What Are the Benefits of a Breast Augmentation Procedure?

Breast augmentation is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures, not just in the Northern Virginia area but around the world. It offers a wide range of incredible benefits that many patients find life-changing. Some of the benefits our breast augmentation Northern Virginia patients have experienced include: A rounder breast shape Fit into clothing better (i.e., shirts, dresses, bikini tops) More noticeable cleavage Larger breast volume Boost in self-confidence More fullness in the upper portion of the breasts

Is Breast Augmentation Painful?

Breast augmentation is typically not very painful during recovery. However,h you may experience swelling, bruising, pain, and general discomfort during the early stages of your recovery. Dr. Landford will prescribe temporary pain medication to help alleviate any pain or discomfort.

How Many Appointments Will I Need?

After your breast augmentation, Dr. Landford will have you return to the office about a week later to monitor your recovery and remove any sutures, wraps, drains, and bandages. You’ll need to attend another appointment about a month or two later, followed by a couple more after 3 months and 6 months. Dr. Landford will always let you know when she wants you to come back at the end of each appointment and the reasons why.

How Long Until I See the Results of My Breast Implants?

You will be able to notice an immediate size and weight difference in your breasts following your surgery. Depending on the technique, you will be swollen and bruised in various areas for a few weeks as you heal. Over the following months, your breasts will continue to adjust and settle into place while the tissue around the implants heals. You will notice the final results after 3-4 months, when the implants have settled into their natural resting position.

When Can I Exercise Again After My Breast Augmentation?

Dr. Landford recommends that her patients in the Northern Virginia area avoid strenuous activities and exercises, particularly those that target the chest muscles, for at least 6 weeks following surgery. This gives your body plenty of time to heal and reduces the risk of complications. Dr. Landford will guide you as you recover and give you updates at each appointment.

Can I Combine Breast Augmentation with Other Procedures?

Yes! Many of our patients in the Northern Virginia area combine breast augmentation with other body-contouring procedures to enhance their appearance and align more closely with their beauty goals. Commonly combined surgical procedures include a breast lift , tummy tuck , body lift , or Brazilian butt lift . If you want to enlarge and correct sagging breasts, combining a breast lift can produce some incredible, youthful-looking results to improve your breast implant profile. You will have the opportunity to discuss all of your aesthetic goals during your consultation with Dr. Landford, where you will go over which procedures you can combine to achieve your desired figure.

Does Breast Augmentation Surgery Cause Breast Cancer?

No. Breast implants do not cause breast cancer, and they will not increase your chances of getting it. However, research shows that textured breast implants increase the chances of getting anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (ALCL), a rare form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, which is a serious form of cancer that affects the T lymphocytes. We do not use textured breast implants at Landford Plastic Surgery. We advise all of our patients in the greater Northern Virginia area to get routine mammograms after getting breast implants. You will be able to discuss this in further detail with Dr. Landford during your consultation, and she will happily answer any questions.

What is Capsular Contracture?

Following all pre-operative and post-operative instructions significantly decreases the likelihood of complications, such as capsular contracture. A “capsule” is created from scar tissue when your body reacts to a foreign object (i.e, breast implants) inserted inside. While this helps to secure the implant in place and prevent slippage in the breast pocket, there is a possibility with breast augmentations that the scarred tissue can become a problem if it becomes too hard and closes around the implant. This directly leads to aesthetic issues and causes tremendous breast pain. Capsular contracture can happen to any patient regardless of which technique they receive, so please contact our office immediately if you notice any unusual feelings in your breasts.

How Do You Treat Capsular Contracture?

Breast implant exchange or removal is a common option when treating capsular contracture. If you start to feel any unusual pain in your breasts from a previous full breast reconstruction or augmentation, please let us know and schedule a consultation so that Dr. Landford can address the issue.

How Do I Find the Best Breast Augmentation Plastic Surgeon Near Me in Northern Virginia?

