Breast Augmentation

Chevy Chase, MD

Beautifully Enhanced Curves

Introduction to Breast Augmentation in Washington, D.C.

Breast augmentation in Washington, DC, is one of the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures for people who want to increase breast size, improve shape, or correct asymmetry. Patients may choose implants or a fat transfer technique to enhance breast shape and size with extreme precision. Many people seek this surgery to feel more in touch with their femininity and improve their confidence in swimsuits and intimate situations, while others want to restore lost volume after weight reduction or pregnancy.

Regardless of your reasoning, we don’t judge. At Ikon Plastic Surgery in Chevy Chase, MD, just outside Washington, DC, our Board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. James M. Economides, works with physically healthy, fully developed patients to develop a treatment plan tailored to their goals. Below, you’ll find what you need to know about breast augmentation options, benefits, candidacy, implant selection, preparation, recovery, combining procedures, cost, and why patients in the Washington, DC, area choose Dr. Economides. Get started by reading the information below and scheduling a consultation with Dr. Economides.

Dr James Economides in white shirt meeting with female client in modern office setting - Breast augmentation in Chevy Chase, MD

What is Breast Augmentation?

Breast augmentation, also known as a “boob job,” is a cosmetic procedure that increases the size of the breasts and enhances their shape.2 It can be performed using silicone implants or saline breast implants, or by transferring fat from donor areas on the patient’s body. Both of these procedures achieve natural-looking, long-lasting results, especially when performed by an elite plastic surgeon like Dr. Economides, and can also improve breast symmetry.

The breast augmentation procedure requires careful planning to ensure the results align with the patient’s goals. Several factors go into this planning process, including the implant type, size, shape, placement technique, and incision type, as the surgeon develops a surgical plan tailored to the patient’s anatomy and desired outcome.

Breast augmentation combined with breast lift (mastopexy) eliminates sagging skin, repositions the nipples, and elevates the breasts to a higher position on the chest while using implants to add volume, cleavage, and upper-pole fullness in the same procedure. This procedure is sought by individuals who have experienced volume loss and sagging due to pregnancy, significant changes in weight, or natural aging.

What Sets Dr. Economides Apart as the Premier Breast Augmentation Surgeon in Washington, DC?

  • Internationally recognized as an educator and lecturer, presenting at universities and conferences around the world.
  • Insights into aesthetic procedures featured in Bloomberg
  • Named a Power Player by Modern Luxury DC
  • Recognized as a Top Doctor every year since 2019

 

  • Board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery
  • Known for medical expertise in breast and body procedures
  • Designs every treatment plan around the individual, including their anatomy, goals, and the life they want to live in their own skin

Breast Augmentation Quick Facts

Surgery Time:

1-2 hours

Price:

$9,000 to $12,000, depending on the facility and anesthesia fees (For an accurate cost, please ask during your consultation).

Recovery:

1-3 weeks

Results:

Initial improvement is immediate, with final results developing over 3-6 months as the implants settle.

Who Are the Best Candidates for Breast Augmentation?

Ideal candidates for breast augmentation reside in Washington, DC, and:

  • Are physically healthy
  • Are not pregnant or breastfeeding
  • Have fully developed breasts
  • Want to increase their breast size
  • Want to restore lost volume and shape after pregnancy, weight loss, or aging
  • Have lost fullness in the upper portion of the breasts or feel they appear deflated
  • Want to improve breast symmetry

What Are the Benefits of Breast Augmentation?

Many of our Washington, DC, patients seek breast augmentation to restore lost volume, improve breast symmetry, and feel more confident. The benefits these patients seek with breast augmentation include:

  • Increased fullness and projection of breasts
  • Improved balance of breast and hip contours
  • Enhanced self-image and self-confidence
  • Improved sense of femininity
  • Natural-looking results when the procedure is tailored to your proportions
Professional woman in black blazer discussing documents with client across wooden table in office setting - in Chevy Chase, MD

How to Begin Your Breast Augmentation Journey

Embark on your breast augmentation consultation journey with an informative consultation in Washington, DC, where you will meet our Board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Economides. Be prepared to discuss:

  1. Your aesthetic goals, concerns, and expectations
  2. Your medical history, current medications, and any allergies
  3. The procedure in detail, including the implant’s qualities, the overall surgical process, recovery, when to expect results, and potential risks

Dr. Economides will:

  1. Assess the quality and state of your breasts, including detailed measurements of their size, shape, and quality
  2. Take photos for reference
  3. Recommend a personalized surgical plan based on your anatomy and goals

Steps of Selecting Your Implants

There are several things to consider when choosing your breast implants that create subtle, yet important differences in your results.

