What is a Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation, also known as mammaplasty, is a surgical procedure that uses breast implants or fat transfer to enhance breast size. This intervention is commonly sought to address breast volume depletion resulting from weight reduction or pregnancy, attain a harmonious breast contour, or rectify natural breast size discrepancies.
Beyond increasing size, breast augmentation is a highly customizable procedure designed to complement each patient’s natural anatomy. Factors such as implant type, size, shape, and placement are carefully considered to achieve balanced, proportionate results. For many women, the goal is not simply larger breasts, but improved symmetry, enhanced body proportions, and a more confident silhouette that aligns with their personal aesthetic goals.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Breast Augmentation?
You may be a good candidate for breast augmentation if you:
Are at least 18 for saline implants or at least 22 for silicone gel implants, following FDA approvals for cosmetic augmentation
Are in good general health, with no conditions that would make surgery or healing unsafe
Feel your breasts are small, uneven, or have lost volume after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight loss
Are not pregnant or currently breastfeeding, and your weight has been stable for several months
Do not smoke or vape, or are willing to stop well before and after surgery
Have realistic expectations and understand that implants may need future surgery
Implants add volume, but they do not correct significant sagging on their own. If your nipples sit at or below the breast fold, Dr. Van Ye or Dr. Dembny may recommend combining augmentation with a breast lift. Your consultation is the place to sort out which approach fits your anatomy.
How Does a Breast Augmentation Work?
Breast augmentation is performed under sedation or general anesthesia. Incisions are made in discreet areas, such as the areolar edge, breast fold, or armpit, to minimize scarring. Depending on the desired outcome, implants are placed under the pectoral muscle or behind the breast tissue. The incision is meticulously closed for optimal healing.
During the procedure, your surgeon carefully creates a pocket to position the implant or transfers purified fat to the breast area for subtle enhancement. The approach is tailored to your anatomy, lifestyle, and desired outcome, ensuring both aesthetic and functional considerations are addressed. Modern surgical techniques focus on precision and minimal tissue disruption, which can support smoother recovery and natural-looking results. Detailed preoperative planning plays a key role in achieving predictable, refined outcomes.
Benefits of a Breast Augmentation
For many women in Green Bay, Appleton and the Fox Valley, breast augmentation enhances aesthetic appeal and boosts self-confidence. It improves breast form by providing fullness, symmetry, and projection, resulting in a harmonious enhancement. Breast augmentation can restore natural curves to women who have been pregnant or lost weight. Additionally, aging women can achieve lasting results by regaining lost volume, resulting in a youthful and rejuvenated silhouette.
Beyond physical changes, many patients experience a meaningful improvement in how they feel in clothing and in their overall body image. The procedure can help create better balance between the breasts and hips, enhance cleavage, and refine proportions in a way that feels natural rather than exaggerated. With long-lasting results and a tailored surgical plan, breast augmentation offers both aesthetic and emotional benefits that support confidence and long-term satisfaction.
Before, During, and After
What to Expect Before a Breast Augmentation
Your first step is a complimentary consultation with Dr. Van Ye or Dr. Dembny. During the consultation, you will discuss your preferred breast size, feel, and appearance. The surgeon will discuss various implant options, including smooth or textured, round or teardrop-shaped, and saline or silicone. Additionally, they will discuss surgical technique choices. Certain medications may need adjustment before the surgery, such as avoiding aspirin or other bleeding-increasing medications. If you are a smoker, the surgeon will request that you cease smoking for about four to six weeks before and after the surgery.
What to Expect During a Breast Augmentation
To insert the breast implant, your plastic surgeon will make a single incision in one of three places: under your breast (inframammary), under your arm (axillary), or around your nipple (periareolar). After making the incision, the surgeon will separate your breast tissue from the muscles and connective tissue of your chest. This creates a pocket either behind or in front of the outermost muscle of the chest wall (pectoral muscle). The surgeon will then insert the implant into this pocket, centering it behind your nipple. Saline implants are inserted empty and filled with sterile salt water once in place, while silicone implants are pre-filled with silicone gel. Finally, the surgeon will close the incision, typically using stitches (sutures), and apply skin adhesive and surgical tape for bandaging. The operation itself commonly takes one to two hours, and most patients go home the same day with a responsible adult to drive them.
