Breast Augmentation in Los Angeles

Breast augmentation is designed to enhance breast size, shape, symmetry, and overall proportion using carefully selected breast implants. For many women, the goal is not simply to look larger. It is to feel more balanced, restore confidence in clothing, and create a breast shape that looks natural for their body.

 At Kao Plastic Surgery in Santa Monica, just west of Los Angeles, Dr. Chia Chi Kao performs customized breast augmentation for patients from Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Brentwood, West Los Angeles, Pacific Palisades, Malibu, and surrounding Southern California communities. Each procedure is planned around the patient’s anatomy, desired size, implant options, lifestyle, and long-term goals.

 Whether you have naturally small breasts, volume loss after pregnancy, changes from aging, or breast asymmetry, Dr. Kao’s approach focuses on creating a refined, proportionate result that complements your frame rather than overpowering it.

Who Can Benefit From Breast Augmentation?

Breast augmentation may be a good option for women who want fuller, more balanced breasts and have realistic expectations about what breast implants can achieve. Some patients have always wanted more volume. Others notice changes after pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight loss, or aging. The right approach depends on your current breast shape, skin quality, natural tissue, chest width, and whether lifting or reshaping is also needed.

Naturally Small Breasts

Women with naturally small breasts may feel that their breast size does not match the rest of their body. Breast augmentation can increase volume while preserving a natural-looking shape and proportion. During your consultation, Dr. Kao will help you choose an implant size and profile that fits your frame and supports your aesthetic goals.

Post-Pregnancy Breast Volume Loss

Pregnancy and breastfeeding can cause the breasts to lose fullness, especially in the upper portion of the breast. Breast augmentation can help restore lost volume and improve breast shape. If pregnancy has also caused significant sagging, Dr. Kao may discuss whether combining breast augmentation with a breast lift would create a better result.

Aging, Deflation, or Breast Asymmetry

Aging, weight changes, and natural anatomy can affect breast shape, firmness, and symmetry. Some patients want to correct uneven breasts, restore a more youthful contour, or improve balance between the breasts and the rest of the body. Dr. Kao will evaluate your breast tissue, skin elasticity, nipple position, and chest proportions before recommending the most appropriate surgical plan.

Breast Augmentation Options

Breast augmentation is highly customizable. The best result depends on more than choosing an implant size. Dr. Kao considers your natural breast tissue, chest width, skin quality, nipple position, lifestyle, and desired look before recommending implant type, incision placement, and implant position. The goal is to create a breast shape that looks balanced with your body, feels aligned with your personal aesthetic, and supports a natural-looking long-term result.

Implant Options

Round

Silicone breast implants are filled with a cohesive silicone gel designed to feel soft and natural. Many patients choose silicone implants because they can closely mimic the look and feel of natural breast tissue, especially in women who have less existing breast volume.

Silicone implants are available in a variety of sizes, profiles, and shapes. During your consultation, Dr. Kao will help you understand how different implant dimensions can affect upper-pole fullness, projection, cleavage, and overall balance.

Saline

Saline breast implants are filled with sterile saltwater after the implant shell is placed. Because they are filled during surgery, saline implants may allow for small adjustments in volume and often require a slightly smaller incision.

Some patients prefer saline implants because the body can safely absorb the saline solution if a rupture occurs. However, saline implants may feel firmer or show more visible rippling in patients with thinner breast tissue. Dr. Kao will explain whether saline implants are appropriate for your anatomy and goals.

Round

Round implants are one of the most commonly used breast implant shapes. They can create attractive fullness throughout the breast and are available in different profiles depending on how much projection is desired.

When selected carefully and placed properly, round implants can still create a natural-looking result. They also do not carry the same rotation concerns as shaped implants, since the implant maintains the same contour from all angles.

Anatomic

Anatomical implants, sometimes called teardrop-shaped implants, are designed to create more fullness in the lower portion of the breast and a more gradual slope in the upper breast. These implants may be appropriate for select patients depending on anatomy and desired outcome.

