrid” approach softens the cleavage and masks implant rippling for an ultra-natural look.
  • Tummy Tuck: Combining breast surgery with an abdominoplasty is the foundation of the mommy makeover, restoring the body’s pre-pregnancy profile in a single recovery period.
  • Facial Rejuvenation: While recovering from body surgery, some patients choose to incorporate non-surgical injectable treatments like dermal fillers or Botox to refresh their overall look.

Why Choose Houston Plastic Surgery?

In a city with many options, choosing a plastic surgeon is about trust and expertise. Heights Plastic Surgery stands out as a premier aesthetic center in Houston, TX.

  • Dual-Surgeon Advantage: Our practice is led by Dr. Cara Downey and Dr. Jamal Bullocks. Their combined experience allows for a level of surgical planning and safety that is rare in private practice.
  • Board Certified: Choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon ensures that your provider has undergone rigorous training specifically in plastic surgery, distinct from general cosmetic surgery.
  • Boutique Experience: We are not a high-volume “factory.” We pride ourselves on privacy, detailed consultations, and exceptional bedside manner. We take the time to understand your aesthetic goals—whether that is a subtle enhancement or a more glamorous look.
  • Advanced Technology: From high-definition surgical techniques to the use of Motiva implants and 3D sizing, we leverage the best tools available to ensure final results that stand the test of time.

Cost of Breast Augmentation in Houston

The cost of breast augmentation can vary significantly because each surgery is personalized to meet the specific needs and goals of the patient. Factors influencing the cost include the type of implants chosen (saline, silicone or Motiva), the surgical technique used, and whether the procedure is combined with other surgeries, such as a breast lift.

Our quotes are all-inclusive, covering the surgeon’s fee, anesthesia, operating room costs, and follow-up visits.

We also offer financing plans to help you fit your procedure into your budget comfortably.

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Heights Plastic Surgery

Ready to Define Your Look?

If you are considering breast augmentation in Houston, we invite you to schedule a consultation at Heights Plastic Surgery. Let’s discuss your goals, explore your options, and design a treatment plan that gives you the confidence you deserve.

Contact us today to book your appointment

Frequently Asked Questions About Breast Augmentation in Houston

How do I choose the right implant size?

Choosing implant size is a balance between your desires and your anatomy. We use sizers during your private consultation to help you visualize the outcome. We also measure your chest wall width to ensure the implant fits your frame without extending too far into the armpit or cleavage, ensuring a natural appearance.

Will breast implants affect breastfeeding?

Most women are able to breastfeed successfully after breast augmentation. We typically use an inframammary incision (under the breast) and place the implant under the muscle, which preserves the milk ducts and nerves essential for nursing.

How long do breast implants last?

While breast implants are durable, they are not lifetime devices. The FDA recommends monitoring them over time. Many women keep their implants for 10–20 years or more without issue. However, you may eventually require a breast revision to replace old implants or adjust the pocket if your body changes.

What happens if an implant ruptures?

If a saline implant leaks, it deflates quickly, and the body absorbs the fluid. If a silicone gel implant ruptures (silent rupture), the gel usually remains contained within the scar tissue capsule. We recommend periodic evaluations to ensure patient safety.

Is there a lot of scarring?

Any surgical procedure leaves a scar, but we place incisions strategically to minimize visibility. Whether in the breast crease or around the areola, scars typically fade significantly over the first year. We also provide strict scar care protocols to help patients achieve the faintest possible mark.

Can I combine this with a Brazilian Butt Lift?

Yes. Many patients choose to address curves on both sides of the body by combining breast augmentation with a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) or liposuction. This effectively balances the upper and lower body proportions in one surgical setting.

What is the difference between a cosmetic surgeon and a plastic surgeon?

This is a crucial distinction. A plastic surgeon like Dr. Downey or Dr. Bullocks has completed an accredited residency specifically in plastic and reconstructive surgery. “Cosmetic surgeon” is a general term that any doctor can use. Always verify that your surgeon is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.

Does the procedure hurt?

Breast augmentation is generally well-tolerated. The first few days involve soreness and pressure, similar to the feeling after an intense chest workout, as the pectoral muscle stretches. We provide a comprehensive pain management plan, including pain medication and muscle relaxers, to keep you comfortable.