What to Expect After a Breast Augmentation
After your surgery, it is normal to experience soreness, swelling, and possible bruising for a few weeks. Although scars will fade over time, complete disappearance is unlikely.
During the healing process, wearing a compression bandage or sports bra can provide additional support and positioning for the breast implants. Your surgeon may also prescribe pain medication to alleviate discomfort.
If your job doesn’t involve physical exertion, you may be able to return to work within about a week, sometimes sooner. However, strenuous activities that elevate your pulse or blood pressure should be avoided for several weeks, often around four to six, until your surgeon clears you. Keep in mind that while healing, your breasts will be sensitive to physical contact and sudden movements.
Every recovery is a little different. Your surgeon will give you a written plan covering garments, activity, and follow-up visits, and our nursing team is available by phone if questions come up once you are home
Breast Augmentation Risks and Safety
Breast augmentation is a well-established operation, but it is still surgery, and it helps to know the risks before you decide. The most common concerns are capsular contracture (scar tissue tightening around the implant), changes in nipple or breast sensation, infection, bleeding, visible rippling, implant shifting, and implant leak or rupture. Some of these may require another operation to correct.
Breast implants are not lifetime devices, and many women will need a revision or exchange at some point. A rare type of lymphoma called BIA-ALCL has been linked mainly to textured implants, and some women report whole-body symptoms they attribute to their implants, often called breast implant illness. For silicone implants, the FDA recommends an ultrasound or MRI five to six years after surgery and every two to three years after that to check for silent rupture. Your surgeon will go through these points, along with the FDA patient decision checklist, at your consultation.
Safety is built into how we operate. Procedures are performed by board-certified plastic surgeons in The Center’s private surgical center in Neenah, which is fully accredited by AAAHC, with a surgical nursing team that stays with you from check-in through recovery.
Your Breast Augmentation Surgeons
Dr. Todd Van Ye is the founder and medical director of The Center and has practiced plastic surgery in the Fox Valley since 1997. He is board certified in plastic surgery, earned his medical degree at UT Southwestern Medical School, and completed residencies in general surgery at the Medical College of Wisconsin and plastic surgery at Vanderbilt University. He founded the region’s first surgery center dedicated solely to plastic surgery.
Dr. Kenneth Dembny is a board-certified plastic surgeon with more than 30 years of experience. He earned his medical degree at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine & Public Health, completed a general surgery residency at the Medical College of Wisconsin, and completed a plastic surgery fellowship at The Ohio State University. He is a recipient of the Patients’ Choice Award.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose the right implant size for me?
Implant size is chosen at your consultation based on measurements of your chest width, breast tissue, and skin, along with the look you want. Your surgeon may use 3D imaging and sizers to help you picture the options, and will weigh width, height, projection, and volume so the result suits your frame.
What is the difference between saline and silicone breast implants?
Saline and silicone implants have notable distinctions. Saline implants are a cost-effective option that, if leaked, get absorbed by the body. On the other hand, while saline implants do not contain silicone gel, the implant itself is made from silicone.
Silicone implants offer a more natural feel, which is their primary advantage. That is why the FDA recommends periodic ultrasound or MRI screening for silicone implants, even when you have no symptoms.
Are there risks and complications associated with breast augmentation surgery?
Breast augmentation carries potential risks, such as capsular contracture, resulting in scar tissue distortion of the breast implant, breast pain, infection, alterations in nipple and breast sensation, changes in implant position, and implant leakage or rupture. Addressing these complications may require additional surgical procedures for the removal or replacement of the implants. Rare risks, including BIA-ALCL, are covered in the risks and safety section above, and your surgeon will review each of them with you before you decide.
