Breast Augmentation with High-Profile Implants: Houston Success

Breast Augmentation Success Story Series by Dr. Sam Sukkar, MD | Case Study #01

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This is part of our series featuring real patient transformations at The Clinic for Plastic Surgery. Each case study provides an in-depth look at actual procedures, recovery experiences, and results from Houston patients who’ve undergone breast augmentation with Dr. Sam M. Sukkar.

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When Emily* walked into The Clinic for Plastic Surgery in Houston, she carried more than just concerns about her modest chest, she carried years of frustration with feeling less feminine than she wanted.

At her consultation, she’d tried everything: padded bras, push-up styles, and countless attempts to enhance her natural shape through exercise. But the lack of natural breast volume simply wouldn’t change.

Sound familiar? You’re not alone.

After researching Houston plastic surgeons and carefully reviewing before-and-after galleries, Emily* decided it was time to invest in herself.

What happened next wasn’t just a physical transformation. It was a complete restoration of confidence and feminine self-assurance.

*The patient’s name was changed to protect their privacy. All medical details and photographic before and after results are from actual Patient Case #01. Individual results may vary based on body type, surgical approach, and adherence to post-operative instructions.

Why Emily* Chose Breast Augmentation in Houston

Emily* came to our Houston practice with specific concerns that resonated with countless women I’ve worked with over my 25+ years in plastic surgery. With an average frame and naturally small breast size, she wasn’t looking to become someone else, she wanted to look like herself again, just with proportions that matched her feminine identity.

Her primary frustrations included:

• Minimal natural breast volume that left her feeling self-conscious in fitted clothing
• Lack of upper pole fullness creating a flat chest appearance
• Difficulty achieving balanced proportions despite maintaining a healthy weight
• Avoiding certain styles like strapless dresses, swimwear, and form-fitting tops

What made Emily* an ideal breast augmentation candidate was her realistic expectations. She understood that plastic surgery isn’t magic, it’s a powerful tool that works best when combined with healthy lifestyle habits and proper planning.

Common Concerns Emily* Had Before Surgery

During our consultation, Emily* expressed several main worries that I hear frequently from prospective patients:

1. Recovery time: She needed to know exactly how long before she could return to work and normal activities
2. Implant visibility: Would high-profile implants look natural on her frame, or would they appear obvious?
3. Scarring: Would the inframammary fold incision leave noticeable marks?
4. Long-term results: How would the implants look and feel years down the road?

These concerns are completely valid, and addressing them honestly is crucial to achieving patient satisfaction. That’s why I always emphasize the importance of choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon in Houston who prioritizes both aesthetics and patient safety.

Dr. Sukkar’s Customized Breast Augmentation Approach for Emily*

After a comprehensive physical examination and discussion of Emily’s* goals, I designed a customized surgical plan that would address all her concern areas in a single procedure:

Procedures and Techniques Included in Emily’s* Breast Enhancement

1. Bilateral Augmentation Mammoplasty (Breast Augmentation)

• 385cc high-profile silicone gel implants (both right and left breasts)
• Matched pair sizing for optimal symmetry
• Focus on creating maximum projection with natural contours

2. Inframammary Fold (IMF) Incision Approach

• Incision placed in the natural crease beneath the breast
• Approximately 4-5cm length for precise implant insertion
• Allows direct visualization and optimal implant positioning
• Results in well-concealed scars hidden in natural breast fold

3. Subpectoral (Submuscular) Implant Placement

• Implants positioned beneath the pectoralis major muscle
• Provides superior soft tissue coverage and upper pole fullness
• Reduces visibility and palpability of implants
• Minimizes risk of capsular contracture
• Creates more natural transition from chest wall to breast

4. High-Profile Silicone Gel Implants

• Maximum forward projection with narrower base width
• Ideal for patients seeking dramatic enhancement on smaller frames
• Cohesive silicone gel for natural feel and movement
• Modern implant technology for safety and longevity

This combination represents what many Houston women are now seeking in breast augmentation surgery, a significant enhancement that creates feminine curves while maintaining proportionate, natural-looking results.

The Strategy Behind Emily’s* Surgical Plan

You might wonder why I recommended this specific combination rather than alternative approaches. Here’s my thinking:

The Maximum Projection Approach: Emily* had minimal natural breast tissue with a relatively narrow chest wall. High-profile implants were ideal because they provide maximum forward projection without requiring a wide base width. This creates dramatic enhancement while maintaining proportionate dimensions for her frame.

Subpectoral Placement Benefits: By positioning the 385cc implants beneath the pectoralis muscle, we achieved several advantages: superior upper pole fullness, natural soft tissue coverage, reduced visibility of implant edges, and better mammography imaging in the future. This technique also significantly reduces the risk of capsular contracture compared to subglandular placement.

