Are you unsatisfied with the size of your breasts or has a life change, such as pregnancy or weight loss altered your breast volume? At Nuance Cosmetic Surgery, we offer a procedure that will not only correct the problem but provide long-term, natural results – a breast augmentation.
Dr. Kenneth Sumida, board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, will be present during your consultation in order to create a customized surgical plan with you to ensure that you achieve the results you’re looking for. Contact us at our Folsom, California office today to schedule a consultation.
What is Breast Augmentation?
More commonly referred to as a breast enhancement or enlargement, breast augmentation is one of the most frequently requested procedures at our office. Among the most commonly practiced aesthetic procedures in the country, augmentation is done by placing breast implants or by transferring fat from another area.
Breast augmentations are performed for two main reasons – to increase the fullness of small breast sizes, and to restore volume to breasts that have lost size due to weight loss or pregnancy.
What Are the Benefits of Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation enhances the size, shape and proportions or your breasts. It also improves how clothing fits and feels. The benefits of receiving a breast augmentation may include:
- An increase in the fullness and size of your breasts
- Improvement of the shape and balance of your figure
- Increase your confidence and self-esteem
- Improved breast symmetry
- Enhanced balance between chest and hips
- Restoration of volume lost after pregnancy or weight changes
- Greater definition in fitted clothing and swimwear
- A more proportionate silhouette
For many patients, the physical changes also support improved body confidence and self-image.
How is a Breast Augmentation Done?
Before Surgery
Your breast augmentation journey at Nuance Cosmetic Surgery begins with a consultation with Dr. Kenneth Sumida. During this appointment, Dr. Sumida will evaluate your breast anatomy, skin elasticity, chest wall dimensions, medical history and health.
Dr. Sumida will explain the differences between saline and silicone implants, your incision choices, and implant position options to help you decide on the most appropriate surgical plan for your body. You will also receive detailed pre-operative and post-operative instructions.
During The Procedure
Breast augmentation is done on an outpatient basis and under general anesthesia. Incision areas may be discussed with Dr. Kenneth Sumida during your consultation, but typically small incisions are made either underneath the nipple, under the breast or under the arm to minimize conspicuous scarring.
From there, a pocket is created for the implant, usually underneath the pectoral muscle or behind the breast tissue. Positioning and implant size will depend on you as an individual. The incisions are then closed, and the procedure is complete.
What is the Recovery Like?
Any initial discomfort after a breast augmentation procedure is controlled with oral pain medication. Dr. Kenneth Sumida and our experienced medical team will offer additional pain management options if necessary. A week of rest is typically advised, following by light activity for the next 4 to 6 weeks. No strenuous activities should be undertaken during this time.
Full results may not be apparent for up to 4 months, as the body will need time to heal from the surgery and adjust itself to the implants. Our medical team will be available to you after your procedure to track your progress, healing and any complications you may experience.
What Types of Breast Implants Are Available?
Selecting the right implant is one of the most important decisions in your breast augmentation journey. At Nuance Cosmetic Surgery, implant choice is personalized based on your anatomy, aesthetic goals, lifestyle, and long-term expectations. Dr. Kenneth Sumida uses mostly saline implants, but silicone is also available for approved individuals.
Saline Implants
Saline implants are filled with sterile saltwater after they’re placed within the breasts. They offer a uniform shape and are FDA-approved for patients 18 and older.
Benefits of saline implants may include:
- Adjustable fill volume for precise symmetry refinement
- Smaller initial incision due to post-placement filling
- Immediate detection if rupture occurs, as the implant deflates
Saline implants may feel slightly firmer than silicone, particularly in patients with thinner breast tissue.
Silicone Implants
Silicone implants are pre-filled with a cohesive silicone gel designed to closely mimic the feel of natural breast tissue. They are FDA-approved for patients 22 and older.
Advantages may include:
- Softer, more natural texture
- Reduced likelihood of visible rippling
- A wide range of size and profile options
Because silicone maintains its shape if rupture occurs, rupture is not as easily detected. Periodic imaging may be recommended to monitor implant integrity.
