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Breast Surgery
Saline and silicone breast augmentation performed by Tim Sayed MD, a board-certified plastic surgeon practicing in La Jolla for over 20 years. One surgeon plans and performs every procedure, with the goal of a natural result sized to your frame, not a catalog look.
20+
Years in practice
Double
Board-certified
1:1
Surgeon-led care
4.6
Google rating
At a glance
What it is
Outpatient surgery that places saline or silicone implants, or in some cases your own fat, to add or restore breast volume and improve shape and symmetry.
Who it suits
Healthy adults at a stable weight, saline from age 18 and silicone from age 22, non-smoking, with realistic goals.
San Diego cost
Typically about $8,000 to $12,000 and up all in, covering the surgeon, implants, anesthesia, and facility. Financing is available.
Procedure time
About 1 to 1.5 hours, performed outpatient with same-day discharge.
Recovery
Desk work in roughly 5 to 7 days, full exercise at 4 to 6 weeks, and final shape at 3 to 6 months.
Provider
Tim Sayed MD, MBA, FACS, a board-certified plastic surgeon practicing in La Jolla for over 20 years.
Breast augmentation here is a customized plan, not a catalog order. The implant type, size, incision, and placement are chosen with you in consultation to fit your anatomy and your goals.
The procedure
Breast augmentation, also called augmentation mammoplasty or a boob job, is surgery that increases or restores breast size and improves shape using implants or, in some cases, fat transfer. It is one of the most commonly performed cosmetic surgeries in the United States, and for most patients it is an outpatient procedure that takes about one to one and a half hours.
Women choose augmentation for different reasons. Some want more volume on a naturally small frame. Others want to restore fullness after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight loss. Many want to balance a noticeable difference between the two sides. The goal is not a single standard result, it is proportion that looks natural on your body and holds up over time.
Augmentation changes size and fullness. It does not lift breasts that sit low on the chest. If sagging is part of what you want to address, a breast lift, or a lift combined with implants, is usually the better fit, and Dr. Sayed will tell you honestly which approach matches your anatomy during the consultation.
Candidacy
A good candidate for breast augmentation is a healthy adult at a stable weight who wants more volume, better symmetry, or restored fullness, and who understands what surgery can and cannot do. The FDA clears saline implants from age 18 and silicone implants from age 22. The strongest candidates are non-smokers who can stay off nicotine before and after surgery, since nicotine slows healing, with expectations that are realistic and discussed openly.
feel your breasts are smaller than you would like, or lost volume after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight change
have a noticeable size or shape difference between the two sides
are in good general health and at a weight you can maintain
do not smoke, or can stop nicotine for several weeks before and after surgery
want a change you can describe clearly and understand the recovery involved
are pregnant or currently breastfeeding (most surgeons ask you to wait several months after breastfeeding ends)
are still losing a significant amount of weight, since results are more predictable at a stable weight
use nicotine and are not ready to stop, because of the healing risk
have significant sagging, which usually needs a lift rather than, or along with, implants
are hoping surgery will resolve something it cannot, which is worth discussing before you commit
If your breasts sit low on the chest, implants alone add volume but do not lift. A breast lift, with or without implants, is often the honest answer, and your surgeon should say so.
Your options
The right implant depends on your anatomy, how much natural tissue you have, and the feel and shape you want. There is no single best implant, only the best one for you, and you decide together in consultation.
A silicone shell filled with sterile salt water, FDA-cleared from age 18. Because they are filled after insertion, they can go in through a smaller incision and let your surgeon fine-tune volume and symmetry during surgery. If a saline implant ever leaks, the body safely absorbs the salt water. The trade-off is a slightly firmer feel and more visible rippling in thin tissue.
Filled with a cohesive gel that tends to feel more like natural breast tissue, which is why many patients choose them. FDA-cleared from age 22. Modern silicone gel holds together rather than running if the shell is damaged. The FDA recommends periodic monitoring of silicone implants over time, which your surgeon will explain.
A highly cohesive, form-stable gel that keeps its shape even if cut, much like the candy they are named for. They hold a consistent shape, resist rippling, and can give a tapered, teardrop look. They are firmer than standard silicone and are placed through a slightly longer incision.
Beyond fill, implants come in round and teardrop (anatomic) shapes and a range of profiles that change how far the implant projects. At your consultation, sizing systems and 3D imaging let you preview options on your own frame before anything is decided.
