Call Us At 602-375-8888

Breast Augmentation

Get the Perfect Size & Shape with Breast Augmentation

Doctor Certifications

Dr. Angelchik was certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) in 1996 and successfully completed a rigorous recertification process in 2006 and 2016. He participates in the Maintenance of Certification program through the ABPS. He is a member in good standing of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. He has also been named to Castle & Connolly’s Top Doctors in America every year since 1996.

Dr. Paul Angelchik is a Phoenix plastic surgeon who is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. He is also a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Dr. Angelchik is well-trained and experienced in all forms of plastic surgery, namely breast enhancement and facial rejuvenation. He has been serving patients for over 20 years. Dr. Angelchik brings his surgical experience, expertise, and quality care to patients in and around Phoenix, Arizona.


What is Breast Augmentation?



Breast Augmentation – Saline vs. Silicone Implants Explained By Plastic Surgeon Dr. Paul Angelchik


Breast augmentation surgery in the Phoenix, Gilbert, and Glendale area can enhance, reshape, or reconstruct your breasts using surgically placed implants, and can often be performed along with other breast procedures. Breast augmentation, or a “boob job,” is one of the most popular cosmetic surgery options performed each year and comes with one of the highest rates of patient satisfaction.

Some women opt for a breast lift in conjunction with a breast augmentation to reverse the negative effects of aging or pregnancy on the breasts, including drooping and sagging. And breast enhancement isn’t just for cosmetic purposes. Breast cancer survivors regularly consider breast reconstruction after having a mastectomy to reclaim a feminine body shape and restore a sense of normalcy.

History of Breast Augmentation


Surgery for breast augmentation reaches back over a hundred years, but it wasn’t until the 1960s that surgical procedures for breast augmentation began to resemble the procedures plastic surgeons use today.

During the early days of breast augmentation surgery, a variety of different materials were implemented to enhance the breasts. The modern history of breast augmentation began when silicone implants were introduced in 1962. The new silicone implant ushered in an age of increased demand and higher quality results that drove the development of multiple new implant types and surgical techniques. Today, women have many options for breast enlargement, including choice of implant material, and shape, incision placement, and combination surgeries.

What Patients Are Saying

Dr. Angelchik is a very talented professional! He performed my breast augmentation and I couldn’t be happier with my results! Read More >

Who is a Candidate for Breast Augmentation?


The ideal candidate for breast augmentation is someone with fully developed breasts and is in generally good health. In addition, good candidates are:

  • The legal age— 18 for saline implants, 22 for silicone
  • In good overall health with no active infections or underlying medical conditions
  • Not pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant in the future
  • Ideally a non-smoker or willing to give up smoking for a certain amount of time before and after the procedure
  • At a stable weight

Questions to ask yourself if you’re considering breast augmentation Phoenix:

  • Do you believe your breasts are too small and that larger breasts would improve your self-confidence?
  • Do you feel self-conscious about one breast being noticeably smaller than the other?
  • Has having children or losing weight altered your breasts in a way you are not comfortable with?
  • Do you have a problem finding clothes that fit well because of a too-small bust compared to your hips?

If you answered yes to these questions, you may be a good candidate for breast surgery.

Another key factor in the overall success of any breast augmentation surgery is a patient who has realistic expectations.

People who expect to become pregnant or breastfeed in the future are discouraged from having breast surgery, as these activities can alter the shape of your enhanced breasts. Depending on genetics, weight stability, general health, diet, skin health, and other factors, some women may develop ptosis or sagging breasts as early as their 20s, and others later in life.

Read Our Blog

Breast Augmentation Implants: Saline or Silicone?