How long is the recovery period after breast augmentation?
Can I breastfeed after having breast augmentation?
Will there be visible scars after breast augmentation, and how can they be minimized?
Over time, the incision lines will undergo fading. The quality of the scar is influenced by various factors, such as genetics, exposure of the body to nicotine, and susceptibility to infection.
How long do breast implants typically last, and will I need additional surgeries?
While breast implants are long-lasting, they are not permanent and may require replacement. Your breasts change over time due to aging, weight fluctuations, hormonal factors, and gravity. To restore a more youthful contour, you may consider options like a breast lift or an implant exchange.
What is the cost of breast augmentation, and is it covered by insurance?
The cost of breast augmentation surgery varies based on the extent of the procedure. Insurance does not cover this surgery as it is considered a cosmetic procedure. You will receive a personalized quote at your complimentary consultation, and monthly payment plans are available through our financing partners.
Can I combine breast augmentation with other cosmetic procedures?
Breast lift surgery is frequently combined with breast implants to enhance breast size, as well as lift and reshape them for a more youthful appearance. Some patients also pair breast surgery with a tummy tuck or liposuction after pregnancy, when it is safe to do so in one operation.
How should I prepare for breast augmentation surgery?
For breast augmentation preparation, you may need to:
– Undergo a blood test
– Take specific medications or adjust your current ones
– Quit smoking
– Avoid aspirin and certain anti-inflammatory medications, as they may cause increased bleeding.
Is there an age limit for getting breast augmentation?
The FDA approves saline implants for cosmetic breast augmentation in women 18 and older, and silicone gel implants for women 22 and older. Moreover, suitable candidates for breast augmentation should be in good health and have realistic expectations regarding the surgical outcome.
Can breast augmentation correct breast asymmetry?
Correcting asymmetric breasts through breast augmentation involves balancing the size and shape. This can be achieved by augmenting one breast to match the other or using implants of different sizes and shapes. To achieve the desired outcome, patients should consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon, such as Dr. Van Ye or Dr. Dembny, who have experience in performing breast augmentation procedures. During the consultation, patients can discuss their goals and determine what will yield the most aesthetically pleasing result.
What is the difference between above-the-muscle and below-the-muscle implant placement?
Above-the-muscle (subglandular) placement puts the implant behind the breast tissue and in front of the chest muscle. Recovery is often a little easier and the implant does not move when the muscle flexes, but the implant edges can be easier to see or feel in women with thin natural tissue. Below-the-muscle (submuscular) placement tucks part of the implant under the pectoral muscle, which adds soft tissue coverage and often gives a more gradual upper slope. The tradeoff is that the implant can shift when the chest muscle contracts, called animation deformity. Your surgeon will recommend placement based on your tissue thickness, activity level, and goals.
Are there non-surgical alternatives to breast augmentation?
There is no proven non-surgical way to enlarge the breasts. Injectable fillers are not FDA approved for breast enlargement, and the FDA has warned against using them in the breasts. The main alternative to implants is fat transfer, which uses liposuction to move your own fat from areas such as the abdomen or thighs to the breasts. It is still surgery, it adds a more modest amount of volume, and some of the transferred fat does not survive, so it tends to suit women who want a subtle change.
Can breast augmentation help with post-pregnancy breast changes?
Breast augmentation can help with post-pregnancy breast changes. The procedure can restore the volume and shape of the breasts that may have been lost due to pregnancy and breastfeeding. Implants add fullness, but they lift the breasts only slightly, so women with noticeable sagging are often better served by combining augmentation with a lift. Also, implants may be used to fill out any area of deflated or stretched skin resulting from pregnancy.
Do you see breast augmentation patients from Green Bay and Appleton?
Yes. Many of our breast augmentation patients come from Green Bay, Appleton, and other communities in Northeast and Central Wisconsin. The Center has offices in Neenah, Appleton, and Plover, and surgery is performed at our private surgical center at 425 S Commercial St in Neenah. Call (920) 725-0700 or book online to schedule your complimentary consultation.
