Breast Augmentation at Des Moines Plastic Surgery

Achieve Expert Results with a Board-Certified Surgeon You Can Trust

At Des Moines Plastic Surgery™, breast augmentation with implants is one of our most requested procedures. Whether you’re looking to enhance your figure, restore volume lost after pregnancy, or improve symmetry, our expert team uses advanced techniques and Vectra 3D imaging to help you visualize your results before surgery. Led by Dr. David Robbins, Iowa’s only quadruple board-certified plastic surgeon, we provide personalized care in our fully accredited, on-site surgical suite. With natural-looking outcomes and a focus on safety and comfort, breast augmentation in Des Moines can help you achieve your ideal shape and renewed self-confidence.

Schedule Breast Augmentation Consultation
West Des Moines Ankeny
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As of 2025, the team at Des Moines Plastic Surgery has performed over 6,000+ cosmetic breast surgeries.

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Breast Augmentation Overview 

Breast augmentation—also known as breast enhancement or augmentation mammaplasty—is a popular cosmetic procedure designed to increase breast size, volume, and symmetry using saline or silicone implants. At Des Moines Plastic Surgery™, Dr. David Robbins, Iowa’s only quadruple board-certified plastic surgeon, has performed over 5,000 breast surgeries in our fully accredited, on-site operating suite. Whether restoring lost volume after pregnancy or achieving a more balanced silhouette, Dr. Robbins and his expert team provide personalized care and natural-looking results. Explore our photo gallery to see real patient transformations and discover the confidence that comes with beautifully enhanced curves.

How Breast Augmentation Works 

Breast augmentation procedures at Coachlight Clinic combine advanced surgical techniques with meticulous care to achieve exceptional results. During the surgery, implants—either saline or silicone—are strategically placed to enhance breast shape and volume while maintaining the patient’s natural body proportions. Dr. Robbins takes the time to personalize every treatment plan, considering implant size, type, and placement to meet the patient’s desired goals. This ensures that each patient achieves results that look and feel natural while matching their aesthetic aspirations. 

Benefits of a Breast Augmentation Treatment

Women opt for breast augmentation for numerous reasons, including enhanced confidence, improved self-esteem, and achieving a balanced physique. The procedure can: 

  • Increase breast volume and fullness. 
  • Provide a more youthful appearance. 
  • Restore symmetry to uneven breasts. 
  • Help regain lost volume post-pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight loss. 
  • Enhance fit and comfort in clothing and swimwear. 

Breast Augmentation vs. Other Treatments 

Breast augmentation differs from procedures like breast lifts or reductions in both purpose and technique. While augmentation focuses on enhancing size and volume using implants, a breast lift, or mastopexy, addresses sagging or drooping breasts to create a more youthful contour. Breast reductions help alleviate discomfort from overly large breasts. At Coachlight Clinic, we specialize in guiding our patients through these options, helping them select the best procedure to meet their needs. 

Breast Implant Options 

During your consultation, we’ll walk you through every detail of your breast implant choices, including:

  • Implant type – silicone, saline, or gummy bear
  • Shape – round or anatomical (teardrop)
  • Texture – smooth or textured
  • Profile – how far the implant projects from the chest
  • Placement – over or under the pectoral muscle

Our practice also offers Vectra 3D imaging, a system that creates a simulated “before and after” of your body, helping you visualize the outcome and make confident decisions.

