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Small Breast Augmentation

Small Breast Augmentation Houston, TX

Small breast augmentation is a surgical procedure tailored for women seeking subtle, natural enhancements to their breast size and shape. Unlike traditional breast augmentation, which often uses larger implants for dramatic increases, small breast augmentation focuses on refined, modest improvements that complement the patient’s body proportions.

This procedure is ideal for women who want to enhance volume, improve symmetry, or restore lost fullness without significantly altering their natural appearance, often resulting in balanced, youthful, and proportionate contours.

At Livingston Plastic Surgery in Houston, Dr. Christopher K Livingston MD FACS PA brings over two decades of experience and board certification in plastic surgery to offer expert small breast augmentation tailored to each patient’s unique goals and body type.

Dr. Livingston emphasizes a personalized, evidence-based approach, ensuring that every surgery aims for natural-looking, beautiful results with minimal downtime and discomfort. Whether restoring volume after pregnancy, weight loss, or simply seeking a modest size enhancement, small breast augmentation at Livingston Plastic Surgery delivers a refined aesthetic that enhances confidence and complements the overall silhouette.

What is Small Breast Augmentation?

Small breast augmentation, sometimes called “ballerina breast augmentation,” involves the use of smaller breast implants or fat transfer techniques to increase breast size by a modest amount. This procedure caters to women with smaller frames or those who desire only a slight size increase to enhance natural proportions without the exaggerated look often associated with larger implants.

The goal is not to create a dramatic change but to produce a subtle enhancement that looks natural and feels comfortable. Small breast augmentation can add fullness to breasts that are slightly asymmetrical or have lost volume due to life changes such as pregnancy, breastfeeding, or aging.

Patients who undergo small breast augmentation often seek outcomes such as:

  • Slightly fuller breasts that maintain a natural appearance and shape.
  • Improved breast symmetry and contour.
  • A more balanced silhouette that complements their figure.
  • Restored confidence with breast size that feels in harmony with their body.

Dr. Livingston is an amazing surgeon, with a phenomenal bedside manner, and office staff you’ll fall in love with.

– Meredith (Google Reviews)

The Consultation Process

Your journey begins with a private consultation at Livingston Plastic Surgery, where Dr. Livingston will take the time to understand your aesthetic goals and lifestyle. The consultation is an opportunity to discuss your breast anatomy, desires for size and shape, and any concerns or questions you may have about the procedure.

During this initial meeting, Dr. Livingston will:

  • Assess your current breast size, shape, and skin quality.
  • Discuss implant options, including silicone or saline, as well as fat transfer alternatives.
  • Explain implant placement choices (under the muscle or breast tissue) and incision locations (breast fold or areola).
  • Address recovery expectations and the surgical process in detail.

This personalized, patient-centered approach ensures that your small breast augmentation is designed uniquely for you, focusing on achieving results that align with your vision.

Dr. Livingston

Christopher Livingston, MD

“The most important part of plastic surgery is achieving a youthful, refreshed look, with minimal downtime.”

Board-Certified Plastic & Reconstructive surgeon

Chris Livingston, MD

I believe that every design is personal. The connection we have with clients determines how the projects will look at the end of the design process. We must understand the clients and bond with them, be a part of their dream. Their dream is our dream.

The Small Breast Augmentation Procedure

Small breast augmentation is typically performed as an outpatient surgery under general anesthesia to ensure your comfort throughout. The procedure usually lasts one to two hours, depending on whether fat grafting is combined with implants.

The surgical process generally follows these steps:

  1. A small incision is made, commonly in the inframammary fold—the natural crease beneath the breast—or sometimes around the areola to minimize visible scarring.
  2. A pocket is created either under the chest muscle (submuscular) or directly behind the breast tissue (subglandular) to place the implant.
  3. Smaller implants sized for modest enhancement are carefully inserted into the pocket, positioned to maintain natural breast contours.
  4. If fat transfer is part of the plan, purified fat collected from other areas of the body, such as the abdomen or thighs, is injected strategically into areas requiring additional volume.
  5. The incisions are closed with fine sutures, and a dressing is applied to support healing.

Dr. Livingston’s technique emphasizes precision to achieve natural, lasting results with minimal discomfort.

