Breast
Augmentation
Breast augmentation is one of the most requested cosmetic procedures for women seeking to restore lost volume, correct asymmetry, or balance their proportions.
At VedaNu Wellness in San Diego, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. James Chao performs breast augmentation surgery using advanced implant technology, precise surgical technique, and individualized planning to achieve results that look and feel natural.
As a full-service plastic surgery clinic in San Diego, we pair that surgical precision with concierge-level care, so every step of your experience is personal, supportive, and never rushed.
Breast Implant Options & Surgical Planning
Breast Implant Options
At VedaNu Wellness in San Diego, we offer the following categories of breast implants:
SALINE IMPLANTS
Saline implants are filled with sterile saltwater after placement, allowing volume adjustment during surgery. Any leak is quickly absorbed by the body, making it easy to monitor. Some San Diego patients notice a firmer feel or visible rippling with saline, particularly if breast tissue is thin.
SILICONE IMPLANTS
Silicone implants come pre-filled with a silicone gel that closely mimics the density and movement of natural breast tissue. Most women find silicone softer and more realistic to the touch. Silicone remains the most popular choice for breast augmentation surgery across the United States.
COHESIVE GEL IMPLANTS
Also known as “Gummy Bear” implants, these hold their shape if the outer shell is compromised. They carry a lower risk of leakage, and their structured form creates a smooth, predictable contour.
Placement That
Complements
Your Form
Dr. Chao matches placement to your tissue thickness, activity level, and desired outcome. Our two primary approaches include:
OVER THE MUSCLE
SUBGLANDULAR
The implant sits between the breast tissue and the chest muscle. This placement works well for patients with adequate existing tissue coverage and produces a shorter initial recovery window.
UNDER THE MUSCLE
SUBMUSCULAR
The implant sits beneath the pectoral muscle. This approach produces a smoother upper-pole transition, reduces visible rippling, and creates a gradual slope. Most patients at our plastic surgery clinic receive submuscular placement.
Sizing That Celebrates
Your Frame
Dr. Chao evaluates your chest wall width, the quality of your existing breast tissue, skin elasticity, and nipple position before recommending a size range. Breast implants that are too large for your frame can stretch skin over time, create visible edges, and produce a less natural appearance.
If you are drawn to a more dramatic change, we offer extra-large breast implants with careful planning for long-term safety and aesthetics. We use clinical photos and in-clinic sizers to help you visualize the difference between augmentation alone and augmentation paired with a lift. You share your ideal outcome, we share our clinical recommendation, and together we build a surgical plan that accounts for both.
Discover the Benefits
of Breast Augmentation
Customize your look with implants designed to complement your body and goals.
A Recovery Timeline
Designed Around Your Life
Here is what to expect at each stage of your recovery so you can plan around work, exercise, and other plans:
DAYS 1-3
Rest at Home
Rest at home. Wear a supportive surgical bra and limit arm movement. Mild to moderate soreness, swelling, and tightness are normal. Prescription pain management keeps discomfort controlled.
Weeks 1-3
Back to Your Routine
Light daily activities resume gradually. Most patients return to desk-based work within 7 to 10 days. Avoid lifting anything heavier than 10 pounds. Follow-up visits track your healing progress.
Weeks 4-6
Returning to Exercise
Exercise returns in stages, starting with lower-body workouts and building back to upper-body and high-impact activities by week six or beyond.
Contact our San Diego office immediately if you notice warning signs such as fever, severe one-sided swelling, or sudden warmth at the incision site. VedaNu offers integrated post-op scar treatment as part of your aftercare plan to support smooth, refined healing over time.
