Breast BEFORE & AFTER Patient 160: Breast Augmentation
*Keep in mind that each patient is unique and your results may vary.
Before & After
A 41-year-old female patient presented with concerns about breast size and a desire for increased volume and improved contour. After a detailed consultation and evaluation of her goals, she elected to proceed with bilateral breast augmentation. The procedure was performed by Dr. Crantford in Charleston, South Carolina, using 365cc implants placed in a submuscular position. Photos are shown one year post-op.
Breast augmentation with submuscular implant placement is a well-established approach to increasing breast volume and improving overall contour — with implant sizing selected to complement each patient’s frame and aesthetic goals. Patients who come to Dr. Crantford at Crantford Costa Plastic Surgery in Charleston, SC often describe wanting a fuller silhouette that feels proportionate and natural rather than artificial. Before-and-after photos at the one-year mark are among the most meaningful for breast augmentation. Implants have fully settled, surrounding tissue has adapted completely, and the result shown reflects the true, lasting outcome of the procedure.
What does submuscular breast augmentation involve?
Submuscular breast augmentation places the implant beneath the chest muscle, providing an additional layer of soft tissue coverage over the implant. This placement is particularly beneficial for patients with less natural breast tissue, as it helps create a smoother, more natural-looking contour and reduces the likelihood of visible implant edges.
What do breast augmentation results look like at one year?
By one year post-op, implants have fully dropped and settled into their natural position, all swelling has resolved, and the surrounding tissue has completely adapted to the implants. One-year photos represent the most accurate picture of long-term results and typically show a soft, natural breast contour that moves and feels like natural tissue.
How do I choose the right implant size?
Implant sizing is one of the most important decisions in breast augmentation and is determined through a detailed consultation process. Dr. Crantford evaluates each patient’s existing breast tissue, chest width, and aesthetic goals to recommend sizing that achieves a proportionate, natural-looking result — rather than selecting a size based on cc volume alone.
How long do breast augmentation results last?
Modern breast implants are designed to be long-lasting, and many patients enjoy their results for 15 to 20 years or more without requiring replacement. Implants do not have a mandatory replacement timeline, revision is only considered if a complication arises or personal preferences change over time.
What is recovery like after breast augmentation?
Most patients return to light daily activity within a few days and resume desk work within one week. Strenuous activity and heavy lifting are restricted for 4–6 weeks to allow the implants to settle properly. A supportive surgical bra is worn during early recovery, and most patients find discomfort is well managed with prescribed medication in the first few days following surgery.
