Every Woman Is Unique
Breast Augmentation
Dr. Jonathan Zelken, MD · Board-Certified · Newport Beach, CA
You may hear about trends and fads, but Dr. Zelken believes every woman wants something different — and your voice deserves to be heard in creating a natural, beautifully proportioned result.
Approach
Dr. Zelken's Philosophy
You may hear about trends or fads in breast augmentation, but in Dr. Zelken's experience, every woman wants something different. While patterns exist, your voice deserves to be heard.
As both an artist and a scientist, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Jonathan Zelken approaches augmentation as a collaboration. At the Zelken Institute for Aesthetic Medicine in Newport Beach, the goal is never a "done" look — it is a natural, beautifully proportioned result that suits your frame and your goals.
Dr. Zelken appreciates natural-appearing breasts and avoids a breast lift unless it is truly necessary. Whether your ideal is subtle or more dramatic, he listens first, then draws on years of experience to help you decide with confidence.
The Procedure
What is Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation is a time-tested, safe, and predictable way to increase breast size or improve symmetry when the breasts are uneven. The procedure often takes 90 minutes or less, and results can last for decades.
Unlike nonsurgical options, augmentation uses an implant — silicone or saline — to add lasting volume and shape. Dr. Zelken appreciates natural-appearing breasts and will avoid a breast lift unless it is truly necessary.
If a natural look is your goal — or if it isn't — Dr. Zelken will tailor every detail to you, from implant type to size and placement.
Tailored to You
Your Five Decisions
- Silicone or Saline Silicone gel feels and looks most natural and is Dr. Zelken's preference for most patients; saline offers a smaller scar and fine-tuned symmetry.
- Round or Anatomic Shape Round implants maximize upper fullness; teardrop (anatomic) implants create a natural ski-slope contour. Dr. Zelken favors shaped implants in most cases.
- Above or Below the Muscle Placing the implant below the chest muscle adds coverage, looks more natural, and may lower long-term complications — the choice Dr. Zelken most often recommends.
- Incision Location Scars can sit at the areolar border or the fold beneath the breast. Dr. Zelken places them discreetly and helps you weigh the trade-offs.
- Size Roughly every 150cc adds about one cup size; most patients choose 300–400cc. You'll try on sizers to find the look that suits you best.
Benefits of Breast Augmentation
Increases breast size for a fuller, balanced silhouette.
Improves symmetry when the breasts are uneven.
Restores volume lost after pregnancy or weight change.
Enhances proportion and harmony with your frame.
Delivers natural-looking, long-lasting results.
Boosts confidence in and out of clothing.
Is It Right For You
Who is a Good Candidate?
The best candidates are healthy adults who would like more volume, better symmetry, or restored fullness after pregnancy or weight change, and who have realistic expectations about what surgery can achieve.
The FDA approves saline implants at 18 and silicone at 22; younger patients choosing silicone sign a waiver acknowledging off-label use. There is no upper age limit — candidacy is based on your health and goals.
Non-smokers in good general health tend to heal best. Dr. Zelken will review your history at your consultation and let you know if augmentation is right for you.
What to Expect
The Consultation
Your consultation has three parts: a brief history and physical to confirm surgery is safe, a discussion of your options, and a review of the risks and benefits. Together you'll make five key decisions — material, shape, placement, incision, and size. Surgery is performed at an accredited outpatient center under general anesthesia and often takes 90 minutes or less.
Healing Timeline
Recovery
First Days
- Pain peaks in the first day or two and is well controlled; a targeted nerve block eases the transition from asleep to awake, and many patients need little medication.
First Week
- Gentle walking is encouraged the day after surgery. Most patients rest, avoid lifting, and feel a bit tighter across the chest as swelling settles.
Weeks Two to Six
- Many return to desk work and light activity. Avoid running, dancing, and upper-body exercise for about six weeks so the implants settle properly.
Long-Term
- Swelling resolves and results refine over the following months. With healthy habits, breast augmentation results can last for many years.
The Outcome
Results & Longevity
A well-planned breast augmentation delivers natural-looking fullness and improved proportion that can last for decades. Because Dr. Zelken favors natural-appearing results and precise implant placement, the goal is a silhouette that suits your frame and moves with you.
Your results will continue to refine as swelling resolves over the first few months, revealing a soft, balanced shape. With a healthy lifestyle, most patients enjoy their results for many years before considering any revision.
Transparency
Risks & Considerations
As with any surgery, breast augmentation carries some risk — including bleeding, infection, changes in sensation, scarring, capsular contracture, and, with submuscular placement, occasional animation deformity. Shaped implants carry a small risk of rotation, which precise placement minimizes. Dr. Zelken believes in complete transparency and gentle technique, and will review every consideration with you at your consultation.
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Ready to Enhance Your Silhouette?
If you're considering breast augmentation, contact us today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Jonathan Zelken and take the first step toward a natural, confident you.
Common Questions
Breast Augmentation FAQ
Answers to the questions we hear most about breast augmentation.
The FDA approves saline implants at 18 and silicone at 22. Younger patients choosing silicone sign a waiver acknowledging off-label use. Candidacy depends on health and maturity, not age alone.
Discomfort peaks in the first day or two and is well controlled. A targeted nerve block eases waking, and some patients need little or no narcotic medication.
Walking is encouraged the day after surgery, but avoid running, dancing, and upper-body exercise for about six weeks so the implants settle and heal properly.
Yes. Modern cohesive "gummy bear" implants are FDA-approved and extensively studied; if the shell tears, the gel holds together rather than leaking.
Most patients choose silicone for its natural feel and look. Saline allows fine symmetry adjustments and a smaller scar. Dr. Zelken will help you decide.
Roughly every 150cc adds about a cup size, with most patients near 300–400cc. You'll try on sizers to find what suits your frame.
That's Dr. Zelken's priority. Careful implant selection and precise placement create soft, proportioned results that look and feel like you.