Breast augmentation is a popular procedure that enhances the size and shape of the breasts, helping patients achieve a fuller, more balanced figure. At our Pittsburgh practice, breast augmentation can be performed using breast implants or fat transfer techniques, depending on your goals.
Breast Implants are medical devices that have been safely used for decades, with each generation offering improved technology, durability, and natural feel. Today, patients can choose from a variety of implant types, including saline and silicone implants, to customize their results to match their body and aesthetic preferences.
For patients who wish to enhance their breasts without implants, Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation offers a natural alternative. This technique uses liposuction to harvest your body’s own fat from areas such as the abdomen or thighs, which is then purified and carefully injected into the breasts to increase volume and improve shape.
Breast Augmentation in Pittsburgh: Implants and Fat Transfer Options
Breast augmentation is a popular procedure that enhances the size and shape of the breasts, helping patients achieve a fuller, more balanced figure. At our Pittsburgh practice, breast augmentation can be performed using breast implants or fat transfer techniques, depending on your goals.
Breast Implants are medical devices that have been safely used for decades, with each generation offering improved technology, durability, and natural feel. Today, patients can choose from a variety of implant types, including saline and silicone implants, to customize their results to match their body and aesthetic preferences.
For patients who wish to enhance their breasts without implants, Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation offers a natural alternative. This technique uses liposuction to harvest your body’s own fat from areas such as the abdomen or thighs, which is then purified and carefully injected into the breasts to increase volume and improve shape.
Sixth-generation implants build on the strength of gummy bear technology with advanced shell materials, refined gel cohesivity, and in some cases, micro- or nanotextured surfaces designed to better integrate with tissue and reduce capsular contracture. These implants retain shape while allowing more natural movement, and some even include embedded RFID tags for easy device tracking. Though still silicone-based, their engineering reflects a shift toward greater safety, traceability, and biocompatibility. Like all implants, they require routine monitoring, and our practice provides complimentary ultrasound screening to help ensure implant health over time.
Fifth-generation silicone implants (often called “gummy bear implants”) feature a form-stable, highly cohesive gel that holds its shape even if the outer shell is compromised. This structure allows for a soft but sculpted feel, with lower rates of visible rippling and a more natural upper breast contour. These implants introduced anatomical shapes and improved shell durability, making them more resistant to rupture and gel bleed than previous models. While they remain a reliable option for many patients, regular implant monitoring is still essential. At the Pittsburgh Center for Plastic Surgery, we offer no-cost high-frequency ultrasound screening for all augmentation patients to support long-term safety.
Earlier-generation implants, including traditional saline and 4th generation silicone devices, laid the groundwork for modern breast augmentation but come with notable limitations. Saline implants consist of a silicone shell filled with sterile saltwater during surgery. While they allow for smaller incisions and immediate rupture detection, they tend to feel less natural and are more prone to rippling and visible edges, particularly in thinner patients. Fourth-generation silicone implants introduced textured surfaces and improved gel viscosity but lacked the shape retention and cohesive structure of today’s form-stable designs. Though still FDA-approved, these older implants reflect an earlier era of implant technology and are now used selectively by our office, often replaced during revision procedures with newer-generation options.
Selecting the right breast implant is a personal decision that depends on your anatomy, goals, lifestyle, and preferences around feel, shape, and long-term maintenance. During your consultation at the Pittsburgh Center for Plastic Surgery, we’ll guide you through the differences between implant generations, materials, and profiles to help you make an informed, confident choice. Whether you’re considering a subtle enhancement or a more noticeable change, our goal is to match you with an implant that supports natural-looking results, long-term safety, and aesthetic balance tailored to your body.
Augmentation Offers Several Benefits
In Pittsburgh breast augmentation can provide a stunning compliment to your figure and an exhilarating boost in self-esteem.
Breast implants come in various shapes and sizes, allowing you to choose the volume and curvature you've always wanted.
Improving the size of your bust can help your entire body look more proportional.
Breast augmentation surgery can even help you feel more excited to shop and confidently step out in new clothes.
General candidacy for breast augmentation includes women who are in good health and near their ideal weight. Those who are currently pregnant or breastfeeding should not undergo this procedure. If you have a medical condition that could make surgery a potential risk, such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, or an autoimmune disorder, you may not be eligible for this type of treatment.
Planning Your Surgery: During the initial consultation for a breast augmentation Pittsburgh patients can explain their cosmetic concerns and goals to your surgeons. After a careful examination, he can recommend the techniques and procedures that can offer the most natural-looking results based on your body type and breast tissue. Using this information, you can collaborate with your surgeon to design a personalized treatment plan.