Saline breast implants have a silicone shell filled with sterile saltwater and a firmer feel, offering flexibility in size for a personalized result. These are safer because the saline is absorbed into the body if the implant ruptures, and a rupture typically causes visible deflation.

Silicone implants are filled with silicone gel, which feels more natural and lighter than saline. Silicone often feels softer and closer to real breast tissue than saline. This option is more popular and helps the implants maintain shape even if the shell is damaged.

Gummy bear implants are a silicone option that maintains their shape because of the thicker silicone gel. Textured implants are generally avoided because of safety concerns.

Incision Placement

The most common incision placements are under the breast crease (Inframammary), around the areola (Perioareolar), or in the armpit (transaxillary), and your surgeon uses carefully planned incisions to place implants accurately while keeping scars discreet.

The inframammary technique is the most popular and has unmatched surgical precision and a highly concealed scar. It also has the lowest risk of damaging milk ducts or nipple sensation.

The perioareolar technique is best for patients with sufficient areolar size who want to avoid scars on the breast tissue itself.

The transaxillary technique is best for patients who don’t want any scars on their breasts.

5 Steps to Prepare for My Breast Augmentation with Dr. Economides

Dr. Economides will give you a detailed breakdown of steps to help you prepare for a safe surgery and a smooth recovery. Here are some important steps to remember:

  1. Stop taking NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs), which are blood thinners and increase the likelihood of bleeding during surgery and while you recover
  2. Stop smoking tobacco and drinking alcohol at least 2 weeks before surgery
  3. Prepare meals for at least a week, so you don’t have to cook during the early stage of recovery
  4. Take time off from work, as you will need to prioritize rest during recovery
  5. Arrange for a contact to pick you up from your surgery, as it will not be safe to head home alone

What to Expect On the Day of Breast Augmentation Surgery

On the day of your breast augmentation surgery, you will arrive at our office in Chevy Chase, MD, and confirm that you have a contact arranged to pick you up after your surgery. You’ll be led to an operating room, where you will change into a surgical gown. Wear a shirt that opens in the front to avoid lifting your arms over your head.

Breast augmentation is an outpatient procedure performed under general anesthesia so that you can return home the same day. Dr. Economides will make incisions in the crease under the breast, create the breast pocket, place the implant either under the breast tissue or beneath the chest muscle, and close the incisions with sutures. The exact surgical procedures and techniques used depend on your treatment plan. If additional procedures are included in your treatment plan, Dr. Economides will perform them before, during, or after the breast augmentation steps.

The entire procedure typically takes about 1-2 hours, depending on its extent. Your contact will pick you up and monitor you for the rest of the day, as you will be groggy from the anesthesia.

Doctor James Economides in white coat reviewing medical information on laptop at modern clinic desk - in Chevy Chase, MD

Combining My Breast Augmentation with Other Procedures

In addition to the benefits of breast augmentation, many of our patients in Washington, DC, have other aesthetic concerns that they want to address. Dr. Economides offers several procedures you can combine with your breast augmentation to achieve comprehensive benefits while limiting downtime.

Breast lift is commonly combined with breast augmentation because it positions the breasts higher up on the body, giving your breasts a more youthful, perky appearance. When combined with a breast augmentation, you can address both sagging breasts and the desire to improve breast size at once.

Breast Augmentation Recovery

Immediately After Surgery

The first several days after breast augmentation are when swelling, soreness, and tightness are most noticeable. Most patients require prescription pain medication for the first couple of days to stay comfortable. Rest, wear your surgical bra as directed, and sleep on your back with your head slightly elevated to help reduce swelling and avoid placing pressure on your implants.

The First Two Weeks

Many patients begin to feel significantly better within the first week and can return to light, non-strenuous activities within 1 to 2 weeks. Short walks are encouraged to promote healthy circulation, but avoid activities that strain your chest. Surgical tape typically remains in place for about three weeks, and you’ll continue attending scheduled follow-up appointments so Dr. Economides can monitor your healing.

Weeks 2-6

Continue wearing any garments recommended by Dr. Economides, stay hydrated, eat a nutritious diet, and avoid moderate-to-intense exercise, heavy lifting, and other strenuous activities for at least 4 to 6 weeks. Follow any implant massage instructions included in your aftercare plan, and allow your body time to heal as your implants begin settling into position.

