Rapid Recovery Breast Augmentation

Many women in Los Angeles considering breast augmentation lead busy lives and need to get back to their careers and families as soon as possible after surgery. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. David Stoker uses specific surgical techniques that limit recovery to 24 hours for most patients and produce his signature “L.A. Natural” results.  

Rapid Recovery Breast Augmentation
 Before & After Photos

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How Much Does Breast Augmentation Cost in Los Angeles?

The prices for breast augmentation procedures vary with the choice of implants, specifics of the procedure, and individual patient factors. We provide patients with a personalized price quote during the consultation and offer financing options to those who are interested.

What Is ‘L.A. Natural’ Breast Augmentation? 

Most of the breast augmentation patients at our Marina del Rey practice want results that look natural. The L.A. Natural breast augmentation procedure developed by Dr. Stoker emphasizes techniques that produce fuller, perkier breasts that are proportional to the rest of the body, so they don’t appear obviously enhanced.  

Dr. Stoker’s meticulous attention to detail when creating surgical plans tailored for each patient improves both the shape and symmetry of the breasts while maintaining a natural appearance. By emphasizing fullness on the sides of the breasts, the procedure enhances a woman’s natural hourglass shape.   

Why choose Dr. Stoker?

The Dr. Stoker Difference

For Your Breast Augmentation:
He is a respected investigator in FDA clinical trials for two of the three silicone gel implant manufacturers in the United States.
He served as a clinical investigator for cohesive silicone gel implants, today’s most popular options.
He’s published clinical research detailing more than 1000 silicone implant case studies.
He’s co-authored a number of articles on emerging breast augmentation techniques and safety considerations.
He’s been featured throughout the media, including The New York Times and NBC’s “Today Show.”

What Is Rapid Recovery Breast Augmentation?  

Creating a detailed surgical plan and selecting the appropriate breast implants to match the patient’s body type are essential parts of Dr. Stoker’s rapid recovery approach to breast augmentation.  

In addition to creating a comprehensive surgical plan, Dr. Stoker uses specific techniques to minimize bleeding during the procedure and swelling after the surgery. Another benefit is a shorter operation, although that’s not the primary goal of these techniques. 

Four techniques create predictable, beautiful results and a rapid recovery after breast augmentation. These include: 

Minimize trauma: By taking a gentle approach and using special devices during the procedure, Dr. Stoker significantly reduces a patient’s post-op discomfort. This is possible regardless of whether the implants are placed above or below the chest muscle. 

Precision: Dr. Stoker also minimizes trauma to breast tissue by using precise, delicate pocket dissection techniques when creating pockets for the implants. 

Touch-free augmentation: Using the Keller Funnel® device enables Dr. Stoker to place implants without touching them. By limiting the handling of the implants, he reduces trauma and the risk of post-op infection that can lead to complications. 

Long-lasting local anesthetic: Dr. Stoker injects Exparel® before closing the incisions. Exparel is a long-acting anesthetic that reduces or even eliminates the need for opioids or other prescription medication to manage pain after surgery. Approved by the FDA in 2011, Exparel is now used by both cosmetic and general surgeons to improve recovery. 

After the procedure, we provide detailed post-op instructions you should follow closely. Most patients find they can work, shop, cook, go out with friends, and otherwise enjoy normal activities the day after their procedure. 

Who’s Not a Candidate for Rapid Recovery Breast Augmentation?

Almost all breast augmentation patients can benefit from these techniques, except perhaps women who are interested in getting very large breast implants or those who combine a breast lift with augmentation.  

What Can I Expect at My First Breast Augmentation Consultation? 

Having an honest and open conversation with patients is a priority for Dr. Stoker. Even before the initial consultation, he carefully reviews a patient’s medical history and breast evaluation questionnaire. During the consultation, he asks patients about their goals for breast augmentation. Common goals include: 

  • A modest size increase to fit better in their clothing 
  • A significant increase in volume to change their look 
  • An improved breast shape 
  • An improved breast symmetry 
  • A restored pre-pregnancy figure 

Many choose to combine their augmentation with a breast lift or other procedures to enhance their augmentation results. 

After listening to patients describe their goals, Dr. Stoker then conducts a thorough physical examination that considers several features, including: 

  • Breast volume, width, and height 
  • Nipple position 
  • Areola size 
  • Rib cage curvature 
  • Skin tone and laxity 
  • Asymmetry 
  • Crease position 

Breast shape and size vary greatly, and Dr. Stoker helps patients understand their best options based on their physical characteristics.  

Your Breast Augmentation Options 

Women choose to get breast implants for very personal reasons. Some patients have always felt self-conscious about having smaller breasts, while women who have had children want to restore the fullness they had before pregnancy. Augmentation is also an excellent solution for women with noticeably asymmetrical breasts.  

Whatever your reason is for considering breast augmentation, you have options regarding the procedure itself. These choices include the type and size of implants and where Dr. Stoker makes the incisions and places the implants.  

