Breast Augmentation
Saline or silicone implants sized and shaped to your body — round or teardrop, over or under the muscle, for fuller, more youthful breasts.
Explore →Breast Surgery · San Diego
Your shape, customized to you.
Breast surgery today is a two-way conversation — about your body, your proportions, and your goals. Dr. Chen tailors every plan to the result you actually want, never to a template.
ABPS Board-Certified
Best of SD '22 '23 '24
Castle Connolly Top Doctor
Our Approach
A plan that fits your proportions.
Whether you're looking to add fullness, restore a youthful position, relieve the weight of overly large breasts, or remove implants entirely, the goal is the same: a natural, balanced result that looks like you. Your input is welcomed — and necessary — for an outcome you'll love.
Breast Procedures
— surgical & restorative
Breast Lift
Mastopexy raises and reshapes breasts that have lost their position over time — often paired with augmentation for added fullness.
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Breast Reduction
Reduces breast size and weight to relieve neck, back, and shoulder strain — restoring comfort and a proportionate, balanced silhouette.
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Nipple Surgery
Refinement of nipple or areola size, position, and projection — from reduction to inverted-nipple correction — for natural balance.
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En Bloc Implant Removal
Complete removal of implants together with the surrounding capsule, intact — for patients choosing to explant, with careful reshaping.
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Not sure where to start?
A consultation is the best first step. Try on sizers, review your options, and leave with a plan built around your goals — no pressure.
Book a consult →Considered, Not Rushed
The details that make it natural.
Modern breast surgery is highly customizable. A few of the decisions you'll make together with Dr. Chen.
Implant type & feel
Silicone for a softer, more natural feel, or saline. Cohesive "gummy bear" gel holds its shape and resists rippling. Round or teardrop, smooth or textured — chosen for your tissue and goals.
Size & profile
Implants are measured in volume (cc), not cup size. You'll try on sizers in the office, and Dr. Chen measures your frame to recommend a moderate, moderate-plus, or high profile that fits your build.
Incision & placement
The smallest incision possible (about 4–5 cm), most often in the natural breast crease for the cleanest healing. Implants sit over or under the muscle depending on your natural tissue.
~1hrTypical procedure time
4–7Days to most desk work
350–
450ccCommon implant volumes
450ccCommon implant volumes
Good to Know
Common questions.
What's recovery like?
Breast augmentation is outpatient surgery under general anesthesia, usually about an hour. You'll wear a compression garment to support the breasts and reduce swelling. Many patients don't need strong pain medication, and most return to desk work within several days to a week.
Silicone or saline — which is better?
Most implants placed in the U.S. are silicone, which tends to feel softer and more natural. Both are encased in a silicone shell; saline is filled after placement. Dr. Chen reviews the pros and cons of each so you can make an informed choice for your body.
What size will I be?
Implants are measured by volume in cubic centimeters, not cup size — because cup sizes aren't standardized between brands. During your consultation you'll try on sizers, and Dr. Chen measures your frame to recommend a range that fits your proportions. Bringing a close friend helps.
Will I ever need to replace my implants?
Modern breast implants are state-of-the-art and can last a lifetime. If you ever choose to remove or change them, en bloc removal takes the implant and surrounding capsule out together.
Can a lift and augmentation be combined?
Yes. A breast lift can be performed on its own or alongside augmentation to restore both position and fullness. Mild sagging can often be addressed at the same time as adding implants — Dr. Chen will advise what's right for your tissue.
"Breast augmentation should be customized to your goals. The consultation is a two-way street — your input is well received, and necessary, for a successful outcome."
Charlie Chen, MD
Financing Available
Make it manageable.
Breast surgery is an investment in how you feel. We partner with trusted lenders so you can plan around your budget — many patients are approved in minutes.
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