When it comes to breast augmentation, you have two choices when it comes to the type of substance used to fill your implants: saline and silicone. (All breast implants have a silicone rubber outer shell or bag.) The most commonly used implant is the saline implant, which is filled with sterile salt water. Silicone implants are […]

Read Blog >

Breast Augmentation Recovery Stages: What to Expect Week by Week

Most people want a boost in self-confidence so they can feel great about their body and themselves. That’s why breast augmentation has become one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in the world. Women love the results and report being very satisfied with what they see after surgery. However, breast augmentation is real surgery and […]

Read Blog >

Breast Augmentation and Breastfeeding

Breast milk is the perfect baby food, and breast-feeding the ideal way for mother and child to bond. If you plan to breastfeed after having a breast augmentation, be sure you let your cosmetic surgeon know your intent, as it will help him plan implant options that will give you the best outcome. If you are concerned […]

Read Blog >

Phoenix Breast Augmentation for Asymmetry


Breasts are naturally slightly different in size from one another—usually by less than a bra cup size. Some women are bothered more than others by this normal difference and seek plastic surgery to correct it. But when breast asymmetry is greater than one cup size, the nipple or breast position is clearly different, or the breasts are different shapes, you may benefit from breast augmentation for correction of breast asymmetry.

Other indicators for potential breast augmentation patients include obvious differences in shape, from conical to tubular, that affect one’s appearance or self-confidence.

What Patients Are Saying


Dr. Angelchik is a very talented professional! He performed my breast augmentation and I couldn’t be happier with my results! Read More >


What Types of Implants are Available for Breast Augmentation?


Once you decide to have breast augmentation surgery in Phoenix, you will need to make several other decisions about the various breast implant and placement options available to you. After evaluating your cosmetic goals and current condition, Dr. Angelchik will discuss these options with you and recommend the approach he feels is best. Ultimately, however, the decision will be up to you. There are two implant options available to patients of Dr. Angelchik:

  • Saline implants – Filled with a salt-water solution, saline breast implants allow for precise control over the size and volume of your breasts.
  • Silicone implants – These breast implants tend to have a more realistic look and feel, and use a leak-resistant cohesive gel to achieve a natural aesthetic, making them an increasingly popular option among patients.


What Types of Incisions are Available for Breast Augmentation?


When it comes to the incisions, there are four options available to you, which depend on the type of implant used (silicone or saline) and your anatomy. It can also be affected by any additional procedures you opt for. These incisions include:

  • Inframammary – This incision is made along the lower crease of the breast. Dr. Angelchik can access the breast pocket well with this incision, and it provides optimal control of implant placement.
  • Periareolar – This incision is made along the edge of the areola. Any scar from this incision is hidden well by the darker pigmentation of the nipple.
  • Transaxillary – This incision is made in the armpit to reduce scarring; this is usually done with saline implants using an endoscope.
  • Transumbilical augmentation (TUBA) – This incision is made in the navel, where implants are placed using an endoscope.


Where Can Breast Implants Be Placed?


There are two types of implants available for breast surgery, which are classified by their filling material: saline and silicone gel implants. Both types of breast implants contain a silicone shell. Your implants can be placed one of a few different ways:

  • Subpectoral – The implant is placed partially or totally beneath the pectoralis major, the muscle of the chest. The advantages of this type of placement are a more natural look and feel, a smaller chance of interfering with a mammogram, and a lesser chance of the implant drooping.
  • Subglandular – The implant is placed above the muscle, but still lies below the natural breast tissue. This allows for a larger implant, with more lift, and shorter recovery time.
  • Dual-Plane – The implant is placed partially beneath the muscle where the bottom of the implant is not covered by muscle tissue. This placement can provide additional volume and correction for patients lacking volume at the bottom of the breast (sometimes called tubular breasts).


How is Breast Augmentation Performed?


Breast surgery is an outpatient procedure performed using general anesthesia. First, Dr. Angelchik makes a predetermined incision, then creates a pocket within the breast tissue. The implant is then placed according to your surgical plan.

Once the implants are in place, the incisions are closed using special sutures. Before being released from the facility, you’ll be fitted with a special support garment, similar to an athletic bra.


Breast Augmentation and Pregnancy


Many candidates for breast augmentation in Scottsdale are concerned about how the surgery will affect future pregnancies, or how pregnancy will affect their prior breast augmentation. The encouraging news is that breast augmentation and pregnancy are totally safe for both mother and baby. In addition, breast augmentation does not affect most patients’ ability to breastfeed. In Dr. Angelchik’s experience, a periareolar incision does not lead to more numbness in the nipple if the dissection to create the pocket is done properly. Most numbness is related to pocket dissection, nerve location, and implant size issues, not the location of the incision.

