Breast Augmentation: Your Questions, Answered by the Surgeon

What breast augmentation actually does

Breast augmentation adds size and shape to the breasts using implants. An implant is a soft shell filled with either salt water or silicone gel. It sits behind the breast tissue or behind the chest muscle. The choice between those two positions depends on your anatomy and the surgical plan we build together.

This is not a one-size procedure. At your consultation we evaluate your frame, your tissue, and your goals. Then we choose the implant size and placement together. The aim is a result that looks like it belongs to your body — proportional, balanced, and natural in movement.

One fact I share early: implants do not last a lifetime. Plan on additional surgery at some point in the future. Knowing that from the start helps you make a fully informed decision.

What happens in the operating room

The procedure begins with anesthesia to keep you comfortable throughout. Your surgeon then places the incision, most commonly within the natural fold beneath the breast. That location is chosen deliberately — the resulting scar sits in a crease the body already has, keeping it as discreet as possible.

Next, a precise pocket is created for the implant, either beneath the breast tissue or beneath the chest muscle. The implant is carefully positioned, and your surgeon evaluates placement, symmetry, and overall proportion before closing. Incisions are closed in layers, typically with dissolvable sutures, to support proper healing and a refined result.

Breast augmentation is typically an outpatient procedure. You return home the same day with detailed recovery instructions. If you are traveling in for surgery, our private overnight guest suite is available — ask the team when you schedule.

The honest risk list

Every surgery carries risks. I believe in reviewing them plainly, not burying them. A firm scar shell can form around the implant — this is called capsular contracture. It can change the shape of the breast and cause discomfort. Surgery can correct it. An implant can also leak or break over time; broken implants are replaced or removed.

Nipple sensation can change after augmentation. It may increase, decrease, or in some cases go away. Breastfeeding may be affected for some women. A very rare cancer of the scar tissue around certain implants has been reported. We discuss every one of these risks with you in person at your consultation.

Some patients report body-wide symptoms they associate with their implants. If you have questions about any of these concerns, bring them to your visit. We set aside time to answer them thoroughly.

Choosing a practice for breast augmentation

At Tulsa Surgical Arts, breast augmentation is performed in our AAAHC-accredited surgery center. That accreditation means the facility meets national standards for patient safety, staffing, and equipment. The practice is also home to the AACS-certified cosmetic surgery fellowship, dedicated to training the next generation of surgeons under direct supervision.

We photograph our own patients the same way before and after so you can evaluate real results in our patient gallery. Individual results vary, and we encourage you to look through every case. Seeing a range of body types and implant choices helps set realistic expectations before your consultation.

Patients visit us from across Tulsa, from nearby communities like Broken Arrow — about five miles from the practice — and from across the country. A responsible adult must drive you home after anesthesia and stay with you for the first twenty-four hours. Our team walks you through every logistical detail before surgery day.

Your next step

A consultation is where the real conversation begins. We examine your anatomy, listen to what you want, and explain what is realistic for your frame. There is no pressure and no rush. You leave with a clear understanding of the procedure, the risks, and the plan.

Call 918-392-7900, text us, or book online. We are open Monday through Thursday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. We look forward to meeting you.

Individual results vary. This article is general education, not medical advice.