IMF Incision Precision: The inframammary fold approach allowed me direct visualization during surgery, ensuring precise pocket creation and optimal implant positioning. The scar heals beautifully in the natural breast crease, becoming virtually invisible over time.

Single Recovery Period: By achieving her complete transformation in one comprehensive procedure, Emily* only had to go through one recovery rather than potentially returning for size adjustments or revision. This approach is both more cost-effective and more convenient for busy patients.

This strategic planning is what separates an average result from an exceptional one. It’s also why understanding what breast augmentation consists of before your consultation helps you ask the right questions.

Emily’s* Breast Augmentation Recovery Journey

Early Recovery: Days 1-14 After Surgery

The first 72 hours are tough. Emily* experienced:

• Moderate discomfort across the chest (managed with prescribed pain medication)
• Tightness and muscle soreness from subpectoral implant placement
• Swelling and bruising across the chest and upper torso
• Limited mobility requiring assistance with overhead movements
• Need to sleep elevated at 30-45 degrees to reduce swelling
• Sensation of tightness as tissues adjusted to new implants

Week 1-2: Progress and Milestones

By the end of week one, Emily* noticed significant improvements:

• Pain reduced to mild discomfort and muscle tightness
• Able to perform light daily activities with careful movement
• Surgical dressings removed and surgical support bra fitted at 7-day appointment
• Initial swelling beginning to subside
• Implants positioned high on chest wall (normal “riding high” appearance)
• First post-op appointment confirmed excellent healing with no complications

Critical Recovery Rules:

• No lifting anything over 10 pounds for 4-6 weeks
• Surgical support bra worn 24/7 (except when showering)
• Short walks encouraged to prevent blood clots
• No raising arms overhead or pushing/pulling movements
• Sleeping elevated for first 2 weeks minimum

Understanding the detailed breast augmentation and lift recovery week by week timeline helps patients prepare mentally and physically for the healing journey.

Later Recovery: Getting Back to Your Routine

Weeks 3-4: Feeling Human Again

This is when most patients start feeling normal again:

• Return to desk work and light activities possible
• Light household chores resumed with continued restrictions
• Showering and dressing independently
• Significant swelling reduction revealing improved shape
• Implants beginning to “drop and fluff” into proper position
• Upper pole fullness becoming more natural-looking

By 3 Months: Remarkable Transformation

By her 3-month follow-up appointment, Emily’s* transformation was remarkable:

• Breast Size: Minimal A cup → Full C/Small D cup
• Implant Size: 385cc high-profile silicone gel per breast
• Upper Pole Fullness: Dramatic improvement with natural-looking projection
• Symmetry: Excellent bilateral symmetry with matched implant sizing
• Projection: Significant forward projection creating feminine contours
• Scar Maturation: Inframammary fold incisions healing beautifully and virtually invisible in natural breast crease

Emily* could now:

• Exercise without restrictions (with proper support bra)
• Wear form-fitting clothes, strapless styles, and swimwear with confidence
• Feel proportionate and balanced in her overall silhouette
• Enjoy natural movement and soft feel of silicone gel implants

Final Breast Augmentation Results at 3 Months Post-Op

Let’s look at Emily’s* measurable outcomes at 3 months post-op:

• Starting breast size: Minimal A cup → Final size: Full C/Small D cup
• Implant specifications: 385cc high-profile silicone gel (bilateral)
• Placement method: Subpectoral (submuscular)
• Incision approach: Inframammary fold (IMF)
• Recovery time to normal activities: 4-6 weeks
• Time to final settling: 3 months (continued subtle softening expected up to 6 months)

But numbers only tell part of the story. What matters most is how Emily* feels.

The most gratifying part of my work isn’t just the physical transformation, it’s the renewed confidence I see in my patients. Emily’s* satisfaction was evident in her enthusiasm about her results and her newfound comfort wearing styles she’d previously avoided.

Procedures like Emily’s*, featuring 385cc high-profile silicone gel implants with subpectoral placement via inframammary fold incision, generally range from $5,000 to $8,500 in Houston depending on implant selection and surgical complexity. Many patients, including Emily*, utilize financing plans as low as $150/month to make their transformation possible through flexible payment options available at our practice.

Key Factors in Emily’s* Outstanding Outcome

Several factors contributed to Emily’s* outstanding outcome:

1. Strategic Implant Selection: The 385cc high-profile implants provided maximum projection without requiring excessive base width, perfectly suited for her narrow chest wall and frame

2. Optimal Placement Technique: Subpectoral positioning ensured superior soft tissue coverage, natural upper pole fullness, and reduced long-term complication risks

3. Precise Surgical Execution: The inframammary fold incision allowed direct visualization and meticulous pocket creation, ensuring proper implant positioning and symmetry

4. Excellent Tissue Quality: Emily* had healthy skin elasticity and adequate chest wall dimensions, which contributed to smooth, natural-looking results

5. Perfect Compliance: She followed all pre-op and post-op instructions meticulously, including proper support garment wear, activity restrictions, and massage protocols

6. Surgeon Experience: With over 25 years performing breast augmentation procedures and more than 20,000 surgeries completed, I’ve refined techniques that minimize scarring, optimize implant positioning, and maximize natural-looking results.