While breast augmentation has no effect on pregnancy, the changes to a woman’s body during pregnancy can affect breasts that have been augmented in the same ways that pregnancy affects natural breasts. Normally, a woman’s breasts enlarge during pregnancy, stretching the skin and tissues, which typically results in sagging after the pregnancy.


Breast Augmentation Risks


Any type of surgery carries some risk, but breast augmentation is typically safe when performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon. While the risks are extremely rare, we believe it is in your best interest to understand all there is to know about these risks before you decide to undergo breast augmentation with Dr. Angelchik.

Some of the risks involved with breast augmentation include:

  • Infection – Dr. Angelchik will give you antibiotics as part of your post-op recovery. If you take them as prescribed, your chances of infection are virtually zero.
  • Anesthesia – Using sedatives or anesthesia is a must with breast augmentation. The risk with anesthesia usually comes in the form of an allergic reaction. If this happens, Dr. Angelchik and his staff will deal with it immediately.
  • Loss or change in sensation – Some patients may lose sensitivity in their breasts or nipples for a short amount of time after surgery. This is temporary but may last six to twelve weeks. However, in very rare instances, this loss of sensation is permanent.
  • Scarring – Scarring is inevitable with breast augmentation. However, these scars will fade over the course of about a year, and will be placed as to be unnoticeable most of the time. Some patients who are prone to excessive scarring need to keep this in mind when considering breast augmentation.
  • Rippling – Saline implants are more prone to rippling than silicone ones. Those placed behind the muscle, or submuscular, are less likely to show rippling than those placed in front of the muscle.
  • Deflation or leaking – If an implant’s shell fails, it can cause leaking of the saline or silicone. Saline is part of the body’s natural makeup, so if your saline implant leaks, it is absorbed into the body. Silicone will stay in the area of the breast and the entire implant will have to be replaced by Dr. Angelchik.
  • Capsular contracture – This is a tightening around the implant caused by scarring that can be uncomfortable or painful. Massaging the implant and taking vitamin E supplements should minimize this effect. Some patients may require corrective surgery if the tightening becomes too much.


Breast Augmentation Recovery and Results


Recovery is different for every breast augmentation patient. You may experience pain and soreness, or you may only experience discomfort as you heal. It usually takes three to five weeks to get back to your normal routine, and several months before you are completely healed.

You will wear a dressing and elastic bandage for about a week after your procedure but will be up and about within a couple of days. You should avoid any strenuous activity or heavy lifting for four to six weeks after your procedure.

In addition you will be prescribed pain medication to help you with the healing process, but any discomfort should dissipate after a couple of weeks. Bruising and swelling are to be expected, but this too will disappear. Scarring will fade over time and may only be noticeable upon close examination after a while.

Suggestions for good health for your breasts (and for your body, in general):

  • Maintain a consistent weight so that your skin doesn’t stretch and sag after you lose weight.
  • Avoid smoking as it is not just hard on your lungs. Smoking can cause your breasts to sag much earlier in life and can impede healing after surgery.
  • Get fitted for bras that are appropriate to your breast size, shape, weight, and activities. The right bra will reduce stretching your ligaments during exercise.

If your job is not physically strenuous, you can expect to go back to work after about a week of downtime. More physically demanding activities, like exercise and sports, should be avoided until Dr. Angelchik advises you they are safe.

Most patients can resume all of their normal activities within a month. By carefully following the post-operative instructions provided by Dr. Angelchik and attending every scheduled follow-up appointment, you can ensure that any unusual symptoms are quickly addressed and avoid significant complications that can extend your recovery time.

Even after you are back in your daily life activities, it will take time for post-surgery swelling to completely dissipate. You can expect to see the full results of your breast augmentation after several months, although swelling can last longer for some patients.

The results of a breast augmentation procedure are long-term and will continue to settle as the recovery from breast augmentation continues. It’s reasonable to expect your implants to last anywhere between 10 and 25 years, but there is no predetermined expiration date.


Your Breast Augmentation Surgeon


When choosing a plastic surgeon for breast enhancement surgery, there are quite a few things to take into consideration. You will want to know things like the surgeon’s qualifications and experience, skills, facilities, staff, references, fees, and financing options.