One of the benefits of choosing a breast augmentation is the ability to customize your surgery to suit your unique cosmetic goals. By carefully selecting each aspect of your procedure, you have a great deal of control over the results you see at the end of treatment.
There are several decisions you will need to make before surgery, including:
We can thoroughly explain the advantages and disadvantages of each option and answer any questions you may have. It is crucial that patients make educated decisions about their breast augmentation procedures and have realistic expectations about what the procedure can achieve.
We understand that visualizing your potential results is crucial to the breast augmentation journey. That’s why we’re excited to introduce the Mentor Breast Implant 3D app! This innovative tool allows you to explore different implant options and see a 3D simulation of how they might look on you. Whether you’re considering size, shape, or profile, the app provides a personalized and interactive experience to help you confidently make informed decisions.
Ready to see your new look? Download the Mentor Breast Implant 3D app today and start your journey toward achieving the perfect results. You can find the app on the Apple App Store. Check out this informative guide or visit the Mentor Content Hub for more detailed information.
There are two main methods for placing implants: submuscular and subfascial. With submuscular placement, the implant is positioned beneath the pectoral muscle, which provides excellent coverage for a smooth, natural appearance. Although this option involves a slightly longer recovery, many patients appreciate the aesthetic benefits it offers. Subfascial placement positions the implant just beneath the fascia, the thin layer over the muscle, allowing for a quicker recovery while still providing a natural look. However, since the implants are positioned closer to the surface, minor irregularities may be more visible.
An implant’s profile refers to how far the implant projects outward from the chest wall. The type of projection appropriate for you will depend on your unique aesthetic characteristics. There are several options available, including:
Low-profile breast implants: These implants project only a short distance from the chest and have a generally flatter appearance. This option is usually considered for patients with wider chests.
Moderate profile breast implants: Generally, moderate profile breast implants deliver the most natural-looking results. Often recommended for women with small or narrow chests, moderate-profile implants have a higher projection than low-profile options but a lower projection than their high-profile counterparts.
High-profile breast implants: Narrow at the base for maximum projection, high-profile breast implants deliver full, round results. While this option may look unnatural on some individuals, petite patients with a narrow chest wall often find this option suits them well.
We offer a range of sizes for our implants. Our staff can walk you through samples to help you choose the size most suited to your figure. In addition, sophisticated 3-D imaging is available with augmented reality to best visualize your ideal result.
There are several types of incisions that can discreetly place your implants: to minimize swelling and support your breasts while they heal. The optimal incision type for you will depend on the type of implant you receive, the level of enlargement, your particular anatomy, and your personal preference. Regardless, we have the skills and experience to ensure your incisions are as minimal and discreet as possible.
Our surgeons are highly skilled with all types of breast surgery and have a widespread reputation for innovative body contouring, with an emphasis on providing patients with natural-looking results. At your initial consultation, you will discuss your goals, and your surgeon will offer their expert opinion on the best method to achieve the look you want. Our surgeons at the Pittsburgh Center for Plastic Surgery are also experienced in the most cutting edge, advanced augmentation techniques. Learn more about these unique augmentations below:
What Happens During Augmentation Surgery
Every breast augmentation is different because every patient is unique. A typical procedure lasts about one hour and is performed either under general or local anesthesia with oral sedation.
Once you are comfortable, the plastic surgeon will make an incision that was discussed prior to surgery. These incisions are placed in a way that results in the most discreet scarring possible.
The next step is placement, the surgeon will make a space for your implant based on your consultation. Once the space for your implant is made, your surgeon will carefully insert the breast implant. To avoid any contamination, the implants are placed with a “no-touch” technique, utilizing a specialized funnel device that places the implant in the breast with minimal handling. This reduces the risk of infections and capsular contracture. After the implant is placed. Your surgeon will close the skin and place surgical glue or bandages. A supportive bra is then placed.
Your Journey to Beautiful Results
The breast augmentation procedure results in larger breasts right away. However, it may take a few months to see the final effects of treatment. As swelling and bruising subsides, you will be able to visualize your final, refined results. Your doctor may recommend wearing a support garment for several months to help shape your breasts, especially if you had asymmetry or very small breasts before treatment. Incision lines will continue to fade in the months after the procedure.
