Breast Augmentation
Breast Augmentation Surgeons in Seattle, WA
Breast Implant Surgery in Seattle
Breast augmentation or breast implant surgery is one of the most common cosmetic surgery procedures performed at Sound Plastic Surgery. Both of our plastic surgeons have experience with the several types of breast implants available today in the US market. These implant types include smooth, round silicone breast implants and saline breast implants. Our surgeons have performed hundreds of breast augmentation procedures for patients from all over the Pacific Northwest and Canada. Breast implant surgery is often a component of the Mommy Makeover surgery procedures.
Before and After Breast Implant Surgery with smooth, round silicone breast implants by Sound Plastic Surgery
What type of breast implants are available at Sound Plastic Surgery?
At Sound Plastic Surgery in Seattle, we are at the forefront of breast implant surgery technology available in the USA. Breast implant selection is a very personal decision, but we do have a few guiding principles we recommend to patients when selecting breast implants.
- Most of our patients opt for smooth, round, cohesive silicone gel implants. These medical devices have been available on the US market for over 15 years and have an excellent safety record. With careful implant selection, these round implants can be used to create a very natural ‘tear drop’ breast shape.
- Some women desire a saline implant. This round implant can look very natural in patients with a fair amount of natural breast tissue. Saline implants are used infrequently in our practice.
- We have discontinued the use of textured, shaped (form stable) silicone implants due to their very small risk of an immune system cancer called anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL). This problem has not been noted in patients with smooth silicone implants.
- Our current breast implants in use are the latest Motiva round silicone gel implants and Allergan round silicone gel and saline implants.
What can I expect during the consultation for breast implants?
Our plastic surgeons create a customized breast implant surgery plan for each of our Seattle area cosmetic breast augmentation patients to achieve the look they desire. We spend the time necessary with you to discover the ‘look’ you are trying to achieve with breast implant surgery. We offer a full spectrum of cohesive gel and gummy-bear silicone breast implants to our Seattle area patients. Our breast implant consultation starts with an interview between you and one of our board certified plastic surgeons. During that meeting in our Seattle plastic surgery clinic, we will develop a customized breast implant surgery plan for you. You will not be hurried, and you will have plenty of time to discuss your goals with our plastic surgeons.
Doctor Cooper and Doctor Sattler carefully listen to the expectations of each of their patients in order to make certain that goals are met with respect to your new breast shape and size.
We encourage patients to bring in photos in their clinic visit of women whose breast aesthetic they admire – we use these photos as a discussion platform to assess if expectations for a post operative result are realistic, given an individual’s unique breast anatomy.
During the breast implant consultation, you will be invited to ‘try on’ a series of implants that best fit your aesthetic goals and fit with the unique measurements of your breast and chest wall. This ‘sizing’ exercise with our female staff members is an important part of the consultation because it allows you to ‘test drive’ many breast implants that are too large, and too small for your unique frame. This exercise typically convinces patients that an implant size and volume tailored to their breast dimensions is the best option for a beautiful long term augmentation result.
What can I expect after the breast implant surgery is complete?
The breast implant procedure is performed in our onsite private certified ambulatory surgery center, and is an outpatient procedure. Your breast implant surgery is performed with anesthesia provided by board-certified anesthesiologists. The breast implant surgery takes about 1 hour. During the operation, our plastic surgeons will create a pocket for the breast implant using a carefully planned incision. A silicone breast implant is then placed behind the pectoralis muscle, or on top of the pectoralis muscle, depending on the patient’s desired look and her anatomy. Our plastic surgeon then carefully assesses symmetry and implant position before finishing the operation. We generally use an infra-mammary incision because we feel this scar heals with the best possible scar quality, and can be concealed in the natural fold beneath the breast. Other scar positions, including the peri-areolar and axillary scar, will always be visible, no matter how nicely the scar itself heals. We keep breast augmentation scars covered with water resistant surgical tape for several weeks because we believe this maximizes scar quality.
What is recovery time after my breast implant surgery like?
Individual results will vary, however most of our patients take just a few days off from work for recovery from breast implant or breast augmentation surgery. Our patients wear a supportive bra for a few days to support the implant position that we have created. Breast implant surgery recovery time will vary from women to women. Most of our patients are younger women that wish to return to exercise and athletics. We individualize our patient’s post operative recovery activity restrictions based on the type of activities they wish to return to after surgery. In general terms, vigorous movements such as pull-ups, push ups and bench presses with the arms should be avoided for at least six weeks after surgery. Other types of exercise are encouraged because they aid in post operative recovery time and mobility.
How is Breast Augmentation Surgery done?
Types of Anesthesia
A breast augmentation surgery is done while patients are asleep in the operating room. Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedure. The choices include intravenous sedation and general anesthesia. Your doctor will recommend the best choice for you.
The Breast Augmentation Incision
A breast augmentation surgery is done while patients are asleep in the operating room. Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedure. The choices include intravenous sedation and general anesthesia. Your doctor will recommend the best choice for you.