When you consult a plastic surgeon, ask questions and take notes. Bring photos of what you desire your results to look like. A confident surgeon will be pleased with your research attempts and be willing to assist you. An important thing to ask is if the surgeon is board certified in plastic surgery. Being board certified indicates they have completed extensive specialized training that reveals superior knowledge, experience, and a commitment to excellence.

Your surgeon should have experience with the breast augmentation procedure you are having performed and their support staff should be well qualified also. Do you feel comfortable with the staff and surgeon during your consultation? Do they treat you well or did you feel like a “number”?


Schedule a Breast Augmentation Consultation


If you’re interested in breast augmentation in Phoenix, Scottsdale, or Glendale, AZ area, feel free to call board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Angelchik today at 602-375-8888 or contact us online to schedule a consultation. Dr. Angelchik has a reputation for providing excellent care and naturally beautiful results for all his breast augmentations.

FAQs


Are breast implants under warranty?

Yes. Depending on the manufacturer and type of implant, the warranty coverage and reimbursement will vary, but at minimum, you can expect a basic breast implant warranty to include replacement of any pair of implants that experience a rupture.

Can breast implants cause pain years later?

The most common cause of chest and/or breast pain is often simply muscle soreness. However, on occasion patients with breast implants may develop a condition known as “capsular contracture”. This represents inflammation, the buildup of scar tissue, and contraction of the connective tissue capsule which the body makes in response to the presence of the implant. The body recognizes the implant as a foreign object. There is no immunologic rejection phenomenon with breast implants. It does not exist. But other triggers for inflammation, such as bleeding inside the capsule, leaking silicone gel, or bacterial contamination on the surface of an implant may cause capsular contracture. Capsular contracture can cause tightness, pain, and alteration in appearance. If advanced, it usually requires surgery for correction. The risk of capsular contracture is increased over time.

Can breast implants last 30 years?

The average “life span” for a breast implant is between 10 and 20 years. Although not impossible, it would be unlikely for breast implants to last 30 years. Newer styles of implants may last longer. We can never tell a patient that an implant is a lifetime device. Leakage risk from the implant depends on the type of implant and manufacturer, but the implants we use have about a 1% risk per year for leakage. Capsular contracture risk is around 7% at 10 years and may increase as implants get older

Can fat be transferred to breasts?

Yes, through what’s known as fat transfer breast augmentation. In this procedure, fat from somewhere else in your body is removed by liposuction, then injected into the breast. This procedure typically results in only a small increase in breast size but tends to result in a more natural look and feel compared to implants. Silicone gel implants can feel very natural depending on the degree of crosslinking ( cohesiveness) of the gel inside and other factors. Saline implants generally feel less natural as the water density of saline is distinct from the density of breast tissue.

Can I move my arms after breast augmentation?

Because breast implants are inserted partially below the muscles in your chest, it’s necessary to avoid overstraining the muscles as your body adapts to the implants. You can move your arms normally, gently after surgery. We start our patients on gentle stretching exercises the day after surgery. In addition, refrain from lifting any weight over 10 pounds 1 month.

Can you breast feed after breast augmentation

In general, yes. Your ability to breastfeed after breast implant surgery depends on your breastfeeding ability prior to the procedure, as well as the type of incision and the size of the implant that is used. Complications for breastfeeding are much less common when the incision does not affect the areola.

Do breast implants cause autoimmune disease?

The best available evidence indicates that breast implants do not cause autoimmune disease. While there is controversy on this topic, the preponderance of the evidence does not causally link implants to autoimmune disorders. Much research has gone into this question. When silicone breast implants rupture, they leak silicone gel into the space around the implant. But the silicone gel does not travel all over the body.

Do breasts sag after breast augmentation?

Breast sagging will occur naturally due to aging whether you have implants or not. The larger the implant, the more pronounced sagging may be. Most patients who are not sagging before surgery do not experience breast sagging for over 10 years after getting implants.

Do you have to replace breast implants every 10 years?

