Breast procedures
No-Scar Breast Augmentation with Implants in Seattle, WA
Considering breast enhancement surgery? Here’s the inside story:
There are many types of breast implants, but the most common type is saline. Saline breast implants are filled with a sterile salt water solution that is similar to normal human milk. Saline breast implants are generally considered to be more natural than silicone and saline-filled silicone implants because they mimic the appearance of a woman’s own breast tissue. They can also be smaller and easier to place than silicone breast implants.
However, saline breast implants have some disadvantages. For example, they may leak more easily than silicone and saline-filled silicone implants, and they may degrade over time.
Silicone breast implants are made from silicone oil mixed with other softening agents like glycerin and dimethicone. Silicone breast implants can help restore a woman’s body’s shape after weight loss or surgery by providing support and creating a slightly rounder shape. Silicone implants are also more durable than saline and may last longer than silicone-filled saline implants.
However, there is no consensus about whether silicone-filled saline implants are riskier than other types of breast implants because the long-term safety data for silicone-filled saline implants has yet to be gathered.
Why put scars on the area of the body that you’re trying to make more beautiful?
Dr. Tony Mangubat
Board-certified Cosmetic Surgeon
President of the World Academy of Cosmetic Surgery
Program Director of American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery
Implant types and sizes
When considering breast augmentation, it’s empowering to know there are options that can be tailored to your vision. Breast implants come in a variety of fillings, shapes & sizes.
Silicone implants
Silicone implants are a popular choice for breast augmentation because they offer a soft, natural feel that closely mimics breast tissue. The latest silicone implants use a cohesive, semi-solid gel instead of the old liquid silicone, making them safer and more durable. With this improved technology, the gel stays intact even if the implant is cut in half—meaning no leakage or spilling. This design minimizes the risk of silicone migrating into surrounding tissue, which reduces the chances of lumps or inflammation.
- Silicone implants have a low rupture rate of about 4.7% and are known for having a soft, natural feel.
The implant can be placed above or below the muscle, depending on anatomy and goals. In addition, the new improved breast implants are semi-solid; you can cut the implant and hold up the 2 halves intact!
No liquid silicone making the new implant technology safer! There’s minimal chance of silicone spilling out into surrounding tissue, causing lumps or inflammation. If by chance a rupture happens, the cohesive gel makes it so easy to treat because it stays in one piece; easy clean up and replacement.
Saline implants
Saline implants are filled with a sterile saltwater solution. For patients having a bit more breast tissue, saline implants can create a natural look and feel, resembling the body’s own tissue. For patients wanting a silicone alternative, saline can provide great results for the the right candidate.
The implants are easier to place with a shorter incision because they are inserted empty and inflated with sterile saline fluid after insertion. Saline implants are firmer feeling because water is not compressible.
- The capsular contracture rates are similar between the saline and the new silicone gel implants ranging between 5-15%.
Should a ruptured occur, it’s not dangerous and is more like taking a drink of water. But you’ll know immediately that the implant has sprung a leak and implant replacement is usually simple. The initial risk of saline implant failure is approximately 1% per year after surgery.
But experience has taught us that saline implants have cosmetic shortcomings. If you’re a very thin patient with small breast, unsightly visible surface rippling can be obvious taking away from your new full size and shape.
Get started with your consultation
During your private consultation, Dr. Tony will spend time with you discussing your individual body goals, personal aesthetics, perform a physical examination and will address your questions and anatomic considerations. Your conversation will help determine the ideal breast augmentation procedure type and implant size that will give you the most natural results to meet your goals.
You can try on different implant sizes and profiles and you’re encouraged to bring clothing important to you during your consultation! This allows you to visualize the best fit for your goals.
Types of Implant Surfaces & Shapes
Smooth vs. textured
Dr. Tony often recommends Mentor smooth round GEL implants, which lower the risk of capsular contracture, provides a more natural shape (tear drop shaped when standing and round shape when laying down), and is the most undetectable implant available on the market today. Other implant manufacturers have implant shells that are thicker and more detectable both visually and when feeling them.