Breast Augmentation Before & After Gallery

Images Contain Nudity – Discretion Advised

Breast Augmentation Before Photo by Des Moines Plastic Surgery
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Breast Augmentation After Photo by Des Moines Plastic Surgery
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Breast Augmentation Before Photo by Des Moines Plastic Surgery
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Breast Augmentation After Photo by Des Moines Plastic Surgery
AFTER
Breast Augmentation Before Photo by Des Moines Plastic Surgery
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Breast Augmentation After Photo by Des Moines Plastic Surgery
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Breast Augmentation before and after photos
BEFORE
Breast Augmentation before and after photos
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Breast Augmentation before and after photos
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Breast Augmentation before and after photos
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Breast Augmentation before and after photos
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Breast Augmentation before and after photos
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Breast Lift with Augmentation before photo by Des Moines Plastic Surgery in West Des Moines, IA
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Breast Lift with Augmentation after photo by Des Moines Plastic Surgery in West Des Moines, IA
AFTER: AUG WITH LIFT
Breast Lift with Augmentation before photo by Des Moines Plastic Surgery in West Des Moines, IA
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Breast Lift with Augmentation after photo by Des Moines Plastic Surgery in West Des Moines, IA
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Breast Lift with Augmentation before and after photo by Des Moines Plastic Surgery in West Des Moines, IA
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Breast Lift with Augmentation after photo by Des Moines Plastic Surgery in West Des Moines, IA
AFTER: AUG WITH LIFT
View More Before & Afters
Schedule Breast Augmentation Consultation
West Des Moines Ankeny

Before, During, and After Breast Augmentation

What To Expect Before a Breast Augmentation

Before the procedure, Dr. Robbins conducts a thorough consultation to evaluate your health, discuss your goals, and address any concerns. This includes reviewing your medical history, medications, and mammography results. You’ll work together to finalize implant options, incision placement, and expected outcomes so you feel confident going into surgery. 

What To Expect During a Breast Augmentation

During surgery, general anesthesia is administered to ensure complete comfort. The procedure typically lasts 1 to 2 hours, and patients can usually go home the same day. Dr. Robbins will provide clear instructions for post-surgery care to ensure a safe and smooth recovery process.   

What To Expect After a Breast Augmentation  

The typical recovery period after breast augmentation surgery is about 6 to 8 weeks. During this time, patients can expect to experience some swelling, soreness, and sensitivity in the treated areas, which should gradually subside. To ensure a smooth recovery and achieve the best possible results, Dr. Robbins provides detailed post-operative instructions, including wearing a supportive bra, avoiding strenuous activities, and following proper care routines for incision sites. Adhering to these guidelines can help minimize complications and enhance overall outcomes. 

The Procedure & Recovery

  • Length of surgery: 1–2 hours, performed under general anesthesia
  • Outpatient care: patients return home the same day
  • Initial recovery: light activity can usually resume in just a few days
  • Full recovery: swelling and settling continue to improve over 6–8 weeks, with final results visible in a few months

You’ll be provided with detailed aftercare instructions to ensure a smooth healing process and the best possible outcome.

Who Is a Good Candidate?

Breast augmentation is typically a good fit if you:

  • Are in good overall health
  • Want to enhance breast size or shape
  • Have realistic expectations about surgery and results
  • Are not currently pregnant or breastfeeding

During your consultation, your surgeon will evaluate your medical history and goals to confirm whether breast augmentation is right for you.

Safety & Risks

As with any surgery, there are risks to consider. Potential complications include capsular contracture, implant rupture, changes in nipple sensation, or asymmetry. Choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon and an accredited surgical facility significantly reduces these risks.

Cost & Financing

The cost of breast augmentation can vary depending on implant type, surgical technique, anesthesia, and facility fees. During your consultation, you’ll receive a personalized quote as well as financing options to help make the procedure more accessible.

Schedule Your Consultation

If you’re considering breast augmentation in the Des Moines area, take the first step by scheduling a consultation. You’ll have the opportunity to explore your options and design a plan that aligns with your goals.

Call 515-221-9999 or request an appointment below online to begin your journey.

Achieve Expert Results with a Board-Certified Surgeon You Can Trust

Schedule Breast Augmentation Consultation
West Des Moines Ankeny
natrelle patient fi

Financing Options With PatientFi

Qualified candidates with Natrelle® breast augmentation-related procedures may be eligible for financing with PatientFi®
PatientFi offers:

Higher Approval Rates – We consider more than just your credit score to help you get approved.

Soft Credit Checks – Explore offers without impacting your credit score.

0% APR Promotional Financing – Enjoy special financing options to fit your budget.*

*Important terms and conditions: All financing is subject to credit approval. Depending on creditworthiness and choice of financing option, APRs range between 13.90% and 25.99%. Scheduled payments are based on full contract term length. Interest is paid during the promotional financing period, but will be waived if the borrower pays the full amount financed within the promotional period. Not every provider offers all product term lengths and promotions. Please inquire which term lengths and promotions are available.

