More Than a Cup Size

Breast augmentation is often painted as a one-size-fits-all “bigger is better” surgery. In reality, Bellevue women come to The Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery for dozens of reasons: filling post-baby deflation, balancing asymmetry, upgrading from saline to gummy-bear silicone, or simply wanting curves that match how they already feel inside.Below is a human-first guide to help you decide if implants—or fat transfer—are the right next step.

Step 1: Clarify Your “Why”

Write down three everyday moments implants would change. Maybe it’s wearing a plunge dress without tape, jogging without padded bras, or seeing proportional hips-to-bust lines in photos. These day-to-day details guide sizing better than cup letters alone.

Step 2: Know Your Implant Choices

Type	Feel & Look	Longevity	Ideal For
Silicone Gel	Soft, natural hang	10-15 yrs	Most patients seeking realistic bounce
Gummy Bear (Cohesive)	Firmer teardrop shape	15 yrs+	Athletic builds, minimal breast tissue
Saline	Slightly firmer, adjustable in OR	10 yrs	Budget-friendly, ≥ 18 yrs old

Detailed specs live on our Bellevue breast augmentation page.

Step 3: Choose Incision & Placement

- Inframammary (under-fold) – Standard for optimal control and hidden scars.
- Peri-areolar – Camouflaged on the pigment border; small implants only.

Trans-axillary (armpit) – Scar off the breast; endoscopic approach.

Implant pocket can be sub-glandular (above muscle) for quicker recovery, or dual-plane (partially under muscle) to soften edges on lean frames.

Step 4: Preview in 3-D

Our Vectra® imaging system lets you “try on” sizes from 250 cc to 500 cc in a sports bra while digital renderings rotate on-screen. Couples often attend so partners visualize, too—reducing post-op size second-guessing.

Surgery Day & Beyond

- Duration: 60–90 minutes in our AAAHC-accredited suite.
- Anesthesia: Light general; you’re home by lunch.
- Pain Level: Described as chest tightness vs. sharp pain; many switch to Tylenol® at 48 hrs.
- Back to Desk Job: Day 5 in a front-close sports bra.

Gym Return: Week 3 for legs/cardio, week 6 for upper-body weights.

“Drop and fluff” is real: implants sit high the first month, then settle into a natural slope by month three. We photograph milestones so you see the evolution, not just the finale.

Combining Procedures (Mommy Makeover Lite)

Pairing augmentation with a mini-lift or VASER® lipo of the bra-line is common and saves on facility fees. Discuss bundle pricing during consult if multiple areas bother you.

Frequently Asked “What Ifs”

Will I lose nipple sensation? Temporary numbness is common; permanent change < 5 %.
Can I still breastfeed? Most women can—especially with inframammary incisions.
What about mammograms? Imaging centers in Bellevue routinely screen augmented breasts; just tell the tech.

Cost Snapshot

Silicone packages start around $8,500—that includes surgeon fee, anesthesia, OR, and check-ups. Up-sizing to gummy-bear or adding a lift increases cost; financing plans start under $200/month.

Your Next Move

Feeling informed is empowering, but it’s not the same as feeling seen. That happens in a one-on-one visit where you can squeeze sizers, flip through before-afters that match your body type, and ask every what-if.

Bring your questions—leave with a plan that lets you own every curve.

Everything to Know About Bellevue Breast Augmentation