Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure that enhances the appearance, fullness, symmetry, and size of your breasts. Because breast augmentation uses implants, many patients fear that their results will be too noticeable. However, Dr. Lefkovits’ expertise allows him to tailor treatment to the patient and their unique goals; whether that is a significant enhancement in the breasts or a subtle, natural-looking boost.
Dr. George Lefkovits is a plastic surgeon who is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology. He leads Park Plaza Plastic Surgery with more than 30 years of experience. He puts his training and experience to the service of his patients, helping them safely and effectively achieve their goals. If you are ready to explore a natural-looking breast augmentation, contact us online, email info@drlefkovits.com, or call our office at (212) 750-9494 to schedule a consultation.
Contents
- 1 Achieving Natural-Looking Results in Breast Augmentation
- 2 Characteristics of Natural-Looking Breasts
- 3 Candidates
- 4 Personal Consultation
- 5 Procedure
- 6 Recovery
- 7 Results
- 8 FAQ
- 8.1 How can you achieve natural results from breast augmentation?
- 8.2 What are the benefits of receiving natural-looking results in breast augmentation?
- 8.3 What are the results of breast augmentation using a natural-looking approach?
- 8.4 How long is the recovery for breast augmentation?
- 8.5 How much does breast augmentation cost?
- 9 References
Achieving Natural-Looking Results in Breast Augmentation
To achieve natural-looking results through a breast augmentation, it is important to prioritize the implant volume over the patient’s natural chest width, frame, and existing tissue rather than choosing a number that the patient thinks would look the best on them. (1) By selecting a modest, balanced size, it prevents an “overdone” or “fake” appearance. The material of your implant is an important factor in how they will appear once the implant is in your chest. A silicone or gummy bear implant contains a silicone gel that closely mimics the natural weight, feel, and movement of the real breast tissue and delivers a stable and soft shape. Another option is a saline implant, which is typically filled with sterile saltwater after placement, although it can feel firmer in thin tissue. Another important aspect is the placement technique, which determines how seamless and natural your breast implants will appear. There are two different techniques: a
submuscular (under the muscle) or a subglandular (above the muscle) approach. By placing it under the muscle, it provides extra tissue coverage across the upper chest and softens the edges, while placing it above the muscle can work well if patients have natural tissue coverage. Additionally, fat transfers can also help results appear natural. Whether avoiding implants entirely or using fat to cushion implants and enhance shape, fat grafting helps to create natural-looking smoothness and roundness with added volume.
Characteristics of Natural-Looking Breasts
Natural-looking breasts can result in a seamless and contoured silhouette, and the biggest advantage is that no one will know you have implants unless you want to tell them. Natural-appearing results can appear as:
- Breasts that have a mild slope towards the nipple
- Breasts with most of the volume occurring in the lower half
- Nipples that sit on the part of the breast with the most projection
- Breasts that do not sit too high (usually at a mid-arm level)
- Breasts that look and feel like natural breast tissue
Candidates
Breast augmentation can be right for you if you wish to enhance breast symmetry, increase the size of naturally smaller breasts, if you wish to replace lost volume, or if you are reconstructing your breasts. To qualify for treatment, you should be in good general health. You should also have realistic expectations regarding your outcomes, and you must be willing to collaborate with Dr. Lefkovits to find your ideal pair of implants. It is also important to recognize that breast augmentation is a personal choice, and it should not be a procedure you undergo because of “societal standards.”
Personal Consultation
During your personal consultation, Dr. Lefkovits will evaluate your medical history, current medications, concerns, and breast enhancement goals. This is also an ideal time to show Dr. Lefkovits some inspirational photos and further discuss your desired sizing and positioning. He will show you lots of before and after photos, not just to show you his aesthetic excellence but to better gauge the size that you are looking for. Once he determines your candidacy, he will create a customized treatment plan that will include the type of implant and the total projection of your breasts along with your total cost of your procedure. Dr. Lefkovits wants to ensure you feel confident and comfortable before proceeding with your transformation. If you feel as if you are an ideal candidate for a breast augmentation, contact us online or call our office at (212) 750-9494 to schedule your personal consultation.