Frequently Asked Questions About Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation may be a good option for you if:

  • You are physically healthy
  • You have realistic expectations
  • Your breasts are fully developed
  • You are bothered by the feeling that your breasts are too small
  • You are dissatisfied with your breasts losing shape and volume after pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight loss, or aging
  • Your breasts vary in size or shape
  • One or both breasts failed to develop normally

During your Breast Augmentation consultation, the Des Moines Plastic Surgery team will evaluate your overall health and review your medical history at a consultation. Your surgeon and the team will measure you and discuss all the pros and cons of different implant sizes, types, and placements. We want to ensure you feel confident that you’ve made the right decision.

We will inquire about any medications and nutritional supplements you may be taking. You will be asked about your mammography results and any past biopsies or family history of breast cancer. All risk factors will be considered before the surgery is scheduled.

At the start of breast augmentation surgery, general anesthesia is administered to ensure patient comfort. Breast augmentation surgery usually only takes one to two hours to perform. You’ll discuss the details of implant type and placement during your initial consultation.

Following surgery, you’ll be monitored in our post-operative recovery area until stabilized and fully awake from the anesthesia. Patients are required to have an assigned ‘caretaker’ (family member, friend, etc.) for the first 24 hours after surgery as they will not be able to drive themselves following the surgery and it is best practice to have someone to help assist them as needed.

Most patients return to light activity within a few days and resume more strenuous activity after 6–8 weeks. You’ll wear a supportive, non-underwire bra and follow specific care instructions for incisions and healing. We’ll provide detailed guidance at every step, to view more information now, visit our Breast Augmentation Post-Op Instructions page.

The cost of a Breast Augmentation varies because it is a highly individualized surgery tailored for each patient. The overall price includes anesthesia, operating room facilities, surgeon’s fees, new breast implants, pre and post-care materials, and other related expenses. During the consultation, a detailed treatment plan with an all-inclusive quote for the entire procedure and related appointments before and after will be provided.

Yes! To make planning for your breast augmentation even more convenient, Des Moines Plastic Surgery is pleased to offer our patients the option of financing all or part of their procedure. You can learn more about the available plans during your consultation by visiting our financing page.

Breast augmentation isn’t recommended for patients with untreated medical conditions or unrealistic expectations. Visit here to learn more about compatibility with cosmetic surgery.

As with any surgery, there are potential complications, risks may include infection, implant rupture, capsular contracture, or changes in nipple sensation. Choosing a qualified, board-certified surgeon helps minimize these risks.

  1. Material:
    • Saline Implants are filled with sterile salt water, while silicone implants are filled with a silicone gel that closely mimics the feel of natural breast tissue.
  2. Feel and Appearance:
    • Saline implants may feel firmer and less natural compared to silicone implants, which tend to provide a softer, more natural feel.
  3. Incision Size:
    • Saline implants are inserted empty and then filled once they’re in place, requiring a smaller incision. Silicone implants, on the other hand, come pre-filled, so the incision may be slightly larger.
  4. Rupture Detection:
    • If a saline implant ruptures, the body naturally absorbs the saline, causing noticeable deflation. With silicone implants, a rupture may be less obvious because the gel tends to stay in place, sometimes called a “silent rupture,” which may require an MRI to detect.
  5. Age Requirements:
    • The FDA approves saline implants for those 18 and older, while silicone implants are typically approved for individuals 22 and older.

Both options are safe, and the best choice depends on personal preferences, body type, and aesthetic goals. During your consultation, your surgeon and team will explain these differences and make an implant recommendation to you. The majority of patients option for a silicone implant.

Gummy bear implants, also known as form-stable or highly cohesive silicone gel implants, are a type of silicone breast implant that holds its shape even if the outer shell is damaged or ruptured. The name “gummy bear” comes from the thick, gel-like consistency of the silicone inside the implant, which is similar to gummy bear candy.