While research on all implant types is ongoing, choosing the best option for you will involve discussing your goals, lifestyle, and any questions during your consultation. Your trusted surgeon can guide you toward an option that aligns best with your body and aspirations.
The implant can be placed above or below the muscle, depending on anatomy and goals. In addition, the new improved breast implants are semi-solid; you can cut the implant and hold up the 2 halves intact! No liquid silicone making the new implant technology safer! There’s minimal chance of silicone spilling out into surrounding tissue, causing lumps or inflammation. If by chance a rupture happens, the cohesive gel makes it so easy to treat because it stays in one piece; easy clean up and replacement.
Procedure and Incision Choices
Scars….nobody wants them, especially if they can be avoided!
That’s why Dr. Tony takes great care to place implants through a small incision in the natural crease of the armpit for breast augmentation. This discreet approach keeps any scarring hidden. With the incision healing almost imperceptibly, no one will be looking at your armpit and guessing you had any work done!
Dr. Tony’s “scarless” breast augmentation has been his specialty and signature for decades! He even designed and manufactured his own specific surgical instruments to allow him to achieve the natural, beautiful results that his patients love!
But there are alternative implant incision and placement methods available to you:
That’s why Dr. Tony takes great care to place implants through a small incision in the natural crease of the armpit for breast augmentation. This discreet approach keeps any scarring hidden. With the incision healing almost imperceptibly, no one will be looking at your armpit and guessing you had any work done!
Dr. Tony’s “scarless” breast augmentation has been his specialty and signature for decades! He even designed and manufactured his own specific surgical instruments to allow him to achieve the natural, beautiful results that his patients love!
Infra mammary
A small incision is made in beneath the breast fold that is hidden by breast that normally sag a little.
Peri-Areolar
Incision is made through the edge of the areola, blending with natural pigmentation.
Trans-umbilical
if you are using saline implants, it’s possible to make the incision in the bellybutton. The implant is inserted EMPTY AND inflated after placement. It requires special tools, but in the right candidate, THE TRANSUMBILICAL APPROACH can be very satisfying.
Trans-Axillary “No Scar Boob Job”
Incision is made in the armpit, leaving the breast area free of visible scarring.
For my transgender women (MTF) patients interested in breast augmentation, I typically place the implant above the muscle, right beneath the breast tissue. This approach is often the best choice for a few reasons that are unique to the needs of MTF individuals.
Dr. Tony Mangubat
Board-certified Cosmetic Surgeon
President of the World Academy of Cosmetic Surgery
Program Director of American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery
Implant placement
Above or below the muscle depends on your anatomy. If you are a tiny person with thin pectoralis muscles, I’d place the implant under the muscle because it provides a smooth transition to the breast (instead of a round mound on a flat chest) and just looks better. This why it is my favortie placement.
Also, it supports the implant with active muscle supporting the weight of the implant and prevents implant sagging? On the other hand, if you’re a body builder with larger pectoralis muscles or a rock climber that relies on muscle strength for safety, above the muscle implants are preferred because it takes the muscle out of the implant equation.
You can continue to develop larger and stronger pects without affecting the breast implant much.
- For my transgender women (MTF) patients interested in breast augmentation, I typically place the implant above the muscle, right beneath the breast tissue.
This approach is often the best choice for a few reasons that are unique to the needs of MTF individuals:
- Many MTF patients already have a larger pectoral muscle, which can affect the look and feel of implants.
- MTF breast anatomy has some differences: The chest tends to be wider, so placing implants above the muscle helps position them closer together, creating a fuller cleavage.
- Achieving the right breast shape can sometimes be a challenge:
It’s common to need a bit of extra help spreading the breast tissue to fit smoothly over the implant, which is more easily done with above-muscle placement. - Additionally, some patients have a shorter distance between the nipple and the inframammary fold (the crease below the breast), which can lead to a “double bubble” effect if the implant is placed under the muscle.
Dr. Tony is committed to helping each patient achieve their unique goals. Whether we decide on under or above-the-muscle placement, we’ll take time to understand your body’s needs and what feels right for you before making a recommendation.