There is no specific life span for breast implants, although complications requiring replacement or removal become increasingly likely around the 10-year mark. These include rupture, capsular contraction, or late seromas. Seromas are very uncommon with smooth surface devices, such as those used by Dr. Angelchik.

Does getting breast implants make you gain weight?

Patients of breast augmentation surgery may experience temporary weight gain immediately following the procedure. The causes of this weight gain are largely due to the effect of the surgery itself, such as swelling, fluid retention, and lack of exercise during recovery.

Does insurance cover breast implants?

When undergoing breast implant surgery for cosmetic reasons, insurance will typically not cover the costs of the procedure. However, it will cover breast reconstruction surgery for those who have had mastectomies due to breast cancer.

How dangerous is breast augmentation surgery?

As with any surgery, there are risks associated with undergoing breast augmentation surgery. These include scarring, infection, hematoma, fluid accumulation, rupture of the implant, and capsular contraction. It is unlikely that an implant will last forever, and may eventually leak, requiring removal and/or replacement surgery.

How do I know if my breast implant is leaking?

If you have saline implants, you can typically tell if it has ruptured by a sudden change in breast appearances, such as size or symmetry. If you think your implant may have ruptured, call your surgeon immediately, as it will need to be surgically removed. Silicone gel implant leakage may be silent.It can show up on imaging studies such as mammography, ultrasound, or MRI. Or it may progress to capsular contracture. A leaking silicone gel implant is not an emergency but should be removed or exchanged in a timely manner on diagnosis in order to prevent further leakage and scar tissue development.

How do I prepare for breast implants?

Breast implant surgery is like any other operative procedure in that it will take time to recover. Because of this, doing things like stocking up on food and arranging for child and/or pet care for the few days immediately after surgery. In addition, you should follow all guidelines your doctor recommends in regards to limiting caffeine, alcohol, or medication in the weeks leading up to your procedure.

How do you know if you have capsular contracture?

Capsular contracture occurs when there is leakage of silicone gel, bacterial contamination on the surface of the implant, or bleeding inside the capsule from a capsular tear. The inflammatory response that follows can cause pain, tightness, and firmness, and distort the shape of the breast. Call your surgeon if you suspect you may be experiencing capsular contracture, and they will be able to diagnose and correct the problem.

How long are breast augmentation incisions sore?

Depending on where and how deep the incisions are, you may experience soreness, stiffness, and weakness in and around the incision site.Dr. Angelchik uses absorbable suture ( stitches) under the skin which dissolves, and a surgical sterile glue on the skin surface. No suture removal is necessary and adhesive dressings are not needed after 48 hours. , Most patients do not have a lot of incisional soreness after surgery. Muscle tightness and soreness can last days to weeks depending on the patient. Most patients feel well after a few days and return to work in 5-7 days for jobs that are not physically strenuous. Muscle relaxants are routinely prescribed after this procedure.

How long do breast implants last?

No breast implant is permanent, but most last for more than 10 years. The longer you have implants, the more likely they are to develop complications like leakage or capsular contracture.

how much does breast augmentation cost?

The average patient spends between $6000- $7000for breast implant surgery, depending on the type of implant selected and the surgical facility fees. You will receive a complete cost guide during your consultation. The total cost depends on the type of surgery being performed, the type of implant used, and any additional warranty you choose to purchase for your implants.

How painful is breast augmentation recovery?

Like any surgical procedure, breast implant surgery requires time to recover. Most patients use pain medication for the first week of surgery, including narcotics and muscle relaxants immediately following the procedure. This is followed by 2–3 weeks of soreness, stiffness, and discomfort throughout your chest as your muscles adapt to the implants. Depending on their occupation, many patients return to work within a week of surgery, although their physical activity may be limited.

Is breast enlargement possible without surgery?

Although you may see advertisements for procedures, devices, or products that offer a nonsurgical alternative to breast enlargement, these are largely the result of a poorly regulated beauty market, rather than board-certified doctors and surgeons. In reality, breast augmentation surgery is the most reliable method for lasting, consistent, and noticeable results.

Is getting a breast augmentation worth it?

