Breast Augmentation at Des Moines Plastic Surgery

Personalized Breast Enhancement with Dr. David Robbins

Breast augmentation is one of the most customizable cosmetic breast procedures available. Whether you want to increase breast volume, restore fullness lost after pregnancy or weight changes, improve asymmetry, or create proportions that feel more balanced with your figure, the right result depends on much more than simply choosing an implant size.

At Des Moines Plastic Surgery™, Dr. David Robbins, Iowa’s only quadruple board-certified plastic surgeon, takes an individualized approach to breast augmentation. Implant type, size, profile, placement, and your existing breast and chest anatomy are all considered when developing a surgical plan designed around your body and aesthetic goals.

Schedule Breast Augmentation Consultation

Before scheduling your consultation, please take a moment to determine if you’re a candidate for surgery

West Des Moines Ankeny

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
  • Brand – Motiva or Natrelle
  • Shape – round or anatomical (teardrop)
  • Profile – how far the implant projects from the chest
  • Placement – over or under the pectoral muscle, traditional method or Preservé method

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

As of 2025, the team at Des Moines Plastic Surgery has performed over 6,000+ cosmetic breast surgeries.

natrelle implants des moines

Breast Augmentation Overview 

Breast augmentation, also known as augmentation mammaplasty, is a surgical procedure that uses breast implants to increase or restore breast volume and enhance breast shape and proportions.

Women consider breast augmentation for many different reasons. Some have always wanted greater breast fullness, while others experience changes following pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight loss, or aging. Breast augmentation can also help improve differences in breast size or shape when asymmetry is a concern.

Depending on your individual goals, breast augmentation may help:

  • Increase breast size and volume 
  • Restore fullness lost after pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight changes, or aging 
  • Enhance upper breast fullness 
  • Improve breast symmetry 
  • Create greater balance between the breasts and overall body proportions 
  • Enhance breast shape and contour

The goal is not to create the same breast shape or size for every patient. Dr. Robbins considers your natural anatomy and desired outcome when recommending the implant and surgical approach most appropriate for you.

How Breast Augmentation Works 

Breast augmentation involves creating a carefully planned pocket and placing an implant to enhance breast volume, shape, and projection. However, the implant itself is only one part of the result. During your consultation, Dr. Robbins evaluates several factors that influence how your breasts will ultimately look and feel, including:

  • Implant type: Saline, silicone gel, and highly cohesive silicone implants have different characteristics. 
  • Implant size: Implant volume is measured in cubic centimeters (cc), but the same implant size can look very different on different bodies. 
  • Implant shape: Different implant shapes can influence breast contour and fullness. 
  • Implant profile: Profile determines how far an implant projects forward relative to its width. 
  • Implant placement: Implants may be positioned above or beneath the pectoral muscle depending on your anatomy and surgical plan. 
  • Your existing anatomy: Chest width, breast tissue, skin quality, nipple position, symmetry, and body proportions all influence implant selection.

Rather than selecting an implant based on a single measurement or cup-size goal, these factors are considered together to create a breast shape that complements your individual proportions.

 

vectra imaging

The Benefits of Vectra 3D Imaging for Breast Augmentation

Des Moines Plastic Surgery™ offers 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.

Combined procedure planning

Treatments to Pair with Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation can be combined with other procedures in the same surgery. Where a combination applies, it allows for one anesthesia event and one coordinated recovery.

Breast Lift

Sagging with volume loss
What it addressesMild to moderate sagging and a nipple position that sits low on the chest wall.
Why it pairs with breast augmentationThe lift repositions the breast and nipple higher while the implant restores fullness, so both concerns are corrected without two separate recovery periods.

Mommy Makeover

Post-pregnancy
What it addressesCombined breast and abdominal changes that follow pregnancy and nursing.
Why it pairs with breast augmentationFor patients working through post-pregnancy body changes, augmentation is frequently built into a broader Mommy Makeover plan so the breasts and midsection are treated as one coordinated result.

Tummy Tuck

Midsection
What it addressesExcess abdominal skin and separated abdominal muscles.
Why it pairs with breast augmentationRestoring upper body volume can make a stretched or lax midsection more noticeable, which is why the two are so often planned together within a single surgical session.

Liposuction

Waist and flanks
What it addressesLocalized fat along the waist, flanks, and bra line.
Why it pairs with breast augmentationRefining the waist and flanks sharpens the proportion between the chest and torso, which is what makes an augmentation read as balanced rather than isolated.

