Breast
Augmentation

Breast augmentation — also called augmentation mammaplasty — is one of the most performed plastic surgery procedures in the United States. It enlarges the breasts using implants, fat transfer, or the minimally invasive Preservé technique, and is frequently combined with a breast lift (mastopexy) for patients who also have sagging.

Although many surgeons in Boise, Meridian, Eagle, and Canyon County offer this procedure, it is important to choose a surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery — like Dr. Poppler — who has the training and experience to produce beautiful results and minimize complications. ABPS certification requires a minimum of six years of surgical training, passage of written and oral board examinations, and ongoing continuing education.

Dr. Poppler regularly sees patients seeking second opinions and revisions after procedures performed by non-board-certified providers. Your consultation will include a thorough review of your anatomy, hobbies, physical activity, prior surgeries, and medical history to build the right plan for you.

Incision placement depends on the technique used. Dr. Poppler carefully accounts for how skin heals and stretches so the final scar position is as discreet as possible. All surgical prices include scar management — silicone tape, silicone gel, and laser treatments as needed — to help scars heal well.

A breast implant is a thoroughly studied medical device available since the early 1960s, with significant technological improvements over the past 20 years. All implants share a soft medical-grade silicone elastomer shell — which is not made of plastic and does not break down the same way plastics do over time.

Fat transfer (fat grafting) involves using liposuction to harvest fat from an area of the body where you don't want it — such as the abdomen or flanks — processing it to remove damaged cells and non-fat tissue, then injecting it into the breasts. Approximately 70–80% of the transferred fat will survive permanently.

Fat transfer typically increases breast size by up to one full cup size. It is an excellent option for women who have unwanted fat in another area, prefer to avoid implants, and want a modest, natural-feeling increase in size. For very thin patients without sufficient donor fat, an alloplastic fat option (AlloClae — fat from human organ donors) is available at Treasure Valley Plastic Surgery.

Unlike standard above-muscle placement, Preservé preserves the natural support ligaments of the breast and places the implant within the breast tissues themselves — specifically targeting the upper breast to improve fullness and cleavage without adding excess volume to the lower breast. Because no natural support structures are disrupted, the technique minimizes trauma, allows surgery without general anesthesia, and results in dramatically faster recovery.

Implant placement is a personal choice with no universally correct answer. Dr. Poppler will discuss your anatomy, lifestyle, and goals — including whether the Preservé technique changes the equation for you — to help you decide.

Choosing the right implant involves size, shape, projection, gel cohesivity, and brand. Dr. Poppler uses 3D imaging, sizers, and his clinical experience to help you visualize and select the right implant — there is no shortcut for this conversation.

The internal bra is a surgical modification using absorbable mesh placed inside the breast to provide structural support. The mesh dissolves over about 1–1.5 years, leaving behind scar tissue that permanently supports the breast tissues. It is helpful for women wanting larger breasts who are prone to gravitational drooping, and is particularly useful when implants are placed above the muscle.

The internal bra is more technically complex, slightly increases complication risk, and involves expensive materials — the mesh alone adds approximately $1,000 to the cost of surgery. For these reasons, it is not appropriate for everyone. Dr. Poppler will discuss whether it is a good option for your anatomy and goals.

If you are significantly overweight, you may not be a good candidate for breast augmentation, and Dr. Poppler may recommend losing weight first to improve results and reduce risks. Best results are achieved when you are at the weight you intend to stay at.

Losing weight before surgery is only beneficial if you will maintain it — surgery before weight loss produces suboptimal results as your skin will loosen and breast size and shape will change with the weight loss.

Risks are higher in patients who smoke, have poor nutrition, auto-immune disease, or take blood-thinning medications. At Treasure Valley Plastic Surgery, your safety is our number one priority, and all surgical prices include an insurance plan to help pay for care related to any complications.

Some patients require revision surgery to correct a problem or change their result. Minor in-clinic revisions — such as scar revision or small adjustments — start at approximately $500. More complex revisions requiring a return to the operating room are priced based on the specific procedure required.

Dr. Poppler also accepts patients for revision of breast augmentation performed by other surgeons and honors all manufacturer warranties regardless of where the original surgery was performed.

Breast augmentation at Treasure Valley Plastic Surgery starts at approximately $7,500 and may range up to approximately $15,000 depending on the technique, implant brand, and additional procedures combined (such as a breast lift). The Preservé technique is approximately 50% more expensive than standard augmentation due to the specialized training, equipment, and premium Motiva implant required.