Gene K. Lee, MD, MPH
Breast Augmentation in Beverly Hills, CA
Breast augmentation is a transformative plastic surgery procedure that enhances the shape, size, and projection of the breasts using custom fitted breast implants. When performed by a highly skilled plastic surgeon, breast augmentation in Beverly Hills offers not only a desired physical transformation but also a profound positive impact on self-confidence and body image.
Gene K. Lee, MD, MPH, uses extensive training and education from some of the most prestigious institutions to create and conduct breast augmentation on his Beverly Hills patients. His experience and specialization in breast augmentation equip him with the technical skills and artistic vision to create natural results that enhance the appearance of his patient’s breasts and complement their entire figure. Dr. Lee and his expert team at LA MÔEM PLASTIC SURGERY invite you to schedule a friendly and informative consultation to see if breast augmentation is the right choice for you.
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Why Would Someone Consider Breast Augmentation?
The breasts are comprised of skin, subcutaneous fat, and the breast tissue including glands. During a woman’s puberty, the breast tissue develops and takes shape. Some women achieve breasts that are naturally proportional to their overall figure. However, due to genetics and other factors, some women notice a lack of tissue, resulting in smaller or disproportionate breasts. Breast augmentation offers a solution to this cosmetic issue.
What Is a Breast Augmentation?
A breast augmentation is a cosmetic surgery procedure that involves the insertion of breast implants into the breast pocket either behind or above the chest muscle, or injecting the patient’s own fat into the breast pocket. As a result, the breasts become full and proportionate while still looking and feeling natural.
Every breast augmentation is carefully curated by Dr. Lee, depending on the specific needs and goals of the patients. With careful measurements and assessment, he will help you determine the best type and size of your breast implants for the most optimal results.
Many women who are interested in undergoing a breast augmentation but want to also address sagging due to breastfeeding or aging, commonly consider combining their breast augmentation with a breast lift to reposition the breasts to a more youthful position on the chest.
What Concerns Can a Los Angeles Breast Augmentation Address?
- Small or disproportionate breasts
- Volume loss or breast deflation
- Tuberous breasts (abnormal breast development with herniation of the nipple areolar complex)
- Breast Asymmetry
What Are the Different Types of Breast Implants?
When it comes to deciding on your breast augmentation procedure, the material you choose matters. During your consultation with Dr. Lee, he will help you determine which material will provide you with the best results based on several factors, including your age, whether you plan on having children or more children in the future, your body composition, and your preference for the material of your breast implants.
Saline Breast Implants
Saline implants involve a durable silicone shell that is filled with a sterile saline solution upon insertion into the breasts. A saline breast implant is known for its roundness, firmness, and customization. Once the implant is inserted, Dr. Lee will fill it with the saline solution to the patient’s desired volume.
Silicone Breast Implants
Silicone breast implants involve a silicone shell that is pre-filled with an FDA-approved silicone gel. Silicone breast implants are known for providing the most natural, tissue-like feel and look. They come in various shapes and sizes to meet the needs of each specific patient.
What to Consider When Choosing a Breast Implant Size and Shape
Breast Implant Size
Cubic centimeters, or CCs, are used when measuring breast implants. The total amount of CCs in a breast implant indicates the volume of the implant. In other words, the more CCs in an implant means a greater volume. Surgeons like Dr. Lee take great care to create the most natural-looking results possible that account for the patient’s wishes while perfectly complementing their overall figure.
Breast Implant Projection
Projection refers to how far the breast implant protrudes forward from the chest wall. Dr. Lee offers implants with various projections to suit different body types and aesthetic goals. A higher projection can enhance the profile and create a more prominent silhouette, which is ideal for patients looking for a more dramatic result. Conversely, a lower projection provides a subtler enhancement and is better suited for patients seeking a more natural appearance. The choice of projection is as crucial as the size and shape, as it affects the overall look and how the breasts will appear in different types of clothing.
Breast Implant Placement
The positioning of breast implants is a critical decision in breast augmentation surgery. Dr. Lee offers two primary placement options: submuscular (under the pectoral muscle) and subglandular (over the pectoral muscle, directly behind the breast tissue). Submuscular placement can provide a more natural contour, reduce the chances of implant palpability, and is often recommended for patients with minimal natural breast tissue. It also tends to interfere less with mammograms. On the other hand, subglandular placement typically allows for a shorter surgery and recovery time and can achieve more pronounced cleavage.
Breast Implant Size
Cubic centimeters, or CCs, are used when measuring breast implants. The total amount of CCs in a breast implant indicates the volume of the implant. In other words, the more CCs in an implant means a greater volume. Surgeons like Dr. Lee take great care to create the most natural-looking results possible that account for the patient’s wishes while perfectly complementing their overall figure.
Breast Implant Projection
Projection refers to how far the breast implant protrudes forward from the chest wall. Dr. Lee offers implants with various projections to suit different body types and aesthetic goals. A higher projection can enhance the profile and create a more prominent silhouette, which is ideal for patients looking for a more dramatic result. Conversely, a lower projection provides a subtler enhancement and is better suited for patients seeking a more natural appearance. The choice of projection is as crucial as the size and shape, as it affects the overall look and how the breasts will appear in different types of clothing.