Advanced Local Anesthesia (ALA) at The Pittsburgh Center for Plastic Surgery
The Pittsburgh Center for Plastic Surgery is at the forefront of innovative surgical techniques prioritizing patient comfort and safety. The team of skilled medical professionals has extensive experience in providing procedures under cutting-edge local anesthesia, resulting in faster recovery times and shorter patient downtime. By utilizing local anesthetic techniques combining Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols, the team at the Pittsburgh Center can perform procedures such as small-volume liposuction, breast augmentation, limited tummy tucks, gynecomastia surgery, and facelifts with minimal disruption to the patient's daily routine.
This approach has been proven to reduce recovery time and discomfort, allowing patients to return to their daily activities as soon as possible. In addition, Dr. Davila is the only provider in Pittsburgh offering deep plane SMAS Facelifts under enhanced local anesthesia. One of the key advantages of this technique is that it reduces or eliminates the risks associated with general anesthesia, such as prolonged nausea, vomiting, and grogginess. Patients can expect to remain comfortably resting throughout the surgery while communicating with their surgeon throughout the process, ensuring that they are relaxed and at ease at all times.
The Pittsburgh Center's commitment to patient-centered care is comprehensive. After their procedures, patients are provided with detailed aftercare instructions and access to a team of dedicated medical professionals available to answer any questions or concerns they may have during their recovery period. Overall, the Pittsburgh Center for Plastic Surgery offers patients a safe, effective, and comfortable surgical experience that prioritizes their well-being and recovery by utilizing advanced local anesthesia (ALA) and providing exceptional aftercare, Drs. Armando Davila and David Turer and their team are able to help patients achieve their desired results with minimal disruption to their daily lives.
In addition, 85 percent of women in the study responded that their new size was "just right."
Optimal Results
Breast augmentation is an outpatient procedure, meaning you will return home on the day of surgery. Our team will provide specific postoperative instructions. Your doctor may prescribe medications for pain management and to prevent infection.
You should wear your support garment around the clock during the healing process. Most patients find that acute pain subsides within one to five days. However, you may experience some soreness and swelling for several weeks.
You should plan to relax for the first few days until your doctor determines that it is safe to resume certain activities. Returning to a non-strenuous job is usually safe after about a week. Keep in mind that carefully following post-operative instructions is crucial to ensuring your results.
Women who are interested in breast augmentation should ask themselves this important question. Answering this question honestly and in great detail will help you develop a full understanding of the procedure and feel confident about your choice to undergo this treatment. It is important that patients do not undergo breast augmentation simply to appease a spouse or significant other. This is a very personal decision and should only be sought out after serious consideration.
Saline breast implants can be placed in patients aged 18 and older. However, those considering silicone implants must be at least 22 years old. In some instances, breast augmentation may be considered for patients under the age of 18, but only when correcting congenital deformities or addressing traumatic injuries.
Many women are worried about the safety of undergoing breast augmentation surgery. You can rest assured. Breast implants have been widely used for several decades. Both silicone and saline implants are FDA-approved for cosmetic enhancement for up to 10 years. Many implants last longer than 10 years, but you should speak to your Surgeon about how to take care of your implants. Some patients may experience Breast Implant Illness (BII), a form of sensitivity to silicone in their implants. This is a rare condition and patients should speak to their surgeon about the risks of BII. Even more rare is a condition known as Breast Implant Associated-Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL). This is a rare form of cancer of the capsule that surrounds your breast implant. This cancer has been associated with textured breast implants, which are not used at the Pittsburgh Center for Plastic Surgery.
There are several factors that can affect the cost of your breast augmentation procedure. Some of these include:
On average, patients can expect to pay about $4000-$6000 for the breast augmentation procedure. The cost of implants, anesthesia fees, and operating room fees can add anywhere from $2000-$4000 dollars additional, depending on patient needs. If any additional procedures, such as a breast lift, are required, they will add additional cost.
While an augmentation can change the size and shape of your breasts, it does have certain limitations. If you are interested in enhancing the appearance of drooping breasts, breast augmentation alone may not provide the results you desire. Our plastic surgeon can perform a full examination and discuss your cosmetic goals to determine if a breast lift or a breast lift with implants would be a better approach.
Our state-of-the-art facility is equipped with the latest technology and amenities to ensure your comfort and privacy during your visit. We are located in the heart of Pittsburgh and serve patients from all over the world. When you are ready to take the next step, contact us to schedule your consultation with Dr. Davila or Dr. Turer. We look forward to helping you achieve your goals of looking and feeling your best.