There is no universally best implant. Saline, silicone, and gummy bear each suit a different combination of tissue, goals, and feel, and the choice is made with you, not for you.
How it works
Breast augmentation is performed under general anesthesia as an outpatient surgery, usually in about one to one and a half hours. Your surgeon makes a discreet incision, creates a pocket for the implant, places and positions it, confirms symmetry, and closes with fine sutures. Three decisions shape the result: where the incision goes, where the implant sits, and the techniques used to keep the procedure clean and precise.
Inframammary. In the crease under the breast, the most common choice, with direct access and the scar hidden in the natural fold.
Periareolar. Along the lower edge of the areola, where the color change helps camouflage the scar.
Transaxillary. In the armpit, leaving no scar on the breast itself, though it limits some future adjustments.
Subglandular. Above the muscle, between breast tissue and the chest muscle, which can mean a quicker recovery for some patients.
Subfascial. Under the thin fascia over the muscle, a technique Dr. Sayed performs frequently.
Dual plane. Partly beneath the chest muscle, for smoother upper-pole coverage and less visible rippling in thinner patients.
Keller funnel. A no-touch method for inserting the implant through a smaller incision.
Antibiotic irrigation. Washing the pocket to lower infection risk.
Meticulous hemostasis. Careful control of bleeding before closing.
Careful technique lowers risk and protects the result. These steps are routine in a well-run operating room and are part of how Dr. Sayed works to reduce complications such as capsular contracture. For the under-the-fascia approach in depth, see subfascial breast augmentation, compare a breast lift with implants, or review all breast surgery procedures.
Cost
In the San Diego area, breast augmentation typically runs from about $8,000 to $12,000 and up, all in, for a primary, first-time augmentation. That figure usually covers the surgeon's fee, the implants, anesthesia, and the surgical facility. Your exact price depends on choices made with your surgeon, so the most accurate number comes from a consultation and a written quote.
Expect roughly $8,000 to $12,000 and up for a primary breast augmentation in San Diego, all in. The only number that truly fits you is the written quote after your consultation.
Implant type. Silicone and gummy bear implants generally cost more than saline.
Surgical complexity. Adding a lift, correcting asymmetry, or combining procedures such as a mommy makeover increases time and cost.
Anesthesia and facility. A fully accredited surgical facility with a board-certified anesthesiologist is worth prioritizing over a lower quote that cuts those corners.
Surgeon experience. A board-certified plastic surgeon's fee reflects training and track record, which matter most on a procedure you want done once and done well.
Breast augmentation is an elective cosmetic procedure, so it is generally not covered by insurance. Many patients spread the cost into monthly payments with financing. You can review current details on the plastic surgery pricing page and financing options, and get a precise figure at your consultation.
Recovery
Most patients are up and walking the day of surgery, back to desk work in about five to seven days, and cleared for full exercise around four to six weeks. Final shape settles over three to six months as swelling resolves and the implants settle. Recovery is manageable for most people, and Dr. Sayed gives you a written plan tailored to your procedure.
Day of surgery
Outpatient, home the same day, with some soreness and tightness managed by prescribed medication. You will need a ride home and help for the first day.
First week
The most noticeable healing, as swelling and bruising begin to ease. Many return to light desk work around days five to seven.
Weeks 2 to 4
Lighter daily activity resumes. Avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and chest work.
Weeks 4 to 6
Most patients are cleared for full exercise, including chest activity, once the surgeon confirms healing.
3 to 6 months
Swelling fully resolves and the implants settle, and this is when you see your final shape.
Sleeping. On your back, upper body slightly elevated, for the first few weeks; avoid stomach and side sleeping until cleared.
Driving. Usually once you are off prescription pain medication and can move comfortably, often around a week.
Exercise. Light walking early for circulation; hold off on running, lifting, and chest work until cleared, typically four to six weeks.
Swimming. Wait until incisions are fully healed and your surgeon approves, generally several weeks, to protect against infection.
Breastfeeding. Many women can still breastfeed after augmentation, though it cannot be guaranteed; raise it at consultation if future breastfeeding matters to you.
The surgeon
Breast augmentation is a one-surgeon decision, and that surgeon's training is the single biggest factor in a safe, natural result. Tim Sayed MD is a board-certified plastic surgeon, MD, MBA, FACS, who has practiced in La Jolla for over 20 years. Rather than a rotating group, you meet, plan with, and are operated on by the same surgeon, from the first consultation through every follow-up.