To choose the best plastic surgeon for breast augmentation, you should consider a combination of several aspects beyond credentials, including experience, aesthetic style, before-and-after photos, and patient care. Look for a surgeon who specializes in breast procedures and see whether past patients’ results match your desired appearance. Patient testimonials and reviews are also a great way to gain insight into the overall experience and satisfaction. A good surgeon will take the time to understand your goals during an in-depth, non-judgemental consultation, where they will explain your options and make you feel confident, comfortable, and informed. Check to ensure your surgery is performed at a fully accredited, licensed facility that prioritizes your safety. If you’re seeking natural-looking results and a surgeon who listens to your goals and uses them to create a one-of-a-kind treatment, schedule a consultation with Dr. Landford in Washington, DC, or Baltimore.

Breast Augmentation

Northern Virginia

Find the contours you desire with breast augmentation at Landford Plastic Surgery! Breast augmentation, also known as augmentation mammaplasty, is a transformative cosmetic procedure that enhances the size and shape of your breasts. Implants filled with saline or silicone gel are tailored to your individual preferences and anatomy and inserted.
Plastic surgeon Dr. Wilmina Landford ensures each of her breast augmentation patients achieves optimal results and safety, thanks to her years of training, education, and professional experience.

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Candidates
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What is a Breast Augmentation?

Many women are unsatisfied with the size and shape of their breasts. Whether it’s due to a loss in breast volume, genetics, or overall dissatisfaction, breast augmentation surgery is a fantastic cosmetic surgery that can help women who are unhappy with the contour, size, asymmetry, or fullness of their breasts.

There are several important factors that go into choosing which type of breast enhancement. Dr. Landford reviews these decisions during your consultation, where she will explain how each choice can benefit you and help you make an informed decision. These options will include:

Breast implant shape
Cup size
Option for Lipofilling
Implant positioning
Insertion techniques

An in-depth consultation is a critical step in the breast augmentation process. During your consultation, you will discuss your goals, available options, and expectations to ensure you receive optimal results tailored to your needs.

Before & after photos

Gallery

Breast Augmentation Northern Virginia B&A

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What Sets Dr. Landford Apart as the Premier Breast Augmentation Practice in Northern Virginia?

Dr. Wilmina Landford has performed several breast augmentation procedures over the past two years for individuals in the Northern Virginia area, consistently delivering incredible results. Her extensive training, education, and experience ensure that each patient receives personalized care based on their unique needs, anatomy, and aesthetic goals.
Dr. Landford is renowned for her plastic surgery work and is recognized for her expertise and dedication to excellence as a top doctor in the region.
As a leading plastic surgeon in Washington, DC, Dr. Landford’s commitment to excellence has earned her several prestigious awards, including the Johns Hopkins Best Clinical Research Award. She has also been recognized in Baltimore Magazine’s Top Doctors list, highlighting her outstanding contributions to plastic surgery.
Dr. Landford finished her undergraduate degree with honors in Biology and Medical Anthropology at Mount Holyoke College. She then earned her medical degree, MD with scholarly distinction, from the esteemed Stony Brook University School of Medicine in Long Island, NY. Then, she completed an integrated plastic surgery residency at the world-renowned Johns Hopkins Hospital, where she served as Chief Resident during her final year.
Dr. Landford’s empathetic approach to patient care sets her apart. She takes ample time to understand each patient’s individual concerns, goals, and preferences, providing clear, transparent communication and support throughout their self-care journey. Her commitment to producing natural-looking results has earned her a reputation as a trusted surgeon in the Washington, DC, and Baltimore areas.

Breast Augmentation Quick Facts

Surgery Time: Approximately 1 to 2 hours

Recovery: Typically, patients can return to normal activities within 1 to 2 weeks, with full recovery lasting around 6 weeks.

Results: You will notice improvements in breast size and shape immediately after your surgery, with final results at around 3-6 months.

Who is a Good Candidate for a Breast Augmentation?