With an average cost between $6,000 and $7,000, it’s up to the patient whether the benefits outweigh the financial and physical costs of breast implant surgery. The benefits, like increased self-esteem and confidence, are as long-lasting as the implants themselves, which typically don’t develop complications for a decade or more. The vast majority of breast augmentation patients, over 96% are usually pleased with their surgical results and happy that they underwent the procedure.

Is there an alternative to breast implants?

There are several alternatives to breast augmentation that may achieve your desired results with or without surgery. For a simple, yet less noticeable change, you may prefer a breast lift rather than breast implants. And another surgical approach called fat transfer breast augmentation takes fat cells from elsewhere on your body to increase the size of your breasts.

What are cohesive breast implants?

Also called “gummy bear” or “form-stable” implants, cohesive breast implants are a new alternative to liquid gel implants, which can fail and leak silicone into your body. The gel in cohesive implants is more tightly bound together, and are therefore more resistant to leakage.

What are gummy bear implant?

Gummy bear implants are also known as highly cohesive implants, and their name comes from the gummy-bear-like consistency of the gel inside. Older gel implants were more liquid and were prone to rupture and leaking silicone.

What can go wrong with breast implants?

Complications of breast implant surgery include leakage, late seroma, capsular contracture, and breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma. The last complication is rare and is associated with aggressively textured surface implants. Dr. Angelchik does not use these types of implants, except under special circumstances. Almost all of our patients get smooth surface devices. Most major manufacturers of breast implants offer warranties and financial assistance for most if not all of these conditions, including replacement and financial assistance for these conditions within 10 years.

What is the average cost of a breast augmentation?

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost of breast implant surgery in 2019 was $3,947. This does not include facility and anesthesia fees. The full cost would be between $6,000 - $7,000 dollars in most instances. Cost varies depending on the brand, type, and additional warranties on the implant itself as well as variation in surgery center fees. You will get a full estimate of your breast augmentation surgery during your consultation.

What is the difference between a breast augmentation and breast implants?

A breast augmentation surgery is an invasive procedure that naturally or artificially enlarges the breasts, which includes breast implant surgery. Breast implants are one method of achieving breast augmentation through a surgical procedure.

What is the most common breast implant size?

Depending on your desired results, breast implants can be anywhere from 100 to 1,000 cubic centimeters (cc). The most popular size range in our practice is between 400-500 cc.

Whats the safest breast implant?

While both silicone gel and saline breast implants are FDA approved, the choice between the type of implants may largely depend on your body, breast size, and desired results. One factor to consider is that gel implants have a lower likelihood of leakage compared to saline, although leaks in silicone gel implants may be more difficult to detect. Leakage of either type requires timely correction or replacement.

Will Cigna cover breast augmentation?

No, Cigna insurance does not cover breast enlargement surgery costs, nor any future procedures to remove or replace implants.

How many days after a breast augmentation can you go back to work?

Most patients can return to work within 4-5 days if they have a desk job. However, patients whose jobs require physical activity and lifting more than 10-15 pounds will have to wait about 4 weeks.

When do implants drop?

When the implants are initially placed, they will sit too high on the chest but within a few weeks or months, they will drop into the breast pocket. It can take anywhere from 6 weeks to 3 months depending on the size and flexibility of the implant, the size of the soft tissue envelope, the shape of the chest wall, and chest muscle tightness.


View our Breast Augmentation Gallery here.

The Angelchik Difference

Learn more about our philosophy and follow the patient journey to see what
makes us different and what to expect before, during and after your procedure.

  • Surgeon Consultation

    All patient consultations are conducted with Board Certified surgeon Dr. Angelchik and full medical history is discussed.

  • Custom Procedure

    Recommendations are based on the patient's expressed interests, health history and physical examination.

  • Personalized Experience

    Our staff offers a personalized experience for each patient with an educational and reassuring environment.

  • Highly Rated

    Consistenly on RealSelf, HealthGrades and Google. In Best Doctors and Castle & Connolly's Best Doctors.

Contact Us

If you're interested, please contact us today at 602-375-8888 to schedule your consultation. Our office provides excellent plastic surgery to clients in the Glendale, Phoenix, Tempe, Scottsdale, Mesa, Surprise and Peoria areas of Arizona.

SCHEDULE CONSULTATION