Breast Implant Options 

Patients have the advantage of Dr. Stoker’s extensive knowledge about breast implants at our Los Angeles practice. On the leading edge of many new procedures and devices, he served as a clinical investigator for cohesive silicone gel implants (which are used in about 85% of breast augmentation procedures). Your options include: 

implant material

Type: The material filling the implants can be either saline or silicone gel. Silicone gel implants have different degrees of cohesiveness, and the choice is based on personal preference. Most patients believe that gel implants look and feel more like natural breasts.  

implant size

Size: Dr. Stoker helps you choose the implant size that will achieve your cosmetic goals and look in harmony with the rest of your body.  

implant profile

Profile: This relates to how far the implants will project from your body and how your breasts will look from the side.  

implant shape

Shape: Dr. Stoker uses smooth, round implants for virtually all patients. 

You can learn more about your choices on our Breast Implants Options page. 

Incision Location

Incision location diagram
Incision location diagram

Dr. Stoker prefers making breast augmentation incisions either in the crease at the base of the breast (inframammary incision) or on the lower border of the areola (periareolar incision). These are ideal locations for patients getting silicone gel implants. Incisions made in the armpit area (transaxillary incision) are an option if you choose saline implants. Both periareolar and inframammary incisions heal beautifully.  

Implant Location

Patients can choose to have Dr. Stoker insert implants over or under the chest muscle.  

Implant location diagram

Subglandular placement: Implants placed over the muscle rest behind the existing breast tissue. This option works best for patients with enough breast tissue to camouflage the implant’s edges to avoid visible rippling. 

Submuscular placement: In recent decades, submuscular placement has become much more common. The muscle covers the upper portion of the implant, providing additional coverage over the implant in the cleavage area. This greatly minimizes the visibility of the implants’ edges when wearing a bra or swimsuit. Dr. Stoker prefers submuscular placement because studies have shown that the rate of capsular contracture (a complication that occurs when scar tissue contracts around the implant capsule) is lower when the implants are placed under the muscle. Breast imaging to screen for breast cancer is more accurate when the implants are placed behind the muscle. 

Commonly Combined Procedures

Women who get breast implants often choose to combine augmentation with body contouring procedures, such as a tummy tuck and liposuction. This combination is often called a mommy makeover because it addresses the physical changes caused by pregnancy and childbirth. Other procedures commonly combined with breast augmentation are nipple and areola surgery and fat grafting.

What To Expect After Surgery

Dr. Stoker’s rapid recovery breast augmentation techniques enable most patients to resume normal activities, such as working, shopping, and cooking the day after their procedure. You will need to wear a soft, surgical bra until Dr. Stoker gives the OK to wear regular bras. Most patients manage any discomfort with over-the-counter pain medication.

You’ll notice that your breasts sit relatively high on your chest after the procedure. As the tissue and skin soften and relax, the breast implants gradually settle into their final location—a process called “drop and fluff.” This can take anywhere from 6 weeks to 3 months.

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Breast Augmentation FAQ 
How long do breast implants last? 

Implants do not have a specific lifespan or expiration date. However, implants should be replaced or removed if there is a problem with the implant, if the patient’s breast changes significantly, or if the patient’s desires change. Most young people who undergo breast augmentation will have other breast operations at some point for one of those reasons. 

Will I be able to breastfeed after breast augmentation surgery? 

It is most likely that a patient will still be able to breastfeed following breast augmentation surgery. Dr. Stoker takes special precautions to minimize the likelihood of the surgery affecting the function of the breast.

When can you lift your arms after breast augmentation?

We encourage our breast augmentation patients to raise their arms and move them normally before returning home from the surgery center.

How long is breast augmentation surgery? 

Breast augmentation usually takes less than 1 hour of surgery. 

What type of anesthesia will I have for breast augmentation surgery?

General anesthesia is appropriate for breast augmentation surgery. Dr. Stoker prefers a “light” general anesthesia, where a mask in the mouth is used rather than a tube through the vocal cords. The lighter anesthesia does not require paralysis, and patients emerge from anesthesia more quickly and smoothly. Skilled, board-certified anesthesiologist physicians provide an increased level of safety over nurse anesthetists. 

How many days off do you need after breast augmentation?

Most of our patients are ready to go back to nonstrenuous work or school 1 to 2 days after surgery. Some even choose to go out to dinner on their way home after surgery instead of going straight home.

What is the difference between rapid recovery and traditional breast augmentation?

Rapid recovery breast augmentation begins with creating a comprehensive surgical plan to minimize bleeding during the surgery and swelling afterward using specialized surgical equipment; precise, yet delicate, creation of the implant pockets; and other advanced techniques.

Start With a Consultation 

Women considering breast augmentation travel from throughout Southern California and the U.S. to have Dr. Stoker perform their procedures. You can use the online form to request a consultation or call our Marina del Rey office at (310) 300-1779 to schedule an appointment.  

In The Media

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See Dr. Stoker in action on "The Doctors", "The Biggest Loser", "The Today Show", and more.

View Our eBook

Before and After eBook

Learn about professional credentials and see almost 1,000 patient pictures and descriptions by Dr. Stoker.

Dr. David Stoker

Educated at some of the most elite institutions in the country, Dr. David Stoker uses his highly advanced knowledge to ensure that each patient achieves beautiful, harmonious results — whether it's through a simple non-surgical procedure or a more advanced surgical transformation. Learn more about his unique credentials and his approach to plastic surgery.

Why Choose Dr. Stoker
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