This is why choosing an experienced Houston plastic surgeon for breast augmentation matters so much, the surgeon’s skill directly impacts both your safety and your aesthetic outcome.

Your Breast Augmentation Questions Answered

Will high-profile implants look natural like Emily’s* results?

Absolutely! High-profile implants can create beautiful, natural-looking results when properly selected for your anatomy. Emily* received 385cc high-profile silicone gel implants, which provided maximum forward projection with a narrower base width, ideal for her frame. The key is matching implant profile to your chest wall dimensions. High-profile implants work exceptionally well for patients with narrow chest walls who want significant volume increase. Combined with subpectoral placement, they create natural upper pole fullness and smooth contours. Emily’s* results at 3 months demonstrate how breast augmentation can achieve dramatic enhancement while maintaining proportionate, feminine appearance.

How long until implants “drop and fluff” after subpectoral placement?

The timeline is gradual with submuscular placement. Emily* experienced the typical progression:

• Weeks 1-2: Implants positioned high on chest wall (“riding high” appearance is normal)
• Weeks 3-6: Gradual downward settling as muscle relaxes and tissues stretch
• Weeks 6-12: Continued softening and final positioning
• 3 months+: Final shape achieved with natural upper pole fullness

Emily’s* implants had settled beautifully by her 3-month appointment. Subpectoral placement takes slightly longer to settle than subglandular, but the wait is worth it for superior soft tissue coverage and reduced complication risks. Patience during this process is essential, the final results are exceptional.

What’s the advantage of inframammary fold incision over other approaches?

The IMF (inframammary fold) incision offers several benefits that I selected for Emily’s* case. This approach provides direct visualization of the surgical pocket, allowing precise dissection and optimal implant positioning. The incision, typically 4-5cm in length, heals in the natural breast crease where it becomes virtually invisible. Unlike periareolar or transaxillary approaches, IMF incisions allow easy access for various implant sizes, reduce risk of nipple sensation changes, and simplify potential future revisions. The scar location is easily concealed by the breast itself and by most clothing styles. For patients like Emily* receiving larger breast augmentation with high-profile implants, the IMF approach ensures controlled placement and excellent aesthetic outcomes.

Ready to Write Your Own Breast Augmentation Success Story?

Emily* walked into my Houston office carrying years of frustration with minimal breast volume and feeling less feminine than she wanted. She walked out 3 months later thriving with results that exceeded her expectations, full, proportionate breasts with natural projection and renewed confidence in every aspect of her life.

Your story might be different. Maybe you’re concerned about implant sizing and profile selection, wondering about recovery timelines and activity restrictions, or trying to understand whether high-profile implants are right for your frame.

But the common thread is this: You deserve to feel confident and comfortable in your own body. Your feminine proportions deserve the same attention you give to fitness, health, and self-care. If lack of breast volume is affecting your quality of life and confidence, transformation is possible.

Schedule Your Personalized Consultation here, or call us today at (281) 940-1535 and discover what’s possible for your unique body and goals in Houston!

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Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Sam Sukkar, MD, FACS, and The Clinic for Plastic Surgery Team are here to help you achieve refined, natural-looking results.

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• Breast Augmentation, Breast Lifts, and Breast Reduction
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Schedule your personalized consultation today at DrSukkar.com or call (281) 940-1535.

About the Author – Meet Dr. Sam Sukkar, MD

Dr. Sukkar earned his Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from Louisiana State University School of Medicine in 1992 after graduating summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology. He then completed an intensive General Surgery Residency at the University of Texas Hermann Hospital before being selected for a highly competitive Plastic Surgery Fellowship at Northwestern University in Chicago, one of the most prestigious training programs in the country.

With more than 20 years of experience, Dr. Sukkar is a Diplomate of the American Board of Plastic Surgery and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS). He is also an active member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and the Houston Society of Plastic Surgery (HSPS). His dedication to innovation and continuing education has solidified his reputation as a leading expert in aesthetic surgery, specializing in breast surgery, body contouring, facial procedures, and non-invasive treatments.

Dr. Sukkar’s expertise has been recognized by Houston Magazine, naming him one of Houston’s “Top Docs for Women,” and he has been featured among RealSelf’s America’s Top Doctors. Committed to his patients, he prioritizes personalized care, ensuring every individual feels informed, comfortable, and confident in their aesthetic journey.

Contact Dr. Sukkar today to schedule a consultation, visit DrSukkar.com to learn more, or call us directly at (281) 940-1535.

Cover Image Illustration by: Dr. Sam Sukkar, MD, The Clinic for Plastic Surgery.