How to Prepare for Your Breast Augmentation Surgery
Thoughtful preparation before your breast surgery plays an important role in minimizing risks and supporting a smooth recovery. At Nuance Cosmetic Surgery, we provide detailed pre-operative instructions customized to your surgical plan, but here are general guidelines to help you prepare:
Avoid Certain Medications
You will need to discontinue blood-thinning medications, such as aspirin, ibuprofen and other anti-inflammatory medications, as well as certain herbal supplements, prior to surgery. These substances can increase bleeding and bruising. Dr. Kenneth Sumida will provide a complete list of medications and supplements to avoid and advise you when it is safe to resume them.
Stop Smoking
If you smoke or use nicotine products, you will be asked to stop several weeks before and after surgery. Nicotine restricts blood flow, delays healing and significantly increases the risk of complications, including poor incision healing and infection.
Maintain Stable Health
Eat a balanced diet, stay hydrated and avoid alcohol in the days leading up to your procedure. Inform our team of any illness, fever or new medications before surgery so we can ensure it is safe to proceed.
Take Time Off
Plan to take about one week away from work and daily responsibilities. While breast augmentation is an outpatient procedure (meaning you won’t need a hospital stay), your body still needs time to rest and recover. Avoid scheduling major commitments or strenuous activity during this period.
Arrange Transportation and Support
You will need a responsible adult to drive you home after surgery and remain with you for the first 24 hours. Having support available for light household tasks can make your recovery more comfortable.
Prepare a Recovery Area at Home
Set up a comfortable resting space at home with supportive pillows to keep your upper body elevated. Keep medications, water, snacks, loose clothing and entertainment within easy reach.
Follow Fasting Instructions
Because breast augmentation is performed under general anesthesia, you will need to stop eating and drinking at the designated time the night before surgery. Specific instructions will be reviewed during your pre-operative appointment.
What Are the Risks of Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation is a widely performed and generally safe procedure, but like any surgery, it involves potential risks. At Nuance Cosmetic Surgery, patient safety is our highest priority. During your consultation, Dr. Kenneth Sumida will thoroughly review potential complications and explain how they may relate to your individual health profile.
Potential risks may include:
- Capsular contracture (tightening of scar tissue around the implant)
- Implant rupture or leakage
- Changes in nipple or breast sensation
- Implant displacement or shifting
- Rippling or visible implant edges
- Need for revision surgery in the future
It is also important to understand that breast implants are not lifetime devices. While many patients enjoy long-lasting results, future monitoring or replacement may eventually be necessary.
Who Is A Good Candidate For Breast Augmentation?
You may be a good candidate for breast augmentation if you would like to enhance breast size, improve symmetry, or restore fullness that has diminished over time. Ideal candidates are in good overall health, have fully developed breasts and maintain realistic expectations about surgical outcomes.
Breast augmentation may be appropriate if you feel your breasts are proportionally smaller than your frame, uneven in size or lacking volume following pregnancy or weight fluctuations. Some patients also choose augmentation to create a better balance between the chest and hips or to achieve a more defined silhouette in clothing.
During your consultation, Dr. Kenneth Sumida will evaluate your anatomy, skin quality and aesthetic goals to determine whether breast augmentation alone or in combination with another procedure is the best option for you.
Cost And Financing Options For Breast Augmentation
We understand that financial planning is an important part of preparing for cosmetic surgery. The cost of breast augmentation varies depending on factors such as implant type, surgical technique, facility fees and anesthesia services.
During your consultation, you will receive a detailed quote outlining all components of your customized treatment plan. Our team will review available financing options and payment plans to help make your procedure more manageable and transparent. Our goal is to provide clarity and support so you can move forward with confidence.
Can Breast Augmentation Be Combined With Other Procedures?
For many patients, breast augmentation is part of a broader aesthetic goal. Combining procedures can enhance overall balance, reduce total recovery time and achieve more comprehensive results in a single surgical setting. During your consultation, Dr. Kenneth Sumida will evaluate your goals and determine whether a combined approach is appropriate for you.
Breast Augmentation With Breast Lift
If you desire increased volume but also experience sagging or nipple descent, combining augmentation with a breast lift may provide the most harmonious outcome. While implants restore fullness, a lift reshapes and repositions the breast tissue for a more youthful contour. Together, these procedures can enhance both size and shape.
Breast Augmentation With Mommy Makeover
Many women choose to combine breast augmentation with abdominal contouring procedures after pregnancy. A mommy makeover may include augmentation alongside tummy tuck surgery or liposuction to address changes in multiple areas at once. This approach can restore balance to the breasts and midsection in a single treatment plan.