If you are in the Northern Virginia area, Washington, DC, or Maryland, and are considering breast augmentation surgery at Landford Plastic Surgery, you will stand out as a good candidate if you have some of the following characteristics. Changes in your breasts due to factors like genetics, aging, or pregnancy can inspire people to seek breast augmentation:

Upset with having small breasts
Dissatisfied with lost breast volume and shape after pregnancy, weight loss, or aging
Have realistic expectations
Want to correct asymmetrical breasts
Not currently pregnant or breastfeeding
One or both breasts failed to develop normally or have an elongated shape
Good physical health
“Empty” looking breasts after significant weight loss

It’s crucial that your breasts have fully developed before getting breast augmentation. You can get breast enlargement at any point in life, but your body must be at a specific stage for it to be safe.

Woman in white lace bra sitting on her bed

How Much Does Breast Augmentation Cost in Northern Virginia?

The cost of breast augmentation in Northern Virginia, Washington, DC, & Maryland will depend on several factors, including the size, shape, and type of breast implants, as well as the surgical techniques used. The cost typically applies to primary breast augmentation, which is the initial breast enhancement procedure. If you are getting revision or secondary surgery, you may see different costs.

The best way to find out how much your breast augmentation will cost is to come in for a breast augmentation consultation with Dr. Landford. She will create a surgical plan based on your goals and individual needs, and our Patient Coordinator will provide you with a complete price breakdown.

At Landford Plastic Surgery, we see patients from all over the Northern Virginia area and beyond, as people from around the world seek Dr. Landford for her patient-focused approach and ability to deliver natural-looking results.

What Should I Expect During a Consultation for a Breast Augmentation?

During your breast augmentation consultation in the Northern Virginia area, Washington, DC, or Maryland, you will meet Dr. Landford, where you will be able to inform her of your expectations for the procedure, break down your breast augmentation options, ask questions, and have your body and breasts examined by Dr. Landford.

During the examination, Dr. Landford considers both your anatomy and aesthetic preferences. She will ask you about your health history and lifestyle to better understand your life and to identify and avoid any risks.

You will also get to choose the size and shape of your breast implants. Some patients lipofill their breasts with fat, while others choose breast implants. Dr. Landford will have you use 3D imaging to see how breast implants appear on your body, see mold examples of the types of breast implants, and discuss the pros and cons of each option.

It’s important to focus more on the implant’s appearance and how it sits on your body rather than solely on the cup size, since cup sizes can vary across brands.

After you and Dr. Landford have agreed on how your surgery will look, including the techniques, types of breast implants, and whether you are combining procedures, she will create your personalized treatment plan.

Our Patient Coordinator will get you on the schedule for your breast augmentation surgery, so you can start preparing using the pre-operative instructions.

Types of Breast Enhancement

There are several different types of breast enhancement methods. Each one is tailored to the individual’s unique goals and anatomy. Two of the most common methods include breast augmentation with implants or fat transfer. Some Northern Virginia patients choose fat grafting as a natural alternative to implants to subtly enhance breast volume using their own fat for an enhanced natural look and feel.

During your consultation, Dr. Landford will discuss the benefits of each type of breast enhancement and help you choose the option that best suits your unique anatomy and aesthetic goals.

Saline Breast Implants

Saline-filled implants are filled with a sterile saline solution, similar to the saltwater found in your body. These differ from silicone implants in that they can be either pre-filled or filled during surgery.

Silicone Gel Breast Implants

Silicone breast implants, or silicone gel implants, are made of a silicone outer shell filled with silicone gel that feels similar to jelly.

Gummy Bear Implants

“Gummy bear implants” are a type of silicone breast implant that is stable in shape and highly cohesive. These implants are composed of a thicker, more cohesive silicone gel that retains its shape even in the event of complications such as rupture or cutting.

Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation

Fat transfer breast augmentation, also called autologous fat transfer or natural breast augmentation, is a surgical procedure that uses the patient’s own fat cells to enhance breast size and shape. In a fat transfer breast augmentation, fat is usually harvested from areas of the body with excess fat, such as the abdomen, thighs, or hips, via liposuction.