Breast augmentation surgery & recovery
Dr. Tony performs breast augmentation under general anesthesia at his own state-licensed surgery center in Washington. Patient comfort and safety are hallmarks of his practice. His dedicated team is deeply familiar with your procedure and Dr. Tony’s precise care protocols ensure attentive, personalized support throughout—no guesswork, just compassionate, expert care.
Most of his staff have worked together for decades and the feeling often described at La Belle Vie is that of a family. And as his patient, you’ll be part of the family too!
- Most patients can return home just a few hours after surgery with minimal restrictions.
- You’ll have a comfortable surgical bra to support healing, and many patients are ready to return to work within 5–7 days.
- Temporary swelling and firmness are normal, with the final results beautifully revealing themselves as the swelling eases and your breasts settle over the next few weeks.
Patient Resources
BREAST AUGMENTATION FAQS
Have Other Questions? We’re here for you! Just call us 206-575-0300 !
Is breast augmentation safe?
Yes, breast augmentation is a safe procedure when performed by an experienced and qualified surgeon like Dr. Tony. We use only FDA-approved implants and adhere to the highest standards of care. Safety is our top priority, and we’ll discuss all aspects of the procedure to ensure you feel confident and well-informed. Our consultations cost a nominal fee of $50 which is applied toward the cost of surgery.
Booking surgery
Yes, breast augmentation is a safe procedure when performed by an experienced and qualified surgeon like Dr. Tony. We use only FDA-approved implants and adhere to the highest standards of care. Safety is our top priority, and we’ll discuss all aspects of the procedure to ensure you feel confident and well-informed. Our consultations cost a nominal fee of $50 which is applied toward the cost of surgery.
Is breast augmentation covered with insurance?
Should we include the caveat that BA for MTF is usually covered by insurance as it is deemed medically necessary?
- No, breast augmentation for cosmetic purposes is not covered by insurance.
- However, GENDER AFFIRMING breast augmentation for MTF TRANSFEMININE PATIENTS ARE USUALLY covered by insurance.
Are breast augmentation stitches dissolvable?
Yes, we use dissolvable stitches for breast augmentation. This makes your recovery smoother, as there’s no need to return for stitch removal, and healing can proceed naturally without added discomfort.
Can breast augmentation look natural?
Absolutely. Achieving a natural look is one of our primary goals, and we carefully select the right implant size, shape, and positioning for each patient. We work closely with you to ensure the result complements your body shape and aligns with your aesthetic preferences.
Can breast augmentation cause cancer?
Current research indicates that breast implants do not cause breast cancer. However, there has been a rare association between textured breast implants and a condition called BIA-ALCL (Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma). Dr. Tony never uses textured implants and has never seen a case of BIA-ALCL in his 30 year career.
Can breast augmentation be done under local anesthesia?
Yes but it can be very uncomfortable because it is difficult to completely numb the pectoralis major muscle. In most cases, breast augmentation is performed under general anesthesia to ensure your comfort and safety. We’ll ensure you’re fully comfortable with our anesthesia approach.
How do I take care of my breast augmentation scars so they heal the best?
Proper scar care is essential for optimal healing. We’ll provide detailed instructions, including gentle massage, silicone-based scar products, and advice on sun protection. Over time, scars typically fade significantly, blending with the surrounding skin. If your incision is in the armpit, that scar virtually disappears in about 1 year.
What happens if breast augmentation implants rupture?
If an implant ruptures, it’s generally not a medical emergency. Saline implants deflate visibly and are safely absorbed by the body, while silicone implants may not show obvious changes due to their cohesive gel structure.
Request an appointment
GET STARTED WITH YOUR CONSULTATION
During your personalized session, Dr. Tony will listen to your goals, answer all of your questions, and provide expert recommendations tailored to your needs. Fill out the form or call us 206-575-0300! Virtual Consultations Available!*
*Virtual consultations are reserved for out-of-state patients or those located more than a several-hour drive away. Please contact us to discuss your eligibility for a virtual appointment.
*Virtual consultations are reserved for out-of-state patients or those located more than a several-hour drive away. Please contact us to discuss your eligibility for a virtual appointment.