That continuity matters on a procedure where the result depends on judgment: choosing the implant and profile that fit your frame, selecting the incision and placement that protect long-term shape, and being candid when a lift, not just an implant, is the right call. You can review his full credentials and training, and browse real patient results, before you decide.
American Board of Plastic Surgery
American Board of Surgery
Fellow, American College of Surgeons
20+ years in practice, La Jolla
The area
The practice sits near Westfield UTC on the University City and La Jolla border, a short drive for patients across the coast and inland. Patients come from La Jolla Village, La Jolla Shores, Bird Rock, and Muirlands, from University City and Torrey Pines, and from neighboring Pacific Beach and Clairemont. Many also travel in from Del Mar, Carmel Valley, Solana Beach, Encinitas, and Carlsbad to the north, and from Coronado, Poway, Rancho Bernardo, La Mesa, El Cajon, and Santee.
San Diego's coastal, active lifestyle shapes a lot of augmentation planning here. Patients who run the Torrey Pines trails, swim at La Jolla Cove, or spend weekends at the beach often weigh implant size and placement around staying active and comfortable, and dual plane or subfascial placement can suit athletic frames well. Year-round sun also makes diligent scar care, keeping healing incisions protected and out of direct sun, part of getting the cleanest result in this climate.
4510 Executive Drive, Suite 210, Second Floor
San Diego, CA 92121
Get directions to the La Jolla office on Google Maps
Drive times to the office
University City
4 min
La Jolla Village
6 min
Torrey Pines
9 min
Pacific Beach
12 min
Del Mar
13 min
Carmel Valley
13 min
Meet one-on-one with board-certified plastic surgeon Tim Sayed MD to plan an augmentation around your frame, your goals, and your life in San Diego. You will get a clear recommendation, an honest answer on candidacy, and a written quote.
Questions
A primary breast augmentation in San Diego typically costs about $8,000 to $12,000 and up, all in, covering the surgeon, implants, anesthesia, and facility. Silicone and gummy bear implants cost more than saline, and adding a lift or combining procedures raises the total. Because it is elective, it is generally not covered by insurance, and financing is available. Your exact price comes from a consultation and written quote.
Dual plane augmentation places the implant partly beneath the chest muscle and partly behind the breast tissue. It can give smoother coverage in the upper breast and reduce visible rippling in patients with thinner tissue, while still allowing a natural look. Your surgeon will tell you whether dual plane, subglandular, or subfascial placement fits your anatomy best.
Breast augmentation on its own usually takes about one to one and a half hours and is performed as outpatient surgery, so you go home the same day. Combining it with a breast lift or another procedure adds time, often two to three hours in total.
Most patients return to desk work in about five to seven days and are cleared for full exercise around four to six weeks. Final shape settles over three to six months as swelling resolves. Your surgeon provides a recovery plan specific to your procedure.
Light walking is encouraged early for circulation. Avoid running, heavy lifting, and chest exercises until your surgeon clears you, typically around four to six weeks, to protect healing and implant position.
Sleep on your back with your upper body slightly elevated for the first few weeks, and avoid stomach and side sleeping until your surgeon clears it. This reduces swelling and protects the implant pocket while it heals.
Many women are able to breastfeed after breast augmentation, though it cannot be guaranteed for anyone, with or without implants. If future breastfeeding is important to you, raise it at your consultation so incision and placement choices can take it into account.
Size is chosen with your surgeon using sizing systems and 3D imaging that let you preview options on your own frame, along with your lifestyle and body proportions. The aim is a result that looks natural on you and stays comfortable, rather than a single number.
Breast implants are not guaranteed to last a lifetime and are not required to be replaced on a fixed schedule. Many last well over ten years. You may need revision or replacement eventually due to changes over time, and your surgeon will explain monitoring and manufacturer warranties at your consultation.
Most patients describe tightness and soreness rather than severe pain, especially in the first few days, and it is well managed with prescribed medication. Discomfort eases steadily through the first week as swelling goes down.
Yes. Because breast augmentation is elective and generally not covered by insurance, many patients use financing to spread the cost into monthly payments. You can review current financing options on the practice's financing page or ask about them at your consultation.
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