Breast augmentation is designed to enhance breast size, shape, and overall proportion using implants. Whether you want more natural fullness, improved symmetry, or restoration after pregnancy-related volume loss, the goal is the same: create breasts that fit your frame and feel like you. Because every patient’s anatomy and aesthetic priorities are different, implant choice and surgical technique matter as much as the procedure itself.
At Cosmetic Surgery Specialists Of Memphis, your care is led by Dr. Peter Aldea and Dr. Patricia Eby, both certified and re-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Dr. Aldea trained at Columbia, Stanford, Duke, and additional elite programs, and Dr. Eby trained at Georgetown, Washington University in St. Louis, Baylor, and Harvard-affiliated programs. Together, they bring a highly individualized approach to implant selection and surgical planning so your results look balanced, natural, and personalized.
What Breast Implants Can Do
Breast augmentation can:
- Increase breast volume and improve overall contour
- Create a fuller upper pole, improved cleavage, or softer roundness depending on your goals
- Improve mild sagging when volume loss is the main issue (more significant sagging may require a lift)
- Help balance asymmetry when one breast is smaller or shaped differently
Your Key Breast Augmentation Choices
There is no single “best” implant for every patient. During your consultation, Dr. Aldea and Dr. Eby guide you through the most important decisions and how each one affects your outcome.
Implant Filler: Saline vs. Silicone Gel
Breast implants use a silicone shell filled with either:
- Saline (sterile salt water)
- Silicone gel (a cohesive gel designed to hold its form better)
The best choice depends on your anatomy, tissue coverage, feel preference, and goals.
Incision Location (Access Incision)
Common incision options include:
- Around the areola (periareolar)
- In the breast fold (inframammary)
- In the armpit crease (transaxillary)
Each approach has trade-offs related to scar placement, implant positioning, and surgeon access for precision.
Implant Placement: Above vs. Under the Muscle
Implants may be placed:
- Above the pectoralis muscle, behind breast tissue
- Under the pectoralis muscle
Placement choice depends on breast tissue thickness, chest anatomy, and the look you want. It may also affect how implants interact with mammography.
Implant Shape, Surface, and Profile
Implants vary by:
- Shape (round vs. anatomical/teardrop)
- Surface (smooth vs. textured)
- Profile projection (low, moderate, moderate plus, or high)
These variables influence projection, cleavage, and how the implant “fits” your chest width. The goal is not just size, but proportion and long-term harmony.
Implant Size
Cup sizes are not a reliable measurement standard. Implant sizing is best approached through a structured fit to your body: chest width, natural breast base, skin and tissue support, and your desired outcome. Choosing an implant that your tissues can support is critical for a pleasing and durable result.
The Procedure and Recovery
Breast augmentation typically takes about 1 to 2 hours and is usually performed as an outpatient procedure. After surgery, you can expect temporary soreness, swelling, and bruising. Nipple sensation can change, usually temporarily.
Dr. Aldea and Dr. Eby prioritize comfort and recovery. They use a gentle technique and may place long-acting pain relief medication in the surgical area to help reduce discomfort. Most patients return to work in under a week depending on job demands, and return to more strenuous activity, including the gym, in about 3 to 4 weeks.
Implant Longevity and Safety Considerations
Breast implants are not lifetime devices. Like any man-made product, they can fail over time and may eventually require replacement.
Potential risks and complications include:
- Bleeding or infection
- Capsular contracture (firm scar tissue around the implant)
- Implant shifting or unwanted position changes
- Rippling or waviness, especially with thinner tissue coverage
- Changes in nipple sensation
Your consultation should include a clear review of these risks and how your surgical plan reduces them.
VECTRA 3D Scarless Virtual Breast Augmentation
Cosmetic Surgery Specialists Of Memphis offers an advanced consultation experience that helps you visualize potential results. Using VECTRA 3D imaging, you can preview how different implant options may look on your body from multiple angles, supporting a more confident, accurate decision.
Why Choose Cosmetic Surgery Specialists Of Memphis For Breast Augmentation?
Cosmetic Surgery Specialists Of Memphis is led by Dr. Peter Aldea and Dr. Patricia Eby, both certified and re-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, with training from top academic centers including Columbia, Stanford, Duke, Georgetown, Washington University in St. Louis, Baylor, and Harvard-affiliated programs. Dr. Aldea brings extensive surgical depth including advanced training in hand and craniofacial surgery and has been recognized by Castle Connolly and U.S. News & World Report as a Top Doctor. Dr. Eby is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and has been recognized for consecutive years by Castle Connolly and U.S. News & World Report, with multiple patient-driven awards reflecting her compassionate care. Their shared focus is simple: individualized implant planning, meticulous technique, and a private, patient-centered experience designed to deliver attractive, natural-looking results.
Start Your Breast Augmentation Journey in Memphis
Breast augmentation can be a confidence-changing step when implant selection and surgical technique are matched carefully to your anatomy and goals, and Dr. Peter Aldea and Dr. Patricia Eby are known for delivering natural-looking, well-proportioned results with an individualized approach from consultation through recovery. To get started, call Cosmetic Surgery Specialists of Memphis in Memphis, TN at (901) 752-1412 to schedule a consultation today.