The Breast Implant Placement – Below or Above the Muscle
Recent scientific data supports the use of both over-the-muscle and sub-muscular breast implant placement. Modern breast implants in either position have a very low rate of capsular contracture (scarring around the implant), less visible rippling and wrinkling and a more natural look. Implant placed above the muscle tend to have less soft tissue coverage, so more breast tissue is required to conceal the edges of the implant in this position.
Sub-muscular (left) and over-the-muscle (right) breast implant position is depicted on the drawing:
Closing the Breast Augmentation Incisions
Breast augmentation incisions are closed in multiple layers with absorbing sutures. The first layer of suture is used to reconstruct the infra-mammary fold, which provides long-term support for the breast implant. The second and third layers of suture close the skin to maximize scar quality over the long term. The goal is to conceal the breast augmentation scar within the fold beneath the breast. The breast implant incision is well concealed in the patient’s breast fold, just two months after breast implant surgery as shown in the photo.
At Sound Plastic Surgery in Seattle, our goal for every breast implant patient is a substantially improved breast appearance that fits a patient’s aesthetic ideal. Our Seattle area patients have given us outstanding reviews for our breast augmentation results. Contact Us Today for Your Consultation!
Understanding Long-Term Breast Implant Results and Maintenance
Breast augmentation is designed to deliver long-lasting improvement in breast shape, volume, and symmetry, but it is important for patients to understand how implants interact with the body over time. Modern silicone and saline breast implants are highly durable medical devices, and most patients enjoy their results for many years without issue. However, breast implants are not considered lifetime devices, and future monitoring or revision may be necessary depending on individual factors.
Changes related to aging, gravity, pregnancy, weight fluctuations, and skin elasticity can affect breast appearance over time, regardless of implant type. While implants themselves maintain their structure, the surrounding breast tissue and skin may change, which can alter breast position or contour. For some patients, this may eventually lead to consideration of a breast lift or implant exchange to maintain an optimal aesthetic result.
At Sound Plastic Surgery, we emphasize long-term planning during your consultation so you understand not only what to expect immediately after surgery, but also how your results may evolve over the years. Dr. Joshua Cooper and Dr. Scott Sattler recommend Motiva® breast implants for patients interested in cutting-edge implant technology combined with durability, comfort, and aesthetic precision.
Breast Implant Safety and Ongoing Monitoring
Patient safety is a central focus of breast augmentation surgery. Smooth, round silicone gel implants have an excellent safety profile and are supported by extensive clinical data. Routine follow-up visits allow your surgeon to assess implant position, breast symmetry, and overall healing. For patients with silicone implants, periodic imaging such as ultrasound or MRI is recommended by the FDA to evaluate implant integrity, even if no symptoms are present.
It is important to report any changes such as breast firmness, asymmetry, discomfort, or swelling, although these occurrences are uncommon. Early evaluation allows for timely reassurance or intervention if needed. Our practice maintains long-term relationships with patients and encourages ongoing communication well beyond the initial recovery period.
Breast Augmentation as Part of a Comprehensive Aesthetic Plan
Many patients in Seattle choose breast augmentation as a standalone procedure, while others incorporate it into a broader surgical plan. Advanced implant options, such as Motiva® breast implants, allow surgeons to tailor results for a more natural look and feel while prioritizing safety and long-term performance. Breast implants are frequently combined with breast lifts to address both volume loss and skin laxity, or included as part of a Mommy Makeover to restore body contours after pregnancy. Combining procedures can be an efficient way to achieve balanced results while minimizing overall recovery time.
During consultation, your surgeon in Seattle will evaluate breast anatomy, skin quality, chest wall dimensions, and aesthetic goals to determine whether breast augmentation alone or a combined approach will provide the most predictable outcome. This individualized planning is crucial for achieving results that appear natural, proportional, and long-lasting.
Why Choose Sound Plastic Surgery for Breast Augmentation in Seattle
Choosing a plastic surgeon is one of the most important decisions in breast augmentation surgery. At Sound Plastic Surgery, our board-certified plastic surgeons bring extensive experience, technical precision, and a patient-centered approach to every procedure. We prioritize education, transparency, and meticulous surgical planning to help patients make informed, confident decisions.
Our on-site accredited surgical facility, dedicated anesthesia team, and attentive post-operative care ensure a seamless experience from consultation through recovery. Patients from Seattle and throughout the Pacific Northwest trust our practice for consistent results, thoughtful follow-up, and personalized care tailored to their goals.
If you are considering breast augmentation in Seattle, scheduling a consultation is the first step toward understanding your options and designing a surgical plan that aligns with your vision and lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will I see my final breast augmentation results?
While improvements are visible immediately after surgery, swelling and implant settling can take several weeks. Final breast shape and position typically become apparent within three to six months as healing progresses.
How long do breast implants typically last?
Breast implants are durable medical devices, but they are not considered lifetime products. Many patients keep their implants for 10–20 years or longer without issues, though replacement or revision may be needed over time.
Will breast implants affect mammograms or breast cancer screening?
Breast implants do not prevent mammograms, but special imaging techniques are used to visualize breast tissue effectively. It’s important to inform your imaging provider that you have implants so appropriate views can be obtained.
Gallery
Breast Surgery Before & After
