Breast augmentation is a cosmetic surgery designed to enhance breast size, shape, and overall balance. Many women consider this procedure to improve body proportions, restore volume lost after pregnancy or weight loss, or address naturally smaller breasts. When performed by a qualified plastic surgeon, breast augmentation can deliver natural-looking results tailored to each patient’s goals.
Golla Center provides breast augmentation surgery in Pittsburgh with a focus on patient safety, personalized care, and realistic outcomes. During a private consultation, patients can explore implant options, understand the surgical process, and determine whether breast augmentation is the right choice for their body and lifestyle.
Choosing an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon is essential for achieving balanced, natural-appearing results and a smooth recovery.
What Is Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation, also called augmentation mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure that increases breast size and improves breast shape using implants or, less commonly, fat transfer. The surgery involves placing implants either behind the breast tissue or beneath the chest muscle to create fuller, more symmetrical breasts.
The procedure typically addresses several concerns:
- Small breast size that causes self-consciousness
- Loss of breast volume after weight loss or pregnancy (some patients may also benefit from a breast lift
- Asymmetry between the left and right breasts
- A desire for improved body proportions
During breast augmentation surgery, an incision is made in a discreet location, commonly under the breast, around the areola, or in the armpit. The surgeon then creates a pocket for the implant, either above or below the pectoral muscle. The choice of implant placement depends on your anatomy, the amount of natural breast tissue you have, and your aesthetic goals.
The entire procedure usually takes one to two hours and is performed under general anesthesia. Most patients return home the same day to begin their recovery.
Breast augmentation has been refined over decades of practice. Modern techniques focus on minimizing scarring, reducing recovery time, and achieving results that age gracefully with your body.
Types of Breast Implants
Saline Implants
Saline implants consist of a silicone shell filled with sterile salt water. These implants are inserted empty and filled once positioned in the breast pocket, which allows for smaller incisions.
Key features of saline implants include:
- Adjustable fill volume during surgery for precise symmetry
- Lower cost compared to silicone options
- Safe absorption by the body if the implant ruptures
- Firmers feel compared to natural breast tissue
Saline implants work well for women with adequate natural breast tissue to cover the implant. They’re approved for augmentation in women aged 18 and older. Some patients notice slight rippling or wrinkling with saline implants, particularly if they have thin breast tissue.
Silicone Implants
Silicone gel implants are pre-filled with a cohesive silicone gel that closely mimics the feel of natural breast tissue. These implants have become the most popular choice for breast augmentation due to their natural appearance and texture.
Benefits of silicone implants include:
- Softer, more natural feel compared to saline
- Less visible rippling or wrinkling
- Available in various projections and profiles
- Durable and long-lasting
Modern silicone implants are filled with cohesive gel that stays in place even if the outer shell is damaged. They’re approved for cosmetic breast augmentation in women aged 22 and older. The FDA recommends periodic MRI screening to check for silent ruptures, though newer implants have extremely low rupture rates.
Gummy Bear Implants
Gummy bear implants, also called form-stable or highly cohesive gel implants, contain a thicker silicone gel that maintains its shape even when the implant shell is broken. The nickname comes from the gel’s consistency, which resembles gummy bear candy.
These implants offer several advantages:
- Firm yet natural feel
- Maintain their shape over time without sagging
- Lower risk of rippling or folding
- Reduced risk of gel migration if rupture occurs
Gummy bear implants are teardrop-shaped, which can create a very natural breast contour. However, they require a slightly longer incision for placement. If the implant rotates after surgery, it may create an unnatural appearance, though this complication is rare with proper surgical technique.
Round Implants vs. Teardrop Implants
Implants also vary by shape, which can influence the final appearance.
Round implants:
- Provide fullness in the upper breast
- Maintain shape regardless of movement
- Are less affected by implant rotation
Teardrop (anatomical) implants:
- Mimic the natural slope of the breast
- Provide a gradual fullness from top to bottom
- Require precise placement to maintain alignment
The choice between round and teardrop implants depends on the patient’s anatomy and desired outcome. Dr. Golla carefully explains the differences during consultation to ensure the implant shape aligns with the patient’s expectations.
Benefits of a Breast Augmentation Procedure
Breast augmentation offers both physical and personal benefits for many women. While results vary from patient to patient, the procedure is designed to enhance overall body balance and help patients feel more comfortable with their appearance.
Common benefits of breast augmentation include:
- Improved breast volume and shape
- Better body proportion and symmetry
- Restoration of breast fullness after pregnancy or weight loss
- Improved fit of clothing and swimwear
Breast augmentation is a personal decision. Golla Center focuses on creating results that look natural and align with each patient’s body structure and goals. During consultation, patients can discuss what they hope to achieve and whether breast implants are an appropriate option.