Smooth Implants

Smooth-walled silicone and saline breast implants are the most common choice for breast augmentations. This option is an excellent choice for round implants, as they are made of silicone gel and have a smooth outer surface, which helps produce a natural look and feel with less likelihood of rippling.

These breast implants are often placed beneath the chest muscle, allowing better coverage, reduced visibility, and a lower risk of capsular contraction.

Textured Implants

Textured breast implants have a specially designed surface that helps them integrate with the surrounding tissue. This makes them less likely to migrate within the breast pocket, providing more natural-looking and natural-feeling results. That being said, textured implants are used less often because of their high risk of capsular contracture and association with BIA-ALCL (Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma).

How Do I Prepare for Breast Augmentation Surgery?

During your consultation, Dr. Landford will provide instructions to help improve your chances of a successful procedure. Each patient has a completely unique surgery and treatment plan, but there are some shared instructions most patients must follow, including:

Do not take aspirin and certain anti-inflammatory drugs, as they can increase bleeding
Stay hydrated
Complete lab work and Medical Evaluation
Maintain a healthy lifestyle with a good diet and routine exercise
Prep your recovery area, request an appropriate time off for work, and meal plan to make your recovery more relaxing
Stop smoking
Take certain medications or adjust your current medications

Breast Augmentation Risks & Safety

As a plastic surgeon in the Northern Virginia area, Dr. Landford and her team pride themselves on performing safe procedures that deliver incredible, natural-looking results for their patients. Choosing a qualified plastic surgeon for your breast augmentation ensures you receive a safe procedure with a smooth recovery. We are always transparent with our patients and let them know if breast augmentation is not a safe or effective procedure to accomplish their aesthetic goals. If this is the case, we will recommend alternative procedures to help you achieve your goals.

Additionally, we always inform our patients of potential breast augmentation risks and side effects, including:

- - Anesthesia risks
  - Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) or other very rare cancers in the capsule around the breast, such as breast implant-associated squamous cell carcinoma (BIA-SCC)
  - Bleeding
  - Changes in nipple or breast sensation
  - Fluid accumulation (seroma)
  - Formation of tight scarred tissue around the implant (capsular contracture)
  - Hematoma
  - Implant leakage or rupture
  - Infection
  - Persistent pain
  - Poor scarring
  - Possibility of revision surgery
  - Wrinkling of the skin over the implant
  - Wrong or faulty position of the implant

If you experience any of the above reactions or have long-lasting side effects, please contact us immediately so that we can help you.

What are the Steps of a Breast Augmentation?

Each patient receives a completely unique breast augmentation tailored to their individual needs, anatomy, and goals. Regardless of which technique you get, you will receive general anesthesia to ensure you are completely relaxed and unable to feel pain during the surgery.

After you have been sedated, Dr. Landford will create discreet incisions to minimize visible scarring. The incisions are commonly placed along the breast crease (inframammary fold) to optimize healing and minimize visible scarring. Then, Dr. Landford creates a pocket for the implant to be gently inserted. Depending on the size of the implants and the technique used, Dr. Landofrd will place them either below the pectoral muscle or directly behind the breast tissue, but on top of the pectoral muscle.

Natural augmentation (fat transfer) may require more operative time, depending on the extent of areas that are going to be liposuctioned and the patient’s preference for breast size.

After Dr. Landford is finished with the implant or fat graft, she will close the incisions with layered sutures in the breast tissue, allowing extra support to the natural breast tissue. Finally, she will close the external breast skin incisions with sutures, skin adhesives, or surgical tape.

On average, breast augmentation takes about 1-2 hours, depending on the techniques used and whether additional procedures are combined.

Surgical Techniques for a Breast Augmentation

When performing breast augmentation surgery in Northern Virginia, Washington, DC, or Maryland, Dr. Landford uses a variety of techniques to help patients achieve optimal results.

Breast Implant Placement

Submuscular Placement

The breast implants are placed below the pectoral muscle. This placement is often recommended for women with minimal natural breast tissue, as it helps create a more natural look and feel.

Subglandular Placement

This approach places the implant below the existing breast tissue, above the pectoral muscles. This approach is best for women with more breast tissue, as it provides a lifted, perkier appearance.

