Breast Enlargement

Also referred to as breast augmentation or breast enhancement, this procedure is designed to make smaller breasts appear larger, balance breasts that are asymmetrical, or restore breast fullness.

At the Palo Alto Medical Foundation, we offer breast enhancement with a difference: pressure-free advice from an experienced medical team that you can trust.

• Who is a candidate for Breast Enhancement?
• Intended Results
• What is the procedure like?
• Recuperation and Healing from Breast Enhancement
• Other Options
• Insurance Guidelines
• Schedule Your Free Consultation

Who is a candidate for Breast Enhancement?

Women who:

• Desire larger breasts.


• Have a moderate degree of breast sagging and smaller breasts, whose problem can be solved by enlargement only.


• Have one breast that is noticeably smaller than the other.

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Intended Results

• Larger and shapelier breasts.


• A more positive self image.

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What is the procedure like?

• A small incision is made under the breast, around the nipple or under the arm. Then, an implant is inserted either under the breast tissue or under both the breast tissue and the underlying muscle.
• Breast enhancement is done on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia. This means that you will be asleep during the procedure and will recover at home.

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Recuperation and Healing from Breast Enhancement

• The patient may go home after breast enhancement surgery in an elastic bra (which we provide). The bra helps hold the breasts in the correct position.


• Initial discomfort after breast enhancement is controlled with oral medication.


• Light activities can be resumed as tolerated. Aerobic activities can be started in about three weeks.

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Other Options

An additional procedure that would enhance the result is a mastopexy (breast lift) — if the breasts are saggy in addition to being small.
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Insurance Guidelines

Breast enhancement is considered cosmetic and therefore is not covered by insurance. The patient is responsible for payment. Financing is available for many.
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Schedule Your Free Consultation

The specific risks and the suitability of this procedure for a given individual can be determined only at the time of consultation. All surgical procedures have some degree of risk. Minor complications that do not affect the outcome can occur occasionally. Major complications are unusual.

To learn more about the possibilities presented here, we encourage you to sit down with a member of our medical team. Use our online contact form to request your complimentary first consultation.
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