Breast Augmentation With Liposuction
Liposuction can be used to refine surrounding areas such as the underarm, flanks or upper abdomen to enhance overall proportion. Subtle contouring around the chest and torso can make augmentation results appear even more balanced and natural.
Breast Revision Surgery
If you have previously undergone breast augmentation and wish to adjust implant size, address complications or refresh your results, revision surgery can often be performed in combination with other refinements.
Not every patient is a candidate for combined procedures. Your overall health, surgical goals and recovery considerations will guide the decision. During your consultation at Nuance Cosmetic Surgery in Folsom, CA, Dr. Sumida will design a personalized plan that balances your safety with your goals.
Breast Augmentation FAQs
How Do I Choose the Right Implant Size?
Selecting the right implant size involves careful measurement and proportional planning rather than choosing a specific cup size. Bra sizing varies significantly between manufacturers, so it is not a reliable surgical guide. Instead, your chest width, natural breast base diameter, tissue thickness and overall body proportions are evaluated.
Lifestyle considerations also matter. Patients who are highly active or prefer subtle enhancement may choose differently from someone seeking a more dramatic change. During your consultation, implant-sizing tools and visual references help translate your aesthetic goals into realistic, proportional results.
Will Breast Augmentation Affect Breastfeeding?
Many women can breastfeed after breast augmentation. The ability to nurse largely depends on individual anatomy and on whether milk ducts and glandular tissue remain intact. While most augmentation techniques are designed to preserve breastfeeding potential, no surgical procedure can guarantee future lactation capability.
If you plan to have children, it is important to discuss this during your consultation so surgical planning can prioritize preserving function whenever possible.
Will My Implants Feel Natural?
Modern implant technology is designed to replicate the softness and movement of natural breast tissue. The degree of natural feel depends on factors such as implant type, your existing tissue coverage and how your body responds during healing.
Patients with adequate natural tissue often experience a very natural texture once swelling resolves and the implants settle. It is also normal for implants to feel firmer initially, gradually softening over time as the surrounding tissues relax.
Can Breast Augmentation Correct Asymmetry?
No one has perfectly symmetrical breasts. However, noticeable differences in size or volume can often be improved with carefully selected implant sizes or profiles tailored to each breast.
While surgery can significantly improve balance, subtle differences may persist afterward. The goal is natural-looking symmetry that complements your frame rather than absolute uniformity.
Will I Lose Nipple Sensation?
Temporary changes in sensation are not uncommon following breast augmentation. Some patients report increased sensitivity, while others experience temporary numbness. In most cases, normal sensation gradually returns as nerve pathways recover.
Permanent changes are less common but possible. Surgical planning and precise technique are used to minimize this risk.
How Long Do Breast Implants Last?
Breast implants are durable but not considered lifetime devices. Many patients enjoy their implants for 10 to 15 years or longer without issues. However, replacement or revision may eventually be necessary due to personal preference, implant aging or natural body changes over time.
Routine monitoring and periodic evaluations help ensure continued implant integrity and long-term satisfaction.
Why Choose Nuance Cosmetic Surgery for Your Breast Augmentation?
Choosing to undergo breast augmentation is a significant and personal decision. At Nuance Cosmetic Surgery, we approach every procedure with respect for your individual goals. We take the time to understand the look you want to achieve, carefully assess your anatomy and design a surgical plan that enhances your figure while maintaining a natural aesthetic.
Our AAAASF-accredited surgical center in Folsom, CA offers a private, fully equipped environment where safety and discretion are prioritized. Dr. Kenneth T. Sumida, a board-certified plastic surgeon, brings extensive experience in aesthetic breast surgery and a refined approach focused on balance and proportions.
Patients throughout the greater Sacramento area choose Nuance Cosmetic Surgery for our commitment to surgical excellence, personalized care and natural-looking outcomes. Whether you are seeking subtle enhancement or a more noticeable transformation, our team is dedicated to helping you achieve results that feel authentic and confidently yours.
Book Your Breast Augmentation Consultation Today
At Nuance Cosmetic Surgery, we want you to look confident, feel confident and be confident. Contact us today to get started on your way to the fuller breast size you have always wanted.
