Breast augmentation remains one of the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures, and for many women in Reno, NV, it represents a carefully considered step toward feeling more confident and comfortable in their own bodies. Our consultations at JanigaMDs cover key candidacy factors, health considerations, implant options, and what to expect during the evaluation process, giving you the information you need to make an informed decision before scheduling your procedure.
Breast augmentation, also referred to as augmentation mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to enhance the size, shape, or volume of the breasts using implants or, in some cases, fat transfer. The procedure typically involves placing FDA-approved implants, either saline breast implants or silicone implants, beneath the breast tissue or chest muscle. The specific approach depends on your anatomy, goals, and your plastic surgeon’s recommendations. Results and recovery vary from person to person, and a thorough consultation is essential to determine the most appropriate plan for your situation.
Determining whether you’re a good candidate for breast augmentation involves evaluating several interconnected factors:
Being in good physical health is one of the most important factors your surgeon will assess. Patients who are good candidates for breast augmentation surgery are generally free of active infections, uncontrolled medical conditions, or medical issues that could increase surgical risk. Your medical history will be reviewed thoroughly during your consultation.
Age plays a role in candidacy for breast augmentation. Most guidelines suggest that patients be at least 18 years of age for saline implants and 22 years of age for silicone implants, in alignment with FDA guidelines. Beyond minimum age, your life stage matters. If you are pregnant or currently breastfeeding, surgery should be postponed. Similarly, if pregnancy is planned in the near future, your surgeon may recommend timing your surgery to account for how pregnancy and breastfeeding may affect your results over time.
Having realistic expectations is a core component of candidacy. A good candidate for breast augmentation understands that the procedure can enhance the appearance and proportions of the breasts, but individual results vary. Augmentation is not intended to achieve a specific standardized look; the goal is an outcome that aligns with your personal anatomy and aesthetic goals.
Certain medical conditions or circumstances may affect whether undergoing breast augmentation is appropriate for you at a given time. These include uncontrolled diabetes, autoimmune disorders, active infection, or a history of breast cancer. Patients with a personal or strong family history of breast cancer will need to discuss this with their surgeon, as implants can affect breast imaging and surveillance protocols.
Once candidacy is established, one of the primary decisions involves implant type. Both saline implants and silicone implants are FDA-approved options, each with distinct characteristics. Saline breast implants are filled with sterile saltwater and may be adjusted during surgery. Silicone implants are pre-filled with a cohesive gel and are often described as having a feel closer to natural breast tissue.
Your plastic surgeon will help determine which implant type, size, and placement approach best align with your anatomy, goals, and long-term considerations. In some cases, fat transfer may be discussed as an alternative for patients seeking modest enhancement without implants. Each option carries its own set of risks and benefits, which your surgeon will review with you in detail.
Many patients considering breast augmentation are motivated by concerns beyond size alone. Asymmetry is a common reason women explore augmentation. Implants can be selected in different sizes to address asymmetry, though achieving perfect symmetry is not always possible, and individual results vary. Changes in breast size or shape following pregnancy, breastfeeding, or significant weight fluctuation are also common motivators. Breast augmentation surgery can help restore lost volume, though it is typically recommended that patients be at or near their stable goal weight before surgery to achieve the most consistent, lasting outcome.
When evaluating your candidacy for breast augmentation, your surgeon’s qualifications and experience matter. At JanigaMDs, patients in Reno, NV, and throughout Northern Nevada have access to a board-certified plastic surgeon with more than two decades of experience in cosmetic surgery, including breast augmentation.
Our practice has served tens of thousands of patients across the region, including those traveling from surrounding Northern Nevada communities. Dr. Janiga takes the time to evaluate each patient’s medical history, physical health, anatomy, and goals before determining the most appropriate course of treatment. Candidacy is never assumed; it is determined through a thorough, individualized consultation process designed to support informed decision-making and patient safety.
Your surgeon will assess your current weight and overall health during your consultation. It is generally recommended that patients be at or near a stable weight before undergoing augmentation, as significant weight changes after surgery can affect their results.
Breast augmentation does not prevent pregnancy or breastfeeding, but pregnancy and breastfeeding can alter the appearance of your breasts after surgery. Many surgeons recommend discussing your family planning timeline during your consultation so that timing can be incorporated into your overall treatment plan.
Recovery varies by individual and depends on factors such as implant placement, implant type, and your overall health. Your surgeon will provide specific guidance on returning to daily activities and exercise based on your procedure and progress.
Self-confidence and personal motivation are genuinely relevant factors in candidacy. Patients who are pursuing breast augmentation for their own reasons and who have realistic expectations about the outcome tend to report higher satisfaction with their results.
Breast implants can affect standard mammography imaging. Patients with implants may require additional imaging views or specialized techniques to ensure thorough evaluation. It’s important to inform your imaging provider about your implants and to maintain your recommended breast health screening schedule.
At JanigaMDs, Dr. Janiga brings more than two decades of experience in plastic surgery and a patient-centered approach to every consultation. If you’re ready to determine whether you’re a good candidate for breast augmentation in Reno, NV, contact our team or call (775) 364-0224 to schedule your appointment.

JanigaMDs is the only practice in Northern Nevada offering both plastic surgery procedures and medical spa treatments from board-certified physicians Dr. Timothy and Dr. Jennifer Janiga. Founded in 2010, the team at JanigaMDs has been proven to provide the utmost care for all patients. With a 4.7 rating over almost 700 reviews, JanigaMDs is the premier aesthetic practice in Northern Nevada.

Founded in 2010, the team at JanigaMDs has been proven to provide the utmost care for all patients. With a 4.7 rating over almost 700 reviews, JanigaMDs is the premier aesthetic practice in Northern Nevada.
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