Patients seeking relief from physical discomfort caused by overly large breasts may benefit more from breast reduction surgery, which focuses on improving comfort, posture, and proportion..
Breast Augmentation Results (Before and After)
Breast Augmentation Recovery Timeline
Understanding what to expect during recovery helps you plan appropriately and follow post-operative instructions for the best results. While every patient heals at their own pace, most women follow a similar recovery pattern after breast augmentation.
| Time Period | What to Expect | Activity Level |
| Days 1-3 | Moderate discomfort, swelling, and tightness in the chest. Prescription pain medication helps manage discomfort. Wearing a surgical bra for support. | Rest at home. No lifting, pushing, or pulling. Need help with daily tasks. |
| Days 4-7 | Discomfort decreases. Many patients switch to over-the-counter pain relief. Swelling continues but begins to improve. | Light activities only. Short walks encouraged. No upper body exercise or lifting over 5 pounds. |
| Weeks 2-3 | Most soreness resolves. Swelling gradually decreases. Incisions begin healing. Follow-up appointment to check progress. | Return to desk work and light activities. Still avoiding strenuous exercise and heavy lifting. |
| Weeks 4-6 | Significant improvement in comfort and appearance. Implants begin settling into their final position. Most swelling subsided. | Gradually resume normal activities. Can begin light upper body exercise with approval. |
| Weeks 6-8 | Cleared for all normal activities, including full exercise routine. Breasts continue to soften and settle. | Return to all activities, including running, weightlifting, and contact sports. |
| Months 3-6 | Final results become apparent. Implants fully settled. Scars continue fading. Breasts feel more natural. | No restrictions. Full recovery achieved. |
Why Choose Golla Center for Breast Augmentation in Pittsburgh
Selecting the right surgeon is one of the most important decisions when considering breast augmentation. Dr. Golla is a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience performing breast implant surgery in Pittsburgh.
Patients choose Golla Center for breast augmentation because of its commitment to:
- Board-certified surgical expertise
- Personalized treatment planning for every patient
- Accredited surgical facilities that meet strict safety standards
- A patient-centered approach focused on education and comfort
We believe breast augmentation should enhance natural proportions, not overpower them. Every procedure begins with a thorough consultation to understand the patient’s goals, body structure, and expectations. This careful planning helps ensure results that look natural and complement the individual’s figure.
Breast augmentation consultations are available in Pittsburgh, allowing patients to receive in-person care, clear guidance, and professional support throughout every step of the process.
Breast Augmentation Cost in Pittsburgh
The cost of breast augmentation in Pittsburgh varies based on several factors. Because every procedure is customized, exact pricing can only be determined after a consultation.
Factors that influence breast augmentation cost include:
- Type of breast implants selected
- Surgical technique and implant placement
- Anesthesia and facility fees
- Post-operative care and follow-up visits
In Pittsburgh, the cost of breast augmentation generally ranges from $6,000 to $12,000.
During your consultation, Dr. Golla reviews all cost-related details and explains what is included in the procedure.
Transparency and education are an important part of the consultation process.
Schedule a Consultation Today
If you are considering breast augmentation in Pittsburgh, the first step is to start with a private consultation with Golla Center. During this visit, patients receive personalized guidance, learn about implant options, and have the opportunity to ask questions in a comfortable setting.
Dr. Golla offers in-person consultations in Pittsburgh to ensure patients receive individualized care and clear information before making any decisions. To schedule a consultation or learn more about breast augmentation surgery, contact the office today and take the next step toward an informed choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Breast implants are long-lasting, but they are not considered lifetime devices. Many implants last 10 to 15 years or longer. Regular follow-up visits help monitor the implant condition over time.
Breast augmentation is considered safe when performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon in an accredited surgical facility. As with any surgery, there are risks, which are discussed in detail during consultation.
Many women can breastfeed after breast augmentation. Implant placement and surgical technique can play a role, which is discussed during pre-surgical planning.
Implant size depends on body proportions, lifestyle, and personal preference. Dr. Golla helps guide patients through this decision using measurements, visual tools, and experience.
Most patients describe discomfort rather than severe pain. Pain is typically well-managed with prescribed or recommended medication during recovery.
Many patients return to desk-based work within one week. Jobs requiring physical activity may require additional recovery time.
Silicone breast implants are FDA-approved and widely used. They are known for their natural feel and appearance. Routine monitoring is recommended.