Dual Plane Placement

This approach combines subglandular and submuscular placement. The implant is placed partially below the pectoral muscles and partially below the natural breast tissue. We recommend this approach for women who want a more natural look with an extra lift.

Where are the Incisions and Scars for a Breast Augmentation?

Dr. Landford typically chooses among three locations for incisions in breast augmentation: axillary (armpit), periareolar (around the areola), and inframammary fold. Incision placement is a crucial part of breast augmentation, as it allows Dr. Landford to create a precise pocket for the implants and have the patient heal with minimal scarring.

Inframammary Incision

The inframammary incision is placed just below the breast in the natural crease where the bottom area of the breast transitions into the skin on the chest.

Periareolar Incision

A periareolar incision is placed directly below the lower half of the areola and is commonly used for breast augmentation, breast lift, or removal, and exchange of breast implants.

Transaxillary Incision

This incision is also referred to as a scarless breast augmentation, as the incision is placed in the armpit. In this technique, Dr. Landford inserts a saline breast implant into the breast pocket, enhancing the overall size and shape of a patient’s bustline in the process.

Blonde woman laying down with her hand on her head in a night shirt

Visible scarring is practically inevitable, but Dr. Landford’s experience and attention to detail when making incisions result in minimal scarring. No matter where the incisions are made, they will fade and smooth with time.

Breast Augmentation Recovery

A breast augmentation at Landford Plastic Surgery is an outpatient procedure, meaning you can return home to the Northern Virginia area to recover the same day as your surgery.

As you recover from breast augmentation, you’ll likely experience some swelling, bruising, pain, and soreness. Dr. Landford will prescribe temporary pain medication to help ease this discomfort. Recovery experiences may look different for a patient getting reconstructive surgery, as their needs and healing timelines may vary compared to those of individuals getting cosmetic breast augmentation.

For most patients, their recovery lasts around one week. A special surgical bra is required for the first few weeks following your breast surgery, as well as some drainage tubes to help remove excess blood and fluid. Avoid strenuous activity for at least 6 weeks.

Some women with breast implants might continue to experience mild side effects, including breast pain, swelling, and bruising. These side effects typically go away within a few weeks.

Tips for Recovery

To ensure our patients in the Northern Virginia area have an efficient, successful recovery following their breast augmentation surgery, we highly recommend the following:

- Follow Post-Operative Instructions: Follow all instructions from Dr. Landford and our team to ensure proper healing and minimize complications.
- Wear Supportive Garments: Use the surgical bra provided by Dr. Landford to support your breasts and minimize swelling.
- Avoid Strenuous Activities: Avoid heavy lifting and vigorous exercise for a minimum of 6 weeks after your surgery.
- Attend Follow-Up Appointments: Attend all follow-up appointments to monitor your healing progress and address any concerns.
- Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: Eat a balanced diet and stay hydrated to support your body’s healing process.

Woman in black underwear looking to her left out a window from her bedroom

Why Choose Us?

After earning her medical degree from the Stony Brook University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine, Dr. Wilmina Landford has become an expert in plastic and cosmetic surgery. She speaks with her Northern Virginia patients in Spanish, Chinese (Mandarin), and English, broadening the accessibility for more patients to receive procedures with confidence.

Dr. Landford’s commitment to helping her patients achieve natural-looking results and her compassionate, patient-focused approach are just two of the many reasons her patients love her. Dr. Landford also uses her technical proficiency, steady hand, and artistic eye to produce natural-looking, long-lasting results that enhance beauty, improve quality of life, and boost confidence.

When you’re looking for breast enlargement plastic surgeons in Maryland or Washington, DC, Dr. Wilmina Landford is a top choice.

Schedule a Consultation

If you are in Northern Virginia and considering breast augmentation in Maryland or Washington, DC, call Landford Plastic Surgery to schedule a consultation with Dr. Landford and discuss the procedure. In Washington, DC, and Baltimore, breast augmentation is a popular choice for individuals who want world-class treatment tailored to their unique goals. You may also use our website to fill out a consultation form, and someone from our team will get back to you as soon as possible.