Procedure
On the day of your procedure, Dr. Lefkovits will make guiding marks on your breasts, which will take into account your chest height, width, and nipple position. You will meet the anesthesiologist, who will take medical history, and soon start an IV. (2) This will be followed by the induction of general anesthesia, and you will then be prepped with an antiseptic and be draped with sterile drapes. Dr. Lefkovits will then perform the procedure. He uses either the more common inframammary incision which is performed under the breast or underneath the areola, both of which usually heal very well. He will then create the pocket, either under the muscle ( subpectoral) which he performs most commonly, or above the muscle ( subglandular).The incision is closed with absorbable sutures.
Recovery
Recovering from breast augmentation typically takes four to six weeks for initial healing, but final implant settling and tissue softening will take about three to six months. Within the first three days, you will notice swelling, tightness, and swelling peak, making you feel sore, but you must continue to wear your compression bra. Your discomfort will significantly drop after a week.. By the third week, your swelling and bruising will begin to subside, and you may return to desk jobs and any non-strenuous work. To ensure a smooth recovery, you must strictly sleep on your back with your shoulders and head elevated, avoid any heavy lifting and strenuous activities, keep your incision areas clean and dry, and wear your protective bra garment as instructed by Dr. Lefkovits.
Results
By weeks four and six, your implants will begin to drop into their normal positioning, and you may resume heavy exercises and heavy lifting. (3) Your scarring will begin to fade after two to six months as your breasts reach their final shape and softness, revealing a more contoured and augmented look to your breasts, by still delivering a natural feel. Your breast implants may last many years, and unlike the older silicone implants which needed to be replaced after 10 years, today’s implants no longer have to be replaced after that time unless there is an issue with them.
The total cost of your breast augmentation will depend on several factors, such as the size, material, and shape of the implant you will receive, the surgical techniques used as well as the region in the country where the surgery is performed.. Dr. Lefkovits will provide you with a detailed cost outline during your personal consultation. Park Plaza Plastic Surgery is also partnered with multiple reputable financing companies; if you are a qualifying patient, you may be able to finance the cost of your procedure. To receive your quote and personalized treatment plan, contact us online or call our office at (212) 750-9494.
FAQ
How can you achieve natural results from breast augmentation?
To achieve natural results, it is essential to select an implant volume based on your frame, chest width, and existing tissue rather than a generic target size. Choosing silicone implants provides a feel, weight, and movement similar to natural breast tissue. Additionally, placing implants submuscularly (under the muscle) offers extra tissue coverage and softens the implant edges, or a fat transfer technique can be utilized for an organic look.
What are the benefits of receiving natural-looking results in breast augmentation?
Natural-looking results create a seamless, contoured silhouette that enhances your body proportions without appearing “overdone” or “fake.” The primary benefit is that your implants will blend subtly with your natural breast tissue, allowing you to enjoy a refreshed profile without it being obvious that you underwent surgery.
What are the results of breast augmentation using a natural-looking approach?
A natural approach delivers breasts with a gentle upper slope toward the nipple, full volume concentrated in the lower half, and nipple projection at the fullest point. The breasts sit at a natural mid-arm level, look balanced, and feel soft to the touch.
How long is the recovery for breast augmentation?
Initial healing typically takes about four to six weeks, with most non-strenuous activities and work resuming around week three. However, full implant settling and final tissue softening generally take three to six months.
How much does breast augmentation cost?
The cost varies based on the implant type, material, size, and specific surgical techniques required. A personalized cost breakdown will be provided during your personal consultation with Dr. Lefkovits, and financing options are available for eligible patients.
References
- Ramachandran K. Breast augmentation. Indian Journal of Plastic Surgery : Official Publication of the Association of Plastic Surgeons of India. 2008;41(Suppl):S41. Accessed October 14, 2026. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2825138/
- Abbott EN, James AJ, Savitz BL, et al. Modern Approaches to Aesthetic Breast Surgery. Annals of Plastic Surgery. Published online February 13, 2026. doi:10.1097/sap.0000000000004695
- Shi H, Cao C, Li X, Chen L, Li S. A retrospective study of primary breast augmentation: recovery period, complications, and patient satisfaction. International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Medicine. 2015;8(10):18737. Accessed October 14, 2026. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4694389/