Because shaped implants have a specific orientation, rotation can affect breast appearance. Dr. Kao will discuss whether anatomical implants are appropriate or whether a round implant can better achieve the patient’s desired shape.

Incision Options

Periareolar

A periareolar incision is placed along the lower border of the areola, where the darker areolar skin meets the surrounding breast skin. This location can help the incision blend naturally with the color transition around the areola.

This approach may give the surgeon precise access for implant placement and pocket creation. Dr. Kao will determine whether a periareolar incision is appropriate based on your anatomy, implant choice, areola size, and goals.

Inframammary

An inframammary incision is placed in the natural crease beneath the breast. This is one of the most commonly used incision options for breast augmentation because it provides direct access for implant placement and is usually hidden within the breast fold once healed.

This approach may be recommended for patients who want precise implant placement, a predictable pocket, and a scar that is typically concealed under the breast.

Endoscopic Transaxillary

A transaxillary incision is placed within the armpit, allowing the breast implant to be inserted without an incision directly on the breast. This approach may appeal to patients who want to avoid a scar on the breast itself.

Not every patient is a good candidate for this incision type. Dr. Kao will explain whether a transaxillary incision can provide the level of control and precision needed for your specific anatomy and implant plan.

Anatomic

Dr. Kao prefers to use anatomic implants if the chest wall is wide and the vertical height of the breast is short. Anatomic implants with low vertical height work better than round implants in this group of patients.

Implant Placement

Subglandular

Subglandular placement positions the implant beneath the breast tissue but above the pectoralis muscle. This option may be considered for patients who have enough natural breast tissue to cover the implant and want a certain type of breast shape or recovery experience.

For patients with very little natural tissue, subglandular placement may increase the chance of visible implant edges or rippling. Dr. Kao will evaluate your tissue thickness and desired result before recommending this approach.

Submuscular

Submuscular placement positions the implant beneath the pectoralis muscle. This approach may provide additional soft tissue coverage over the implant and can help create a more gradual, natural-looking transition in the upper breast.

Submuscular placement may be especially helpful for thinner patients or those who want a softer upper-pole contour. Recovery may involve more muscle tightness early on, but many patients prefer the natural-looking support this placement can provide.

Dual Plane

Dual plane placement combines elements of submuscular and subglandular placement. The upper portion of the implant is covered by the pectoralis muscle, while the lower portion can settle into the breast for a more natural shape.

This technique is often used when patients need both implant coverage and improved lower breast expansion. Dr. Kao will determine whether dual plane placement is appropriate based on your anatomy, skin quality, breast shape, and desired outcome.

Anatomic

Dr. Kao prefers to use anatomic implants if the chest wall is wide and the vertical height of the breast is short. Anatomic implants with low vertical height work better than round implants in this group of patients.

Combining a Breast Augmentation With a Lift

Some patients want more breast volume but also have breast sagging, stretched skin, or a lower nipple position. In these cases, breast implants alone may not create the best result. A breast augmentation can increase size and fullness, but it does not significantly lift the breast when sagging is more advanced.

A breast lift, also called mastopexy, removes excess skin, reshapes the breast, and repositions the nipple and areola to a more youthful location. When combined with breast augmentation, the procedure can improve both breast volume and breast position in one surgical plan.

Dr. Kao will evaluate your breast tissue, skin elasticity, nipple position, degree of sagging, and desired size to determine whether implants alone are enough or whether a lift should be included. His goal is to create a natural-looking breast shape that fits your body while reducing the risk of a heavy or unsupported result.

When a lift is needed, Dr. Kao carefully plans the incision pattern and implant placement based on your anatomy. He focuses on creating the most refined scar placement possible while improving breast shape, symmetry, and support.

Concerns

Recovery

Recovery after breast augmentation varies depending on implant placement, incision type, whether a breast lift is performed, and your individual healing process. Some tightness, swelling, bruising, and soreness are expected during the first several days after surgery.

You will receive detailed instructions about medication, activity restrictions, sleeping position, incision care, and follow-up visits. Many patients return to light daily activities within several days and desk work within about a week, depending on how they feel.

Strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and upper-body workouts are usually restricted for several weeks. Swelling gradually improves, and the breasts continue to settle into their final shape over the following weeks and months.

All of Dr. Kao’s patients have the option to recover at the KO’AN Recovery Center, a licensed luxury post-surgical facility located near the surgical center. This can be helpful for patients who want additional privacy, professional support, and a more comfortable early recovery experience.

Scars

Breast augmentation incisions are carefully placed to make scarring as discreet as possible. The exact scar location depends on the incision approach selected for your procedure, such as an inframammary incision beneath the breast fold, a periareolar incision along the edge of the areola, or another option discussed during consultation.

Most breast augmentation scars fade gradually over time, although every patient heals differently. Dr. Kao will explain where your incisions are likely to be placed, how visible they may be, and how to care for them during recovery.

If a breast lift is combined with augmentation, additional incisions may be needed to remove excess skin and improve breast position. In those cases, Dr. Kao focuses on precise scar placement, improved shape, and the most refined result possible.

Cost

The cost of breast augmentation in Los Angeles varies based on the details of your surgical plan. Factors may include implant type, incision approach, implant placement, anesthesia, facility fees, surgical complexity, and whether another procedure, such as a breast lift, is performed at the same time.

Because every patient’s anatomy and goals are different, pricing is best determined after a consultation. During your visit, Dr. Kao will evaluate your breast shape, tissue quality, desired size, and implant options before recommending a personalized plan.

The team at Kao Plastic Surgery will provide a detailed quote so you understand what is included before moving forward. When comparing breast augmentation pricing, it is important to consider surgeon experience, facility standards, implant selection, safety, and long-term results rather than choosing based on cost alone.

Pain

Some discomfort, tightness, pressure, and soreness are normal during the first stage of breast augmentation recovery. This is especially common when implants are placed beneath the chest muscle, because the muscle and surrounding tissues need time to adjust.

Most patients describe the early discomfort as manageable with prescribed or recommended medication, rest, and careful activity restrictions. Dr. Kao will provide detailed instructions for pain control, sleeping position, incision care, and when to resume normal activities.

Discomfort usually improves significantly over the first several days. Swelling and tightness can take longer to fully settle, and the breasts will continue to soften and take shape over the following weeks and months. During your consultation, Dr. Kao will explain what to expect based on your implant placement, incision type, and whether breast augmentation is being combined with a lift.

Concerns

Recovery

Dr. Kao gives a complete anesthetic block of the chest wall at the end of the procedure to suppress initial discomfort after waking up. This usually lasts about eight hours. However, you will experience some bruising, swelling, and redness following your procedure. You might experience some mild discomfort, but prescribed oral medication can control any associated pain. You should avoid strenuous physical activity for three to four weeks following your procedure.

All of Dr. Kao’s patients have the option to stay at the aftercare facility following the procedure. KO’AN Recovery Center is a post-surgical care facility situated just across the street from Dr. Kao’s surgical facility and located in a federally and state-licensed healthcare center.

Most patients can return to work after one week and resume exercise after four weeks. The majority of swelling should begin to subside after six weeks, at which time your final results should become apparent.

Scars

Dr. Kao places incisions and utilizes suturing techniques to minimize any excess scarring. However, mild scarring may develop, which is likely to fade over time.

Cost

The cost of your breast augmentation will vary depending on the technique used, surgical fees, facility fees, and anesthesia fees. A detailed price will be provided during your consultation.

Pain

You are likely to experience some discomfort during your initial recovery period, which can be controlled using an oral pain medication.

Dr. Kao Patient Photos

Breast Augmentation provides a long-lasting increase in breast size and correction in breast shape.

View More Breast Augmentation Photos

Kps Youtube Library

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KPS Case Study 8: Kimmey, Mother of Two - Breast Augmentation with Nipple Reduction
After years of breast feeding two kids, Kimmey's breast had deflated. She decided now was a great time to have breast augmentation and correct her nipple projection. Breast augmentation provides a long-lasting increase in breast size and correction in breast shape.

Frequently Ask Questions

  • What type of anesthesia is used during breast augmentation?