No matter what your aesthetic goals are, we would be happy to meet with you to discuss the available options. We look forward to meeting you and helping you on your breast enhancement journey!

Breast Augmentation FAQs

Breast augmentation is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures, not just in the Northern Virginia area but around the world. It offers a wide range of incredible benefits that many patients find life-changing. Some of the benefits our breast augmentation Northern Virginia patients have experienced include:
- A rounder breast shape
- Fit into clothing better (i.e., shirts, dresses, bikini tops)
- More noticeable cleavage
- Larger breast volume
- Boost in self-confidence
- More fullness in the upper portion of the breasts
After your breast augmentation, Dr. Landford will have you return to the office about a week later to monitor your recovery and remove any sutures, wraps, drains, and bandages. You’ll need to attend another appointment about a month or two later, followed by a couple more after 3 months and 6 months.

Dr. Landford will always let you know when she wants you to come back at the end of each appointment and the reasons why.
You will be able to notice an immediate size and weight difference in your breasts following your surgery. Depending on the technique, you will be swollen and bruised in various areas for a few weeks as you heal. Over the following months, your breasts will continue to adjust and settle into place while the tissue around the implants heals.

You will notice the final results after 3-4 months, when the implants have settled into their natural resting position.
Dr. Landford recommends that her patients in the Northern Virginia area avoid strenuous activities and exercises, particularly those that target the chest muscles, for at least 6 weeks following surgery. This gives your body plenty of time to heal and reduces the risk of complications. Dr. Landford will guide you as you recover and give you updates at each appointment.
Yes! Many of our patients in the Northern Virginia area combine breast augmentation with other body-contouring procedures to enhance their appearance and align more closely with their beauty goals. Commonly combined surgical procedures include a breast lift, tummy tuck, body lift, or Brazilian butt lift.

If you want to enlarge and correct sagging breasts, combining a breast lift can produce some incredible, youthful-looking results to improve your breast implant profile.

You will have the opportunity to discuss all of your aesthetic goals during your consultation with Dr. Landford, where you will go over which procedures you can combine to achieve your desired figure.
No. Breast implants do not cause breast cancer, and they will not increase your chances of getting it.

However, research shows that textured breast implants increase the chances of getting anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (ALCL), a rare form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, which is a serious form of cancer that affects the T lymphocytes. We do not use textured breast implants at Landford Plastic Surgery.

We advise all of our patients in the greater Northern Virginia area to get routine mammograms after getting breast implants. You will be able to discuss this in further detail with Dr. Landford during your consultation, and she will happily answer any questions.
Following all pre-operative and post-operative instructions significantly decreases the likelihood of complications, such as capsular contracture.

A “capsule” is created from scar tissue when your body reacts to a foreign object (i.e, breast implants) inserted inside. While this helps to secure the implant in place and prevent slippage in the breast pocket, there is a possibility with breast augmentations that the scarred tissue can become a problem if it becomes too hard and closes around the implant. This directly leads to aesthetic issues and causes tremendous breast pain.

Capsular contracture can happen to any patient regardless of which technique they receive, so please contact our office immediately if you notice any unusual feelings in your breasts.
To choose the best plastic surgeon for breast augmentation, you should consider a combination of several aspects beyond credentials, including experience, aesthetic style, before-and-after photos, and patient care. Look for a surgeon who specializes in breast procedures and see whether past patients’ results match your desired appearance. Patient testimonials and reviews are also a great way to gain insight into the overall experience and satisfaction.

A good surgeon will take the time to understand your goals during an in-depth, non-judgemental consultation, where they will explain your options and make you feel confident, comfortable, and informed. Check to ensure your surgery is performed at a fully accredited, licensed facility that prioritizes your safety.

If you’re seeking natural-looking results and a surgeon who listens to your goals and uses them to create a one-of-a-kind treatment, schedule a consultation with Dr. Landford in Washington, DC, or Baltimore.

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