Here’s what sets gummy bear implants apart:

  1. Shape:
    Gummy bear implants are often teardrop-shaped, which can provide a more natural slope to the breast compared to round implants. This makes them a popular choice for women looking for a more anatomical or subtle result.
  2. Firmness and Stability:
    The silicone gel in gummy bear implants is thicker and more cohesive than traditional silicone implants, meaning they maintain their shape better over time and are less likely to ripple or fold.
  3. Feel:
    While still soft to the touch, gummy bear implants are firmer than standard silicone implants, which some patients may find less natural feeling, but others appreciate the durability and aesthetic stability.
  4. Less Leakage Risk:
    Because of their cohesive nature, even if the outer shell of the implant ruptures, the gel inside typically stays in place, reducing the risk of leakage into the surrounding tissue.

Gummy bear implants are an excellent option for women seeking a more stable, natural-looking result, but they may require a slightly larger incision for placement due to their firmness and pre-filled structure.

Many women choose to combine breast augmentation with a breast lift to achieve a fuller and perkier appearance. This method is particularly popular among those who have experienced breast sagging due to weight loss, aging, or pregnancy.

Most patients can ease into light activities within two weeks and typically return to exercise after six weeks. However, recovery timelines can differ depending on your healing progress. To ensure the best results, follow Dr. Robbins’s guidance on when it’s safe to resume your routine. 

Breast implants aren’t designed to last a lifetime. Though they often remain in good condition for 10–15 years, their longevity can vary depending on factors such as the type of implant, your lifestyle, and any changes in your health.  

Breast augmentation can sometimes make it harder for mammograms to capture breast tissue because implants may obscure small abnormalities, potentially impacting cancer detection. However, this doesn’t mean women with breast implants should skip their regular mammograms. Skilled technicians can adjust the imaging process to ensure accurate views of the breast tissue, even with implants. Prioritizing routine checkups remains essential for early detection and overall breast health. 

A ruptured implant can be worrying, but it is manageable. If a saline implant ruptures, the sterile saltwater is absorbed safely by the body, leading to a deflated appearance in the affected breast. This change is often noticeable almost immediately. For silicone implants, rupture signs may be slower to appear due to the cohesive gel staying in place—this is sometimes referred to as a “silent rupture.” Imaging, such as an MRI or ultrasound, may be required for detection. 

Implant removal or replacement is typically recommended to maintain the desired breast appearance if a rupture occurs. Dr. Robbins and our team at Des Moines Plastic Surgery are here to guide you through any concerns, ensuring the best possible care and support.  

At Des Moines Plastic Surgery, we want all of our patients to feel good about their goals and any surgery they choose. An office consultation is a no-pressure meeting with our team to talk more about your goals. You may also wish to visit www.plasticsurgery.org to learn more about the professional organization that oversees and certifies our practice and other board-certified plastic surgeons.
Still, each patient has a unique body and medical history. Even hours of web research will not lead you to a final decision. A professional consultation is a must. Please call our office during business hours at 515.221.9999 to schedule a consultation, or send us an email by clicking on Contact Us. You can also schedule an appointment via our online scheduler.

Schedule Breast Augmentation Consultation
vectra des moines

The Benefits of Vectra 3D Imaging for Breast Augmentation

Des Moines Plastic Surgery™ is was the first and currently the only practice in Iowa to offer the Vectra 3D Imaging System. Patients love this system because it allows you to see a 3D image of yourself before and after breast implants.

See our Vectra 3D Imaging webpage for more information or learn more about the Vectra 3D sculptor at SculptMyDream. The website is specifically created for you! It attracts thousands of visits from prospective patients who want to learn more about breast augmentation.

It features an interactive 3D simulator that introduces patients to the aesthetic simulation capabilities of the Vectra 3D System.

Learn More About Breast Augmentation
In Des Moines

If you’re interested in breast augmentation in Des Moines and are ready to take the next step, it’s time to schedule an in-office cosmetic consultation with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons and the Des Moines Plastic Surgery team.

During your breast augmentation consultation, we’ll go over important details regarding recovery and total cost. You’ll also have the chance to view our gallery of before-and-after photos. Call us at 515.221.9999 today or email us.

Schedule Breast Augmentation Consultation
West Des Moines Ankeny

Related Procedures

Breast Implant Exchange
Breast Lift
Breast Reduction

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