BREAST AUGMENTATION
BEFORE & AFTERS
Every photo below shows a real patient of The Center, with her age, starting size, and implant details. For more results, browse the breast augmentation section of our before and after gallery.
Age: 25 | Height: 5’6″ | Weight: 127 lbs
A 25-year-old woman states her preoperative brassiere size as a 32-34A cup. She has had no pregnancies. She has a mild degree of breast asymmetry. She underwent an augmentation mammoplasty with a 325 cc high-profile implant on her right and a 300 cc high-profile implant on her left. The patient is thrilled with her postoperative result.
Age: 37 | Height: 5’10″ | Weight: 150 lbs
This patient started with a 34 B pre-op bust size. She was looking to increase the fullness of her breasts but was not concerned about a specific size, but was looking for a natural, proportional result. 339cc cohesive gel implants were used with a sub-muscular placement.
Age: 35 | Height: 5’6″ | Weight: 126 lbs
A 25-year-old woman states her preoperative brassiere size as a 32-34A cup. She has had no pregnancies. She has a mild degree of breast asymmetry. She underwent an augmentation mammoplasty with a 325 cc high-profile implant on her right and a 300 cc high-profile implant on her left. The patient is thrilled with her postoperative result.
A 35-year-old woman with one child who noticed significant post-partum involution following cessation of breastfeeding. Underwent breast augmentation with 325 ccs high-profile implant.
Age: 27 | Height: 5’7″ | Weight: 120 lbs
Patient has one child. She breastfed for 6-7 months. She states her current brassiere size as a 34B and she wishes to be approximately one and a half to two cup sizes larger. Underwent breast augmentation with a 421 cc moderate plus profile gel implant. Patient thrilled with size and shape.
Age: 31 | Height: 5’8″ | Weight: 138 lbs
After two children and breastfeeding, she has lost volume. The preoperative bra size was 34A. The patient wished to be approximately a C cup size. Underwent an augmentation with a 397 cc moderate plus profile gel prosthesis. The patient obtained excellent proportions and is very pleased.
Age: 36 | Height: 5’6″ | Weight: 141 lbs
A 36-year-old woman who has two children and did breastfeed. She desired approximately a one-and-a-half cup size increase in her breast size following pregnancies and loss of breast volume. The patient underwent bilateral augmentation using a 339 cc moderate plus profile gel implant. The patient subsequently underwent an abdominoplasty and liposuction as well.
Age: 43 | Height: 5’4″ | Weight: 140 lbs
A 43-year-old woman who has had three pregnancies. The preoperative brassiere size is 34C. The patient desires to be approximately a cup to cup and a half size larger and is primarily concerned about regaining some upper pole volume. She is not concerned about mild breast laxity. Underwent an augmentation mammoplasty using a 457 cc moderate plus profile gel prosthesis. The patient reports an outstanding result.
Age: 30 | Height: 5’9″ | Weight: 130 lbs
This 30-year-old police officer desired a fuller bust size. She was hoping to increase her pre-op 34B cup size to a full C or a D. Using 425cc cohesive gel implants placed behind the muscle we were able to achieve her desired results. She has been extremely pleased with her results.
Age: 23
This 23-year-old woman had been considering breast augmentation for some time. Her pre-op size was 34B and she was dealing with some asymmetry in her breasts. She underwent an augmentation procedure where we placed a 375cc implant on the right side and a 400cc implant on the left. She is thrilled with both the enhancement in size as well as the improved symmetry.
Age: 38 | Height: 4’10″ | Weight: 105 lbs
Prior to surgery, this patient had a cup size of approximately 34A. Her desire was to increase her breast size to a full C to D. It was important for her to keep the natural appearance of her breasts. We used 350cc cohesive gel implants to achieve her desired results.