From your initial consultation through every follow-up, your experience is designed to feel personal, unhurried, and fully supported. At VedaNu Wellness in San Diego, you benefit from:
- One-on-one time with our plastic surgery team to discuss your anatomy, review goals, and explore options
- Direct access to our team for post-op guidance, scar management, and recovery questions
- A seamless, worry-free experience where every stage of your journey is anticipated and attended to
Your care continues long after surgery, ensuring results that last and adapt with your body. Every breast augmentation patient in San Diego receives:
- A structured long-term plan with scheduled check-ins and implant monitoring
- Continuity of care, so any future adjustments start with a team already familiar with your surgical history and goals
- Options for refinements or breast revisions if needed, including:
- Capsular contracture management
- Size or profile changes
- Adjustments after pregnancy, weight shifts, or implant aging
- Peace of mind knowing breast enhancement is flexible and never irreversible
Your body evolves, and so can your results. VedaNu ensures your augmentation adapts gracefully to life’s milestones:
- Breastfeeding-safe options with careful incision and implant placement
- Guidance for pregnancy, weight changes, or other shifts in breast tissue
- The ability to combine procedures, such as a breast lift or mommy makeover, for comprehensive rejuvenation
James J. Chao, MD, FACS
At VedaNu Wellness, breast augmentation is performed with an elevated standard of precision, artistry, and patient-centered care. Dr. James J. Chao is a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in cosmetic and reconstructive breast surgery, helping patients achieve natural-looking, balanced results tailored to their individual goals.
Known for his refined surgical approach, Dr. Chao focuses on creating breast augmentation results that enhance the patient’s natural shape while maintaining proportion, symmetry, and long-term beauty.
With a personalized consultation process, Dr. Chao carefully reviews each patient’s anatomy, implant options, lifestyle, and desired outcome to create a customized surgical plan from consultation through recovery.
Preparing for Breast Augmentation Surgery
A little preparation can make your surgery day and early recovery feel much more comfortable. Your VedaNu surgical team will provide personalized pre-operative instructions, but these simple steps can help you prepare your home and routine ahead of time.
- Arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home and stay with you as instructed after surgery.
- Plan ahead for help with children, pets, household responsibilities, and errands.
- Prepare a comfortable recovery area where you can rest and sleep according to your postoperative instructions.
- Complete necessary errands, grocery shopping, and household tasks before your procedure.
- Fill any prescriptions your surgical team has instructed you to have ready.
- Arrange time away from work and strenuous activities based on your recommended recovery period.
- Follow all instructions regarding medications, supplements, eating, drinking, and other pre-operative requirements.
- Keep comfortable, loose-fitting clothing within easy reach, especially tops that zip or button in the front.
- Have extra pillows available to help you rest comfortably in the position recommended by your surgical team.
- Stock your kitchen with simple meals, snacks, and plenty of fluids.
- Place frequently used items at an easy-to-reach height so you can minimize unnecessary reaching or lifting.
- Keep your phone, charger, medications, water, and other essentials close to your primary resting area.
- Have any postoperative garments or supplies recommended by Dr. Chao ready before surgery.
Your individual surgical plan comes first. Instructions regarding medications, smoking or nicotine use, activity, wound care, compression garments, and other aspects of preparation and recovery may vary by patient. Always follow the specific pre- and post-operative instructions provided by Dr. Chao and your VedaNu surgical team.
Your Exclusive Consultation Awaits at VedaNu Wellness
Your next step is a one-on-one consultation during which we assess your anatomy, discuss your goals, and develop a surgical plan together. During your visit to our San Diego plastic surgery clinic, Dr. Chao will walk you through projected outcomes and create a recommendation tailored to your body and your life.
Breast augmentation in San Diego starts with the right conversation. Contact us today.
FAQs About Breast Augmentation in San Diego
Breast Augmentation vs. Breast Lift: Do You Need Both?
You may need a breast lift (mastopexy) alongside your breast augmentation if:
- Your nipple sits at or below the breast fold
- Your breasts have a “bottom-heavy” appearance, with most volume settling low
- Significant sagging has developed over time
- Skin elasticity has decreased to the point where implants alone cannot support the shape you want
Combining a lift with augmentation in a single breast augmentation surgery delivers perkier, fuller results and a single recovery period instead of two.
Is Breast Augmentation Right for You?