During consultation, our team reviews anatomy and goals to determine which combination, if any, makes sense for your plan.

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. 

Morgan — Breast Augmentation

Morgan discusses her breast augmentation journey and how her results helped her feel more confident and empowered in her everyday life.

Breast Implant Options

Choosing breast implants involves considerably more than deciding between saline and silicone or selecting a desired cup size. The implant that looks appropriate on one patient may create a very different result on another because breast width, existing tissue, chest dimensions, skin elasticity, and overall body proportions all affect the outcome.

During your consultation, Dr. Robbins will help you compare your breast implant options and understand how each decision may influence your results.

Saline Breast Implants:

Saline breast implants have a silicone outer shell that is filled with sterile saline solution after the implant has been placed. Because saline implants are inserted before they are filled, they may allow for a smaller incision. Their fill volume can also be adjusted during surgery to help address differences between the breasts.

If a saline implant ruptures, the saline is absorbed by the body and the affected breast typically loses volume, making the rupture readily apparent. Some patients prefer saline implants, while others find that silicone implants provide the feel or aesthetic characteristics they desire. Your existing breast tissue and anatomy can influence how either option looks and feels.

Silicone Breast Implants:

Silicone breast implants consist of a silicone outer shell filled with silicone gel. Many patients choose silicone implants because the gel is designed to provide a soft feel that more closely resembles natural breast tissue. They are available in a variety of sizes, shapes, and profiles, giving Dr. Robbins multiple options for customizing breast augmentation according to a patient’s anatomy.

Unlike saline implants, silicone implants are pre-filled before placement. A rupture may also be less immediately noticeable, which is why appropriate long-term monitoring of silicone implants is important.

Gummy Bear Breast Implants:

“Gummy bear” implants are not a completely separate category from silicone implants. They are a type of silicone breast implant made with a more highly cohesive silicone gel.

The thicker gel is designed to maintain its shape and remain cohesive within the implant shell. These implants are sometimes described as form-stable or highly cohesive implants.

Depending on the specific implant selected, potential characteristics can include:

  • Greater shape stability 
  • Less folding or rippling in some patients 
  • A firmer feel than less cohesive silicone implants 
  • A range of shapes, sizes, and profiles 

Whether a highly cohesive implant is preferable depends on your anatomy, existing breast tissue, and the result you want to achieve.

Round vs. Anatomical Breast Implants:

Breast implants are available in different shapes. Round implants have a symmetrical shape and are available in different profiles and degrees of gel cohesivity. Depending on implant selection and anatomy, they can create anything from subtle enhancement to greater upper breast fullness.

Anatomical or shaped implants are designed with a contoured or teardrop-like shape, with greater fullness toward the lower portion of the implant. Shape alone does not determine whether breast augmentation will look “natural.” Implant dimensions, profile, placement, existing breast tissue, and surgical technique all contribute to the final appearance.

Breast Implant Profile and Projection:

Implant profile describes how far the breast implant projects forward from the chest relative to its base width. Depending on the implant manufacturer and style, options may range from lower to higher profiles.

A lower-profile implant generally has a wider base and less forward projection, while a higher-profile implant can provide greater projection from a narrower base. That does not mean a higher profile automatically creates a “better” or more dramatic result. The appropriate profile depends on factors such as your chest width, desired fullness, existing breast tissue, and overall proportions.

Breast Implant Placement: 

Another important decision is where the breast implant will be positioned in relation to the chest muscle. Implants may be placed above the pectoral muscle (subglandular) or partially or completely beneath the muscle, depending on the surgical approach.

Each placement has potential advantages and considerations. Factors such as the amount of natural breast tissue available to cover the implant, implant type, body composition, lifestyle, and desired result can influence the recommendation. Dr. Robbins determines implant placement individually rather than using the same approach for every breast augmentation patient.

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

Before scheduling your consultation, please take a moment to determine if you’re a candidate for surgery

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.

Before scheduling your consultation, please take a moment to review if you’re a candidate for surgery

West Des Moines

Ankeny

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

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

Before scheduling your consultation, please take a moment to determine if you’re a candidate for surgery

West Des Moines Ankeny

Related Procedures

Breast Implant Exchange
Breast Lift
Breast Reduction

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