Searching for Breast Augmentation Bellevue can feel overwhelming, because myths travel faster than facts. Some would say implants always look fake, others will claim recovery takes forever. And, social media before and after photos rarely explain the full story. The truth is, the best results come from clear expectations. Other than that, we need safe surgical planning and choices tailored to your body, not the internet noise. From your first consultation through surgery and every follow-up visit, the team at The Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery focuses on clear guidance and patient-first care.
Below, we’ll break down the most common misconceptions we hear, including implants, fat transfer breast augmentation, what breast augmentation recovery really looks like, and when breast lift and augmentation may be the right combination.
What is Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation is a procedure that increases breast size and enhances shape. A common method is placing an implant behind the breast tissue or under the chest muscle. Implants are typically filled with saline (sterile salt water) or silicone gel, and the surgery is commonly performed as an outpatient procedure. We also offer fat transfer breast augmentation, where we remove fat from another area via liposuction and inject it into the breasts for natural-looking volume boost. Before you book your consultation withMyth 1: Breast implants always look fake.
Fact: Natural-looking results are realistic, when the plan fits your body. The fake look usually comes from choosing an implant that’s too large for the chest width or soft-tissue support, not from implants themselves. Modern implant options and techniques are specifically designed to create more natural-looking outcomes than decades ago.Myth 2: Breast augmentation is one-size-fits-all
Fact: The same implant can look totally different on two different people. Chest width, existing breast volume, skin elasticity, and asymmetry all influence the final look. That’s why we focus on measurements and your goals instead of chasing a perfect cup size online, because results vary person to person based on anatomy and surgical variables.Myth 3: All implants must be replaced every 10 years.
Fact: Replacement isn’t automatic, but implants are not lifetime devices. You do not have to replace implants on a strict 10-year schedule. Many patients consider a change only if there’s a problem, such as rupture/leakage or capsular contracture, or if their goals change. At the same time, the FDA is clear that breast implants are not considered lifetime devices and the longer you have them, the greater the chance of developing complications that may require additional surgery. Also, like any surgical procedure, breast augmentation comes with real risks and potential complications, which is why a thorough, individualized risk review matters.Myth 4: Once you get implants, you never have to think about them again.
Fact: Implants require long-term monitoring and good follow-up habits. Breast implants should be monitored as long as you have them. If you have silicone gel implants, your provider may recommend periodic imaging, such as MRI or ultrasound, to screen for rupture and other complications, even if you have no symptoms.Myth 5: Breast implants cause breast cancer.
Fact: The conversation is more specific than that, and accuracy matters. The FDA has identified an association between breast implants and a rare lymphoma called breast implant–associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA‑ALCL). BIA‑ALCL is a cancer of the immune system (not breast tissue) and has been reported more frequently in patients with textured implants than smooth implants. This is exactly why we prioritize informed consent: you deserve the real facts, clearly explained, not fear-based rumors.Myth 6: Fat transfer breast augmentation can guarantee any size.
Fact: Fat transfer is best for a moderate increase, and the final size can be less predictable. Fat transfer to the breasts can be a great choice if you want a subtle enhancement or small shape improvements. But fat is living tissue, and not every transferred fat cell survives long-term, so fat transfer cannot guarantee a specific cup size the way implants can.Myth 7: If I want perkier breasts, implants alone will lift them.
Fact: Volume and lift solve different problems, and many patients benefit from both. Implants primarily add volume. A lift reshapes and repositions breast tissue and removes excess skin to correct sagging. A combined breast lift and augmentation can restore fullness and correct sagging at the same time, but in certain cases it may be safer to stage procedures rather than do everything in one operation.Implants vs. fat transfer: How We Help You Choose
In a Bellevue consultation, we look at your anatomy and your goal first, then recommend the method that matches it:- Implants are often best when you want a more predictable size change, a wider range of shapes/profiles, or a bigger increase in volume.
- Fat transfer can be ideal when you want a subtle enhancement, you prefer using your own tissue, and you have enough donor fat available. It can also help address contour irregularities.
Breast Augmentation Recovery: What Most Patients Can Expect
Every body heals differently, but planning ahead and following instructions closely makes the process smoother. For our Bellevue breast augmentation, many patients plan for about 3-7 days of downtime, with swelling, bruising, and discomfort early on. From there, activity increases gradually with surgeon guidance. A simple timeline many patients relate to:- Days 1-3: Rest, soreness/tightness, swelling.
- Week 1: More comfortable movement; still avoiding heavy activity.
- Weeks 2-4: Many return to normal routines with restrictions; swelling improves.
- Weeks 6+: Many return to more vigorous exercise if healing is on track.
