What Is Breast Augmentation?

Breast augmentation is a plastic surgery procedure designed to enhance the size, shape, and overall proportion of the breasts. The procedure involves placing breast implants, or occasionally using a patient’s own fat, to achieve the desired contour and symmetry.

Dr. Rodriguez views augmentation as an opportunity to create balance and harmony rather than solely enhancing cleavage. Every detail—from implant selection to incision placement—is tailored to your anatomy and goals, ensuring results that look “real,” feel natural, and age gracefully.

Breast Augmentation
Before & After Photos

This gallery contains images intended for adult audiences.

VIEW PHOTOS

Is Breast Augmentation Right for You?

You may be an ideal candidate for breast augmentation with Dr. Rodriguez if you:

  • Are in good general health
  • Desire fuller breasts
  • Want improved symmetry and proportionality
  • Have realistic expectations for the results
  • Value natural-looking outcomes

During your personalized consultation, Dr. Rodriguez takes the time to understand your goals, review your medical history, and design a customized surgical plan. You’ll discuss implant types, placement options, and whether a preservation-based approach is ideal for your needs.

Breast Augmenation model
Model

Types of Breast Augmentation Procedures Explained

Traditional Breast Augmentation

Traditional breast augmentation uses silicone or saline implants to enhance breast size, shape, and fullness. During surgery, the implant is placed under the breast tissue either above or below the chest muscle, depending on your anatomy and goals. Dr. Rodriguez tailors her approach to achieve your aesthetic goals while creating results that look natural and proportionate to your body.

Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation with fat grafting enhances the breasts using a patient’s own purified fat instead of implants. Dr. Rodriguez gently removes excess fat from areas such as the abdomen, flanks, or thighs using liposuction. The fat is then carefully processed and strategically injected into the breasts to add subtle, natural-looking volume and improve shape. Because breast fat transfer uses your own tissue, the results feel soft and organic, with the added benefit of body contouring in the donor areas. This technique is ideal for women who want a very modest increase, usually about half a cup size.

Preservation-Based Breast Augmentation

While traditional breast augmentation focuses on enhancing size and shape, preservation-based techniques additionally aim to maintain your breast’s natural tissue, sensation, and long-term support. Dr. Rodriguez is one of the first plastic surgeons in Houston and nationwide trained in Preservé™ breast augmentation using Motiva® implants. This advanced technique prioritizes:

  • Protecting breast tissue, ducts, and nipple-areola sensation
  • Preserving natural support structures (ligaments and fascia) to stabilize the implant
  • Reducing tissue disruption for faster recovery and long-term results

Early studies suggest that when native support is preserved, patients experience fewer complications and less implant descent over time. By maintaining the body’s natural internal architecture, Dr. Rodriguez helps patients who are candidates for the Preservé™ approach enjoy subtle, beautiful results that last.

In addition to customized surgical techniques, Dr. Rodriguez utilizes innovative tools, such as DuraSorb® and GalaFLEX™, to reinforce internal breast support and help maintain beautiful, long-term results.

Dr. Rodriguez

Why Choose Dr. Rodriguez?

Dr. Abigail Rodriguez blends advanced surgical expertise with refined artistry to create results that look natural, balanced, and enduring. Known for her compassion, transparency, and commitment to patient education and safety, she provides individualized care supported by a state-of-the-art facility, enhanced recovery protocols, and comprehensive follow-up—all designed to ensure you feel cared for, confident, and understood throughout your transformation.

Widely regarded as a top board-certified plastic surgeon in Houston and beyond, Dr. Rodriguez's excellence has been recognized by Newsweek as one of America's Best Plastic Surgeons and by Texas Super Doctors multiple times. She is trusted for her meticulous precision and genuine dedication to helping patients look and feel their most authentic and confident.

Breast Implant Options

Each patient’s ideal outcome begins with the right implant choice. Dr. Rodriguez offers the latest generation of FDA-approved breast implants in a range of sizes, shapes, and profiles to suit every aesthetic preference and lifestyle.

Silicone vs. Saline Implants:

Saline implants are filled with sterile saltwater and may be a suitable option for women with adequate breast tissue to cover the implant. They are the only FDA-approved option available for cosmetic breast enhancement for women under 22.

Silicone implants are known for their soft, natural feel and are the most popular choice among women seeking a realistic look and texture. The silicone gel implants we offer are often referred to as “gummy bear” implants.

CategorySaline ImplantsSilicone ‘Gummy Bear’ Implants
MaterialFilled with sterile saltwater (saline) inside a silicone shell.Filled with cohesive silicone gel inside a silicone shell.
Incision OptionsCan often be inserted through a smaller incision because they’re filled after placement.Require a slightly longer incision since they’re prefilled with cohesive gel.
Look & FeelFirmer to the touch and may feel less natural, especially in patients with minimal breast tissue.Soft, smooth, and closer to the natural feel of breast tissue; most popular for their realistic look and texture.
Ideal CandidatesWomen with adequate natural breast tissue to cover the implant, and those seeking a less expensive solution.Women seeking the most natural look and feel, particularly those with thinner tissue or less breast volume.
AdvantagesMore incision options; easily detectable rupture (saline is absorbed harmlessly); lower cost.Softer, more natural texture; variety of shapes and profiles for customized results.
DisadvantagesMay feel firmer or less natural; rupture causes immediate deflation/volume loss; more likely to have visible rippling.Silent rupture (detectable only by imaging); usually more costly.