Age: 37 | Height: 5’10″ | Weight: 150 lbs
This patient started with a 34 B pre-op bust size. She was looking to increase the fullness of her breasts but was not concerned about a specific size, but was looking for a natural, proportional result. 339cc cohesive gel implants were used with a sub-muscular placement.
Age: 37 | Height: 5’10″ | Weight: 155 lbs
Prior to surgery, this patient’s bust size was less than an A cup and her left breast was smaller than the right. To improve this we used a 304cc intermediate projecting implant for the right breast and a 350cc high profile implant for the left. Both implants used were cohesive gel. Both symmetry and size were much improved after surgery and the patient is very pleased with her results.
Age: 35 | Height: 5’2″ | Weight: 95 lbs
This 35-year-old mother of 2 came to us looking to regain the fullness she had lost after her pregnancies. We used 280cc cohesive gel implants to achieve these results.
Note: due to the fact that her breasts were very widely spaced, and there was very little breast tissue over the breast bone, it was necessary to place the implants directly centered under the nipple to achieve as natural an appearance as possible.
Age: 38
Pregnancy and nursing led to significant post-partum shrinkage of the breast volume. Along with the loss of volume, this patient also had significant asymmetry of the breasts. Her pre-op size was 34A. To deal with the asymmetry we used 2 different implant sizes (350cc right, 325cc left) and we also performed a lift of the left breast. The patient has been very happy with the results we were able to achieve for her.
Age: 28 | Height: 5’5″ | Weight: 125 lbs
This 28-year-old mother of 2 had been considering breast augmentation for 10 years. She had several friends who were satisfied patients of The Center. Pre-op her bust size was 34B, and she was hoping to achieve approximately a D Cup. Using 400cc cohesive gel implants we were able to achieve her goal and the patient has been thrilled with her results.
Age: 33
After 2 pregnancies this patient was suffering from moderate breast laxity and an inverted nipple on her left breast. The procedure required 304cc moderate plus profile cohesive gel implants, peri-areolar mastopexy, and correction of the inverted nipple. In addition to her breast procedures, she also had a mini-abdominoplasty. She has been very pleased with all procedures.
Age: 36 | Height: 5’6″ | Weight: 150 lbs
This patient lost breast fullness following 2 pregnancies along with breastfeeding. To correct the asymmetrical condition of her breasts she underwent a breast augmentation along with a circumareolar mastopexy (lift). 375cc right breast 400 cc left breast, cohesive gel implants.
Age: 35 | Height: 5’6″ | Weight: 125 lbs
Breast Augmentation
Age: 38 | Height: 5’6″ | Weight: 120 lbs
This patient was looking for a fuller bust size and has been very satisfied with her results. Used 325cc High Profile cohesive gel implanted behind the muscle.
Plastic Surgery Procedures for Appleton Patients
Every procedure below has its own page with candidacy, recovery, risks, and before and after photos. Use them to prepare questions for your consultation.
Face
- Face lift: tightens loose skin and underlying tissue of the lower face and neck.
- Eyelid surgery: removes excess upper or lower eyelid skin and puffiness for a more rested look.
- Brow and forehead lift: raises a low or heavy brow and softens forehead lines.
- Rhinoplasty: reshapes the nose to improve balance with the rest of the face.
Breast
- Breast augmentation: adds volume and improves symmetry with saline or silicone implants, or with fat transfer.
- Breast lift: raises and reshapes breasts that have lost firmness after pregnancy, weight change, or time.
- Breast reduction: reduces breast size and weight to relieve discomfort and improve proportion.
- Breast reconstruction: rebuilds the breast after mastectomy or injury.
Body
- Tummy tuck: removes loose abdominal skin and tightens separated muscles, often after pregnancy or weight loss.
- Liposuction: removes stubborn fat from areas such as the abdomen, flanks, thighs, and arms.
- Arm lift: removes loose skin of the upper arms.
- Thigh lift: tightens loose skin of the inner or outer thighs.