    Breast augmentation is typically performed with anesthesia to keep patients comfortable throughout the procedure. The anesthesia plan may vary depending on your health, implant placement, incision approach, and whether your breast augmentation is being combined with another procedure, such as a breast lift.

    During your consultation at Kao Plastic Surgery, Dr. Chia Chi Kao will review your medical history, surgical goals, and procedure plan before explaining the safest anesthesia approach for your case. You can also review general patient safety information from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

  • Yes. Breast augmentation can often improve breast asymmetry by using carefully selected implants, adjusting implant size or profile, and creating a customized surgical plan for each side. Mild asymmetry is very common, and many patients have natural differences in breast size, shape, nipple position, or chest wall anatomy.

    During your consultation, Dr. Chia Chi Kao will evaluate your breast tissue, skin quality, chest proportions, and degree of asymmetry before recommending the best approach. In some cases, breast implants alone may improve balance. In others, a breast lift or another technique may be recommended for a more refined result.

    For general information about breast augmentation and implant options, you can also review the American Society of Plastic Surgeons breast augmentation resource.

  • Breast augmentation can improve breast fullness and may enhance the appearance of cleavage, but the final result depends on your natural anatomy. Chest width, breast spacing, existing breast tissue, implant size, implant profile, and implant placement all influence how much cleavage can be achieved.

    During your consultation, Dr. Chia Chi Kao will help you choose an implant that supports your goals while keeping the result balanced and natural-looking. The goal is to create attractive fullness and proportion without choosing an implant that is too wide or too large for your frame.

    If your breasts sit naturally far apart or you have limited natural tissue, Dr. Kao will explain what level of cleavage improvement is realistic. In some cases, implant selection and pocket placement can improve the appearance of cleavage, but breast augmentation cannot completely override your natural chest anatomy.

  • Breast augmentation results are long-lasting, but breast implants are not considered lifetime devices. Many patients enjoy their results for years, but implants may eventually need to be replaced or revised due to implant changes, capsular contracture, rupture, pregnancy, weight changes, aging, or a change in aesthetic preference.

    During your consultation, Dr. Chia Chi Kao will explain what to monitor over time and when follow-up evaluation may be recommended. Maintaining a stable weight, wearing supportive bras, and following post-operative instructions can help protect your results as your body continues to age naturally.

    You can also review the FDA breast implant information page for general information about implant safety, monitoring, and long-term considerations.

  • Choosing the right breast implant size depends on more than cup size. Your chest width, natural breast tissue, skin elasticity, shoulder width, lifestyle, desired projection, and long-term goals all matter. A size that looks natural on one patient may look too large or too small on another.

    During your breast augmentation consultation, Dr. Chia Chi Kao will evaluate your anatomy and help you compare implant size, profile, and shape options. The goal is to select an implant that enhances your figure while maintaining balance with your frame.

    Patients who want a subtle, natural-looking result may choose a different implant size or profile than patients who want more noticeable upper-breast fullness. Dr. Kao will help you understand what is realistic for your body and how different implant choices may affect your final result.

  • Silicone and saline breast implants can both be used for breast augmentation, but they feel and behave differently. Silicone implants are filled with cohesive silicone gel and are often chosen because they can feel softer and more similar to natural breast tissue, especially for patients with less existing breast volume.

    Saline implants are filled with sterile saltwater after the implant shell is placed. They may require a slightly smaller incision and allow for small volume adjustments during surgery. If a saline implant leaks, the body safely absorbs the saline, and the implant usually deflates noticeably.

    The best choice depends on your anatomy, tissue coverage, desired feel, incision preference, and cosmetic goals. During your consultation, Dr. Chia Chi Kao will explain the advantages and limitations of each option so you can make an informed decision.

    You can also review the FDA’s overview of breast implant types for additional background on silicone and saline implants.

  • You may need a breast lift with breast augmentation if you have sagging, stretched skin, or a lower nipple position. Breast implants can add volume, but they do not significantly lift the breast when sagging is more advanced.