Strong candidates for breast augmentation in San Diego at VedaNu Wellness typically share a few characteristics:
- Good overall physical health with no uncontrolled chronic conditions
- Non-smoker, or willingness to quit well before and after surgery
- Realistic expectations about outcomes and the recovery process
- Fully developed breasts (typically age 18 and older for saline, 22 and older for silicone per FDA guidelines)
During your consultation at our San Diego clinic, Dr. Chao screens for potential risk factors, prior breast surgeries, and autoimmune conditions. This screening helps us confirm that this procedure aligns with your current health profile and goals.
How Much Does Breast Augmentation Cost in San Diego?
Breast augmentation pricing varies based on implant type, surgical complexity, anesthesia, and facility fees. During your consultation, we provide a detailed cost breakdown specific to your treatment plan. VedaNu in San Diego offers financing options to help make your procedure accessible. Visit our financing page for more details.
Can Breast Augmentation Be Paired with Other VedaNu Procedures?
Yes. Breast augmentation is frequently combined with other procedures to address multiple concerns in a single surgical session and recovery period. Common pairings at VedaNu in San Diego include:
- Mommy makeover combining breast augmentation with a tummy tuck, liposuction, or both for comprehensive post-pregnancy body contouring
- Liposuction to refine surrounding areas like the flanks or upper back for a more balanced overall silhouette
For patients on a medical weight loss program at VedaNu, Dr. Chao can coordinate the timing of your augmentation with your weight-loss milestones so your surgical results are built on a stable foundation. During your consultation, we map out which procedures make sense together and which are better staged separately based on safety, recovery demands, and your goals.
How Long Is Recovery After Breast Augmentation?
Recovery varies by patient and surgical plan. Many patients gradually return to normal daily activities during the first few weeks, while strenuous exercise and certain upper-body activities may remain restricted longer. You’ll receive individualized postoperative instructions and guidance throughout your recovery.
How Long Do Breast Implants Last?
Breast implants are not considered lifetime devices, but there is no universal expiration date requiring replacement at a specific number of years. Some patients may eventually choose or need another procedure because of implant-related changes, changes in breast tissue, personal preferences, or other concerns.
Where Are Breast Augmentation Incisions Placed?
Incision placement is individualized based on the implant, anatomy, and surgical approach. Dr. Chao will discuss the recommended incision location, expected scar placement, and scar care with you before surgery.
What Is the Difference Between Saline and Silicone Breast Implants?
Saline implants are filled with sterile saline solution, while silicone implants are pre-filled with cohesive silicone gel. Each offers different characteristics related to feel, shape, incision considerations, and implant monitoring. During your consultation, Dr. Chao will review the options and help determine which implant best complements your anatomy and goals.
How Do I Choose the Right Breast Implant Size?
Implant selection involves much more than choosing a cup size. Dr. Chao considers your chest dimensions, existing breast tissue, skin quality, body proportions, desired shape, and aesthetic goals when recommending an implant size and profile.
Should Breast Implants Be Placed Over or Under the Muscle?
Both approaches may be appropriate depending on the patient. Implant placement is determined by factors including your anatomy, existing breast tissue, implant selection, lifestyle, and desired outcome. Dr. Chao will discuss the advantages and considerations of each approach during your consultation.
What Is a Breast Implant Profile?
Implant profile describes how far an implant projects forward from the chest relative to its base width. Different profiles can create different proportions and degrees of projection. Dr. Chao considers both implant width and profile when creating a surgical plan that complements your frame.
Will Breast Augmentation Look Natural?
Natural-looking results depend on thoughtful implant selection and surgical planning. Dr. Chao considers your existing anatomy, breast dimensions, implant size and profile, placement, and overall body proportions to create a result designed to complement your frame.
Can I Breastfeed After Breast Augmentation?
Many women are able to breastfeed after breast augmentation, although the ability to breastfeed can be influenced by several factors unrelated to implants as well. If future pregnancy or breastfeeding is important to you, discuss this with Dr. Chao during your consultation so it can be considered in your surgical plan.
What Happens to Breast Implants After Pregnancy or Weight Changes?
The implants themselves may remain unchanged, but pregnancy, breastfeeding, aging, and significant weight fluctuations can change the surrounding breast tissue and skin. Some patients remain happy with their results, while others may eventually consider a breast lift, implant exchange, or another procedure to address those changes.