Implant Profile:

Implants are available in different profiles (low, moderate, or high) to create the desired degree of projection and fullness. During your consultation, Dr. Rodriguez uses meticulous measurements and assesses factors such as your body frame, activity level, and aesthetic goals to recommend the implant style that’s right for you.

Incision Placement:

Dr. Rodriguez typically places an incision at the inframammary fold, the crease under the breast, which heals discreetly and provides her with excellent visibility and control.

Depending on your anatomy and preferences, Dr. Rodriguez may place implants in one of the following planes:

  • Submuscular (beneath the pectoralis major chest muscle)
  • Subfascial (above the pectoralis major chest muscle but beneath the outer fascial layer)
  • Subglandular (above the pectoralis major chest muscle and directly behind the breast gland)

Dr. Rodriguez offers personalized guidance on implant selection and placement, including the use of implant sizers to help you find the best fit.

Your Procedure

The surgery is performed under general anesthesia at our QUAD A-accredited surgical center. To reduce the risk of capsular contracture, Dr. Rodriguez uses a Keller Funnel® to place the breast implant into the pocket without directly touching it. This approach ensures a “no-touch” insertion and minimizes the risk of infection and capsular contracture. Incisions are closed with dissolvable stitches, and a soft bra is gently secured around your chest to protect your incisions as healing begins.

Breast Augmentation Model
Model

What Is Your Accelerated Recovery Timeline Like?

Thanks to Dr. Rodriguez’s rapid recovery regimen and enhanced recovery protocols, most patients recover quickly after breast augmentation, returning to light activity within a few days.

Typical recovery milestones include:

Days 1–3:

Expect mild swelling, tightness, and soreness. Prescription medication and a supportive bra help manage discomfort. Dr. Rodriguez typically recommends Journavx (Suzetrigine), a non-opioid pain medication that allows for a narcotic-free recovery. Gentle walking/movement is encouraged.

Days 4–7:

Many patients feel comfortable resuming desk work and daily activities. Walking is encouraged to promote circulation.

Weeks 2–3:

Most swelling subsides, and you can gradually return to low-impact exercise.

Months 6–12:

Final results are visible, revealing your refined, balanced contours. Scars continue to heal and fade significantly over time.

Dr. Rodriguez and her team provide detailed postoperative instructions and follow-up care to ensure a smooth recovery and stable results for years to come.

Breast Augmentation Model
Model

How Much Does Breast Augmentation Cost in Houston?

The cost of breast augmentation varies depending on factors such as implant type, surgical technique, and whether additional procedures are performed at the same time. During your consultation, you’ll receive a personalized estimate from Dr. Rodriguez based on your treatment plan. Many patients take advantage of our financing options, which make paying for their procedure convenient and manageable.

A Reputation Built on Results

Had a little surgery on my ear to stitch up a tear. Dr Rodriguez and her staff made me feel so relaxed...
Janet James
Awesome experience !! Just like I read all those reviews dr Abigail makes you feel so comfortable and...
Romina Lopez
I had an amazing experience during my consultation with Dr. Abigail Rodriguez and her patient care coordinator,...
Britney Alexander
Tuve la bendición de ponerme en manos de la Dra. Abigail Rodríguez para mi abdominoplastia y liposucción,...
Any Ramirez
Model

Flexible Financing For Every Budget

Paying for your procedure shouldn't stand in the way of feeling confident and comfortable in your skin. We offer flexible financing options, including CareCredit® and PatientFi®, to help make your treatment more manageable and accessible.

Our team will guide you through your options and support you during every step of your transformation.

Explore Financing

Breast Augmentation FAQs

How long do breast implants last?

Most implants last 10 to 20 years or longer. While it’s not required to change silicone implants every 10 years, Dr. Rodriguez advises a high-resolution ultrasound of the breast implants every 2 years (starting 5 years after surgery) to verify the implants are in ideal condition.

Can you breastfeed after getting breast implants?

Most women can breastfeed after breast augmentation, especially with a preservation-based approach. The ability to nurse typically depends on the location of the incision and the placement of the implant. Dr. Rodriguez employs meticulous methods designed to preserve nipple sensation and breast gland integrity. She encourages you to discuss any future breastfeeding plans during your consultation.

Does breast augmentation leave visible scars?

All surgical procedures leave a scar, but Dr. Rodriguez takes great care to place incisions in discreet, natural folds so they remain well-concealed by clothing, lingerie, or swimwear. Her meticulous surgical techniques and advanced scar management protocols, including the use of Sylke®,and Biocorneum®, help support smooth healing and minimize visibility. Over time, most scars fade substantially and become barely noticeable.

What procedures are commonly combined with breast augmentation?

The most common procedures done in combination with a breast augmentation are a breast lift (mastopexy) to improve shape and position, breast revision to address cosmetic or medical breast concerns, or a tummy tuck as part of a comprehensive mommy makeover. Dr. Rodriguez customizes each treatment plan to help you achieve balanced, natural-looking results.

Dr. Rodriguez | Abigail Rodriguez M.D. Plastic Surgery

Begin Your Transformation

Ready to explore your breast augmentation options with one of the most trusted breast augmentation surgeons in Houston? Dr. Rodriguez and her team are dedicated to delivering results that are beautiful, natural-looking, and long-lasting, with your comfort and safety always at the forefront.

Contact