    A breast lift, also called mastopexy, removes excess skin, reshapes the breast, and repositions the nipple and areola to a more youthful location. When combined with implants, the procedure can improve both breast fullness and breast position in one surgical plan.

    During your consultation, Dr. Chia Chi Kao will evaluate your breast tissue, skin elasticity, nipple position, and desired size to determine whether implants alone are enough or whether a lift would create a better result.

  • Breast implant recovery varies based on implant placement, incision type, implant size, whether a breast lift is performed, and your individual healing process. Some tightness, swelling, bruising, and soreness are expected during the first several days after surgery.

    Many patients return to light daily activities within several days and desk work within about a week, depending on how they feel. Strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and upper-body workouts are usually restricted for several weeks. The breasts continue to soften, settle, and refine over the following weeks and months.

    Dr. Chia Chi Kao will provide detailed instructions for medication, sleeping position, incision care, activity restrictions, follow-up visits, and when to resume normal routines after breast augmentation.

  • Breast augmentation scars are usually placed in discreet locations so they can fade and become less noticeable over time. Common incision options include an inframammary incision beneath the breast fold or a periareolar incision along the edge of the areola. The best incision approach depends on your anatomy, implant choice, and surgical plan.

    During your breast augmentation consultation, Dr. Chia Chi Kao will explain where your incisions are likely to be placed and what you can expect as they heal. Most scars gradually soften and fade, although every patient heals differently.

    If your procedure is combined with a breast lift, additional incisions may be needed to remove excess skin and improve breast position. In those cases, Dr. Kao focuses on precise scar placement and refined shaping to create the most balanced result possible.

  • You will notice a change in breast size immediately after breast augmentation, but your final results take time to develop. Early swelling, tightness, and a higher implant position are common during the first stage of healing.

    Over the following weeks and months, swelling gradually improves and the implants begin to settle into a softer, more natural-looking position. This process is sometimes called “dropping and fluffing,” although the timing varies from patient to patient.

    Many patients see a more refined result within several months, but subtle changes can continue as the tissues relax and the breasts settle. Dr. Chia Chi Kao will monitor your healing during follow-up visits and let you know when you can expect your final breast augmentation outcome based on your procedure plan.

  • The cost of breast augmentation in Los Angeles depends on several factors, including implant type, incision approach, implant placement, anesthesia, facility fees, surgical complexity, and whether the procedure is combined with another surgery such as a breast lift.

    Because every patient’s anatomy and goals are different, pricing is best determined after a consultation. During your visit, Dr. Chia Chi Kao will evaluate your breast shape, tissue quality, desired size, and implant options before recommending a personalized plan.

    The team at Kao Plastic Surgery will provide a detailed quote so you understand what is included before moving forward. When comparing breast augmentation pricing, it is important to consider surgeon experience, facility standards, implant selection, safety, and long-term results rather than choosing based on cost alone.

  • Yes. Breast augmentation can often be included as part of a mommy makeover when a patient wants to restore breast volume after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight changes. It may be combined with other procedures depending on your anatomy, goals, health, and surgical plan.

    Some patients need implants alone, while others may benefit from combining implants with a breast lift if there is sagging or a lower nipple position. Dr. Chia Chi Kao will evaluate your breast tissue, skin elasticity, body proportions, and recovery needs before recommending a customized plan.

    The goal is to restore a more balanced, natural-looking breast shape while keeping the procedure safe and appropriate for your body.

  • Breast implants are widely used medical devices, but like any surgical implant, they come with risks and long-term considerations. During your breast augmentation consultation, Dr. Chia Chi Kao will review implant options, safety considerations, possible complications, and what to monitor over time.

    Potential risks can include capsular contracture, implant rupture, implant malposition, changes in sensation, visible rippling, asymmetry, and the possibility of future revision surgery. These risks vary depending on your anatomy, implant type, surgical technique, healing process, and long-term changes in your body.

    Dr. Kao’s approach is to choose implants carefully, create a customized surgical plan, and help patients make informed decisions based on realistic expectations. You can also review the FDA’s breast implant risks and complications resource for additional safety information.

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