Months 3-6 and Beyond

Your breasts continue to soften and settle over the following months as swelling fully resolves. While you’ll notice an immediate improvement in size and shape, your final breast contours typically become apparent within 3 to 6 months. Patience and careful adherence to your postoperative instructions help support the best possible long-term outcome.

7 Tips for Recovery From Breast Augmentation

Recovery is a crucial part of the breast augmentation journey. Here are some important steps to keep in mind.

  1. Wear the surgical bra and any other garments Dr. Economides provides after your surgery.
  2. Use cold compresses to minimize swelling and bruising
  3. Eat a healthy diet and drink lots of water to stay hydrated and encourage wound healing
  4. Avoid strenuous activities and exercises until Dr. Economides approves otherwise
  5. Take the prescribed pain medication as directed, and follow implant massages if Dr. Economides includes them in your aftercare instructions
  6. Stay patient, as the recovery will take several months to yield the final results
  7. Follow all other specific instructions provided by Dr. Economides

How Much Does a Breast Augmentation Cost in Washington, DC?

The cost of breast augmentation in Chevy Chase, MD, and Washington, DC, varies widely among patients and clinics. The cost is heavily reliant on the implant type, size, shape, and surgical approach. Additionally, combined procedures increase overall cost, even though they reduce it compared to receiving the procedures on separate occasions. General surgical fees also impact the cost.

Book your consultation with Dr. Economides to learn more about breast augmentation costs and the financing plans we offer.

Why Choose Dr. Economides?

Dr. Economides strictly follows his philosophy: “the goal is never a dramatic change—it’s the version of you that looks like yourself, only rested and refined.” He applies this philosophy to all of his procedures, ensuring your results look and feel natural in your own skin. His detailed understanding of breast anatomy, proportion, and surgical planning allows him to create results that complement each patient’s natural frame while maintaining long-term balance and harmony.

Dr. Economides holds several impressive affiliations, including Board certification from the American Board of Plastic Surgery, being named a Power Player by Modern Luxury DC in their June/July issue, Fellowship in the American College of Surgeons, and recognition as a Top Doctor every year since 2019.

Breast Augmentation FAQ’S

  • Professional, kind and highly recommended!

    Dr Economides did my Botox and temple filler perfectly!! He listened to my concerns and answered all my questions. Professional, kind and highly recommended!!

    Katherine K.

  • I had an outstanding facelift experience with Dr. James Economides

    I had an outstanding facelift experience with Dr. James Economides in Arlington, VA. I wanted facial rejuvenation that looked natural — refreshed, not pulled or overdone — and that is exactly what he delivered.

    Michael K.

  • I have no hesitation in fully recommending Dr. Economides

    Dr. Economides came highly recommend by a number of skilled respected doctors. I had a neck lift, face lift and eyebrow lift. Dr. Economides and his staff have been readily available to answer any questions-pre or post surgery. I have no hesitation in fully recommending Dr. Economides for your plastic surgery.

    Virginia H.

  • Dr. Economides is a very skilled surgeon.

    Dr. Economides is a very skilled surgeon. He is honest in his assessments, as he explains what will and will not change after a procedure. I’m very pleased with the results of my facelift. Dr. Economides and his entire staff are professional, kind, and personable.

    Donna M.

  • Dr Economides is the best.

    I’m thrilled with the results of my neck lift & lower facelift. Highly recommend!

    Valerie C.

  • I highly recommend Dr. Economides.

    I had a hernia repair and abdominoplasty with diastasis rectus repair, and I couldn’t be happier with the results. Not only did he resolve my medical concerns, but my abdomen looks amazing—I love my belly button again for the first time in over a decade!

    Monica M.

  • I couldn’t be happier with my experience

    I couldn’t be happier with my experience with Dr. Economides and his team. I can confidently say that I love my results! My tummy tuck and breast reduction have truly changed my confidence and comfort in my own body. The recovery process has been smooth, and any questions or concerns I had were always addressed with professionalism and kindness.

    Diana F.

Sources

  • American Society of Plastic Surgeons. (n.d.-a). Breast augmentation. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/breast-augmentation
  • Breast augmentation (Breast implants) | American Board of Cosmetic Surgery. (n.d.-c). American Board of Cosmetic Surgery. https://www.americanboardcosmeticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/breast/breast-augmentation-surgery/

Schedule Your Breast Augmentation Consultation

Ready to find out what breast augmentation can do for your aesthetic breast goals? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Economides at Ikon Plastic Surgery in Chevy Chase, MD, outside Washington, DC.