Recovery and Results

Recovery from small breast augmentation tends to be quicker and less involved than larger augmentation procedures, thanks to the smaller implant size and less tissue disturbance. Most patients experience some swelling, mild bruising, and tenderness for the first few days following surgery.

Key recovery points include:

  • Most patients can return to light activities and work within one to two weeks.
  • It is important to avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise for about four to six weeks to ensure proper healing.
  • Swelling gradually subsides over several weeks to months, revealing your final breast shape.
  • Livingston provides detailed post-operative care instructions and schedules follow-up visits to monitor your progress and ensure your satisfaction with the outcome.

Patients report a boost in self-confidence and satisfaction from the subtle, balanced enhancement that looks natural yet noticeable.

Why Choose Dr. Christopher Livingston for Small Breast Augmentation?

Dr. Christopher Livingston is a double board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon based in Houston, TX, with nearly 20 years of experience. He is known for combining the latest evidence-based surgical techniques with an artistic touch that prioritizes natural beauty and proportion.

Reasons to choose Dr. Livingston include:

  • Extensive expertise in breast procedures tailored for every patient’s unique body and goals.
  • A commitment to standard-of-care protocols that prioritize safety, comfort, and optimal results.
  • A personalized approach that creates a supportive, non-pressuring environment to make every patient feel relaxed and confident.
  • A track record of thousands of satisfied patients who appreciate his detailed attention and natural-looking results.

Dr. Livingston’s focus is on achieving a youthful, refreshed look with minimal downtime, helping patients rediscover confidence through subtle yet impactful changes.

Is Small Breast Augmentation Right for You?

Small breast augmentation is an excellent choice for women who:

  • Desire a modest increase in breast size without changing their overall body proportions dramatically.
  • Want to improve breast symmetry or correct slight underdevelopment.
  • Seek to restore breast volume lost after pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight loss, or aging.
  • Prefer a natural-looking enhancement rather than a more obvious augmentation.

If these goals align with your vision, a consultation with Dr. Livingston can help determine the best personalized plan to achieve your desired results.

Real Patient Results

Discover the results Dr. Chris Livingston has achieved. Explore our gallery to see before and after plastic surgery transformations at Livingston Plastic Surgery in Houston, TX.

Schedule Your Consultation

At Livingston Plastic Surgery, patients are welcomed into a compassionate, expert-driven setting where your individual goals shape your treatment plan. To learn more about small breast augmentation or other breast procedures, request a consultation with Dr. Christopher Livingston today.

Celebrate a new chapter of confidence with a subtle, natural enhancement designed uniquely for you. Experience the beauty of balance and proportion with Houston’s trusted breast surgeon.

FAQs: Houston Small Breast Augmentation

While small breast augmentation generally involves less tissue trauma and smaller implants, it carries similar risks as traditional breast augmentation, including infection, bleeding, and changes in nipple or breast sensation. Long-term risks may include capsular contracture (scar tissue hardening), implant rupture, or shifting. Choosing an experienced surgeon like Dr. Livingston helps minimize these risks through advanced surgical techniques and careful post-operative care.

Breast augmentation can potentially impact lactation because the surgery may affect breast ducts or nerves. However, many women successfully breastfeed after augmentation, especially when implants are placed under the muscle and incisions are made in locations that spare milk ducts. A consultation can help discuss surgical options to best preserve breastfeeding ability.

Breast implants are not lifetime devices. While many last 10-20 years or more without issues, some patients might experience implant rupture or capsular contracture requiring revision surgery. Smaller implants can sometimes reduce strain on tissues, potentially minimizing complications and prolonging implant life. Regular follow-up and imaging screenings recommended by your surgeon can help monitor implant integrity. 

Small breast implants involve placing a silicone or saline implant to create volume, while fat transfer uses liposuctioned fat from other body areas to enhance breast size naturally. Fat transfer avoids implant-related risks like capsular contracture but may require a secondary procedure if some fat is reabsorbed by the body. Dr. Livingston can guide you to the method that suits your goals and anatomy best.

Preparation includes a thorough medical evaluation and consultation to discuss expectations, implant choices, and surgical plans. Patients should avoid smoking, certain medications or supplements that increase bleeding risk, and arrange for post-surgery care and transportation. Following your surgeon’s pre-operative instructions closely helps ensure a smooth procedure and recovery.