Breast Implant Placement
The positioning of breast implants is a critical decision in breast augmentation surgery. Dr. Lee offers two primary placement options: submuscular (under the pectoral muscle) and subglandular (over the pectoral muscle, directly behind the breast tissue). Submuscular placement can provide a more natural contour, reduce the chances of implant palpability, and is often recommended for patients with minimal natural breast tissue. It also tends to interfere less with mammograms. On the other hand, subglandular placement typically allows for a shorter surgery and recovery time and can achieve more pronounced cleavage.
What Adjuncts are Commonly Used with Breast Augmentation?
The combined benefits of a breast augmentation with a lift can dramatically enhance your chest and upper body. Breast implants will significantly assist with volume loss at the chest, while a lift repositions the breast to sit in a higher, more youthful position.
A breast lift involves surgically removing excess skin and tissue, eradicating laxity, and improving the overall appearance of sagging breasts. If more size is desired or fullness at the upper pole of the breast is lacking, a breast augmentation can be performed with a breast lift. This combination of procedures can be done in separate stages or all at once, depending on your overall health.
What To Expect from a Los Angeles Breast Augmentation with Dr. Gene K. Lee?
Every breast augmentation procedure begins with a comprehensive analysis of the breast’s skin and tissue performed by Dr. Lee. During this assessment, measurements will be taken, and both the patients and Dr. Lee will go over the different breast implant types and techniques. Additionally, Dr. Lee will explore a detailed evaluation of the patient’s medical history to ensure they are a safe candidate for surgery.
Inframammary Incision (Under the Breast Crease)
The inframammary incision, or the breast fold incision, is the most common technique used for breast augmentations. The incision is made under the breast where the curve meets the chest wall. An inframammary incision allows Dr. Lee to insert either a saline or silicone breast implant below or above the chest muscle and find the optimal placement for the most natural position.
Periareolar Incision (Around the Nipple)
A periareolar incision is made between the areola and the surrounding skin of the breast. The incision is usually located on the lower half of the areola, and from there, Dr. Lee can create a breast pocket above or below the chest muscle. Once ready, the implant is inserted through the incision and optimally positioned into the breast pocket. An advantage of the periareolar incision is that scarring is barely noticeable compared to other breast augmentation incisions.
Endoscopic Transaxillary Incisions (Under the Armpit)
The transaxillary incision is an advanced surgical technique that involves creating an incision in the natural folds of the armpit. Once the incision is made, Dr. Lee creates a path to the breast with an endoscope and a pocket for the breast implant. The transaxillary incision is often considered to be an endoscopic approach, meaning the incision typically ranges from an inch to an inch and a half in length, and the breasts are left virtually untouched. This allows any scarring to be hidden within the armpit once fully healed.
What To Expect During Breast Augmentation Recovery
Dr. Lee performs breast augmentations under full general anesthesia. With access to a fully accredited surgical facility, Dr. Lee is assisted by a team of highly skilled anesthesiologists and nursing staff.
Before and after surgery, Dr. Lee will provide the patients and their chosen caretaker with a list of restrictions and detailed post-surgery care instructions that pertain to their incision and recovery.
A breast augmentation is considered an invasive procedure, meaning recovery is mandatory for the patient’s safety and overall results. The length of this recovery will slightly vary depending on the patient and the breast augmentation technique used.
A follow-up appointment will be scheduled with Dr. Lee the day after surgery. During this appointment, he will inspect the incisions and ensure that healing is progressing. After 7 days, you’ll return to our Los Angeles office to have your sutures removed.
After two weeks, patients can return to light activities and work if their occupation doesn’t require heavy lifting or standing for long hours.
Patients can resume most normal activities, including exercise, between four to six weeks. However, any heavy lifting will need to wait 6 weeks or when cleared by Dr. Lee.
Los Angeles Breast Augmentation FAQ
How do I know if I'm a good candidate for breast augmentation?
Ideal candidates for breast augmentation are individuals who are physically healthy, have realistic expectations, and wish to improve the size and shape of their breasts. During the initial consultation, Dr. Lee will assess your medical history and discuss your aesthetic goals to determine if breast augmentation is right for you.
What are the risks associated with breast augmentation surgery?
How long is the recovery period after breast augmentation?
Recovery varies by individual but generally includes 1-2 weeks of downtime. Most patients are able to return to work and light activities within this period. Dr. Lee will provide detailed post-operative care instructions to ensure a safe and speedy recovery.
Can I breastfeed after having breast augmentation surgery?
Many women are able to breastfeed after breast augmentation, but it can depend on the type of surgery performed. Dr. Lee uses techniques designed to attempt to best preserve the ability to breastfeed, and this topic should be discussed during your consultation if future breastfeeding is a concern.
How long do breast implants last?
Breast implants are not lifetime devices and may need to be replaced. On average, implants last 10 to 15 years, but this can vary. Regular follow-ups with Dr. Lee and monitoring of the implants are important.
Will I have scars after breast augmentation surgery?
There will be scars following breast augmentation, but Dr. Lee is skilled in placing incisions in inconspicuous locations that can minimize their appearance. Over time, the scars should fade and become less noticeable.
Meet Gene K. Lee MD, MPH
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
At LA MÔEM PLASTIC SURGERY, Dr. Gene K. Lee combines advanced surgical training with a thoughtful, ethical approach to aesthetic care. Known for his natural-looking results and deep respect for each patient’s unique goals and cultural identity, Dr. Lee creates personalized treatment plans focused on safety, integrity, and long-term satisfaction. When you choose Dr. Lee, you’re choosing a surgeon who values your trust and is dedicated to helping you look and feel your best—authentically.
