Breast Augmentation
Beverly Hills: Your Complete Guide

Breast augmentation is one of the most performed cosmetic surgical procedures in the United States, and for good reason: when planned carefully and executed by an experienced surgeon, the results are natural-looking, long-lasting, and closely aligned with what patients envision going into the procedure.

The decision to have breast augmentation involves meaningful choices: implant type, implant size and profile, incision location, implant placement, and whether implants are even the right path — or whether fat transfer augmentation might better serve your goals. This guide covers each of these decisions in the depth needed to have a genuinely productive consultation.

Candidacy: Who Is a Good Candidate

The best candidates for breast augmentation share several characteristics that support both a good outcome and a straightforward recovery:

• Physically healthy with no active conditions that significantly impair healing
• Non-smokers or committed to cessation for at least 4 weeks before and after surgery
• At or near a stable weight — significant weight fluctuation after augmentation affects implant appearance and can change the result
• Done with childbearing or aware that pregnancy and breastfeeding can change the results (many patients augment before having children; the decision is personal)
• Have realistic expectations: augmentation enhances volume and shape; it does not correct significant ptosis (drooping), which requires a lift
• Are motivated by their own goals, not external pressure

Age matters in a limited sense. Saline implants are FDA-approved for patients 18 and older; silicone gel implants are approved for patients 22 and older. This reflects the FDA's assessment of physical development, not a medical prohibition on younger patients. Exceptions exist under certain circumstances.

Implant Options

Silicone gel implants

The most commonly chosen implant type in Beverly Hills. Silicone gel implants are filled with a cohesive silicone gel that mimics the feel of natural breast tissue. They produce a softer, more natural result than saline, particularly in patients with limited natural breast tissue. Modern silicone implants use highly cohesive gel that maintains its shape even if the outer shell is compromised — a significant improvement over older-generation implants.

Silicone implants require a slightly larger incision than saline because they are pre-filled. Ruptures are typically silent (no visible change), which is why the FDA recommends periodic MRI screening for implant integrity. Silicone implants carry a premium cost over saline.

Saline implants

Saline implants are filled with sterile salt water after placement, which allows for a smaller incision and some volume adjustment at the time of surgery. They feel firmer than silicone and can produce visible rippling, particularly in patients with thin breast tissue coverage. If a saline implant ruptures, the deflation is immediately visible — some patients consider this a safety advantage since the issue is unmistakable. Saline implants are less expensive than silicone.

Highly cohesive "gummy bear" implants

A subset of silicone implants using a firmer, more cohesive gel that holds its shape. These are form-stable implants — they maintain their contour regardless of position. They are commonly used for teardrop-shaped implants, where maintaining the shape orientation matters. Gummy bear implants require a somewhat larger incision and careful positioning. They are a premium option within the silicone category.

Forever Breast fat transfer augmentation

Dr. Newman is the creator of the Forever Breast technique — breast augmentation using the patient's own fat, harvested via liposuction from areas such as the abdomen, flanks, or thighs. The technique is appropriate for patients who want a natural, modest size increase (typically one cup size) without implants, foreign materials, or implant-related maintenance. Results are permanent (transferred fat behaves like native fat), and the procedure includes body contouring benefits from the harvest sites.

Fat transfer augmentation is not suitable for patients seeking significant size increase or maximum upper pole fullness — implants achieve both more reliably. It is an excellent option for patients who want a subtle enhancement, have concerns about implants, or want to address asymmetry or volume loss after pregnancy.

Implant Sizing

Sizing is where most patients spend the most time and have the most questions. The key principle is that implant size should be chosen relative to your anatomy, not as an absolute number.

Implants are measured in cubic centimeters (cc), not cup sizes. Cup size varies by bra manufacturer and is not a precise specification — two patients with the same implant size can wear different cup sizes depending on their frame. The cc volume, combined with the implant profile (how far the implant projects forward), determines the visual result in the context of each patient's specific chest width and existing tissue.

During your consultation, Dr. Newman uses dimensional planning — measurements of your chest width, existing tissue, and skin elasticity — to identify a range of implant sizes that are proportionally appropriate for your anatomy. Sizing too large for your chest creates an unnatural appearance and increases the risk of complications including bottoming out and implant visibility. Sizing within your anatomical range produces results that look natural and age well.

Many patients bring reference photos to their consultation, which is helpful for communicating aesthetic preferences — the style of look (fuller upper pole vs. more sloped natural profile, etc.) is often better communicated visually than verbally.

Implant Placement and Incision Options

Placement: subglandular vs. submuscular

Implants can be placed either above the pectoral muscle (subglandular) or below it (submuscular/dual plane). Submuscular placement provides more natural-looking coverage over the upper implant, reduces the risk of visible rippling, and is associated with lower rates of capsular contracture in most studies. It is the standard approach for most patients, particularly those with limited natural tissue.

Subglandular placement may be appropriate for patients with sufficient existing tissue coverage, those seeking maximum upper pole projection, or patients whose anatomy or lifestyle (such as frequent heavy physical activity with chest muscles) makes submuscular placement less desirable.

Incision location

Recovery

Breast augmentation recovery is more manageable than most patients expect before experiencing it. The most significant discomfort occurs in the first 48 to 72 hours, primarily as a sensation of chest tightness from the pectoral muscle being elevated (in submuscular placement). This is effectively managed with prescribed pain medication.

• Days 1–3: Rest required. Discomfort managed with medication. Surgical bra worn. No driving.
• Days 4–7: Most patients return to desk work. Showering permitted. Driving resumes when not taking prescription pain medication.
• Weeks 2–4: Light activity. No lifting over 10 pounds. Implants begin to soften and settle.
• Weeks 5–6: Return to most exercise, with chest exercises still restricted.
• Month 3–6: Final result visible as implants fully settle and residual swelling resolves.

Combining Breast Augmentation with Other Procedures

Augmentation with breast lift (augmentation mastopexy)

Patients who want both increased volume and improved breast position and shape can combine augmentation with a lift in a single surgery. This is appropriate when there is both volume loss and ptosis (drooping). The planning is more complex than either procedure alone, and surgeon experience with the combination is important — the two procedures have competing tension vectors on the breast tissue that require careful management.

Augmentation as part of a mommy makeover

Many patients choose to address breast and abdominal changes from pregnancy and nursing together in a single surgery, combining augmentation with a tummy tuck and possibly liposuction. A mommy makeover reduces total recovery time compared to multiple separate procedures and allows the full restoration to be accomplished in one surgical episode.

Why Patients Choose Dr. Newman for Breast Augmentation in Beverly Hills

Dr. Michael K. Newman, MD, FACS is a board-certified plastic surgeon (American Board of Plastic Surgery) and UCLA faculty member. He has performed breast augmentation as a core part of his Beverly Hills practice and is the creator of the Forever Breast fat transfer technique. Patients choose Dr. Newman for several specific reasons:

• Dimensional planning approach. Dr. Newman uses chest measurements and anatomy-based sizing rather than arbitrary volume selection, which produces results that are proportional to each patient's specific frame.
• Unhurried consultations. The consultation is the most important part of the process. Every question is answered directly and thoroughly before a patient makes a decision about surgery.
• Natural aesthetic philosophy. Results should look like you at your best — not like you have had surgery. This guides every element of implant selection and surgical technique.
• Fat transfer option. For patients who are not implant candidates or who prefer their own tissue, Dr. Newman's Forever Breast technique provides an alternative path with its own set of genuine advantages.