Table of contents

• Introduction: Why do people consider breast augmentation?
• What is breast augmentation, and what can it improve?
• How do you choose implant CC, profile, and shape?
• Is it better to place the implant over or under the muscle?
• Which incision area is best for breast augmentation?
• What is the most common reason patients seek breast augmentation?
• Are certain implant sizes or shapes more popular right now?
• Have you ever refused to perform breast augmentation, and why?
• Conclusion: What’s the best way to plan your breast augmentation?
• More about Seojin Plastic Surgery Clinic

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Disclaimer: The following is a guest post. The information and opinions expressed are not of koreaclinicguide.com but of Seojin Plastic Surgery Clinic

Introduction: Why do people consider breast augmentation?

Hello, I’m Dr. Hyukmin Lee from Seojin Plastic Surgery in Apgujeong, Gangnam (Seoul). In my consultation room, I meet people with many different goals, backgrounds, and body types—and at our clinic we’re proud to welcome and support our LGBTQ community as well. Breast augmentation is one of the procedures patients ask about most often because it can be a powerful way to enhance breast size, volume, and overall shape.

In this article, I’ll walk you through the questions I hear every day—how implant size is chosen, whether the implant should be placed over or under the muscle, where incisions can be made, and when I might recommend delaying or declining surgery. My goal is to help you understand how the decision-making process works so you can approach breast augmentation with clarity and realistic expectations.

What is breast augmentation, and what can it improve?

Breast augmentation is a procedure that uses implants to improve breast size, volume, and shape. People often seek it when they feel their breasts are small for their frame, when they notice asymmetry between the two sides, or when they’ve experienced sagging or loss of upper fullness. A very common story I hear is after childbirth: patients feel that volume and skin elasticity have decreased, and they want to restore a silhouette that feels more like “themselves.”

It’s important to understand that breast augmentation is not just about “going bigger.” For many patients, it’s really about proportion—creating a balanced look that fits their shoulders, rib cage, and overall body shape. When planning the procedure, I focus on what will look natural on your anatomy, feel comfortable in daily life, and remain stable as you move and age.

How do you choose implant CC, profile, and shape?

When patients ask me, “What CC should I get?” I always bring the conversation back to two key anatomical factors: your rib cage size and your skin elasticity. Your rib cage width helps determine the maximum implant diameter that will fit your chest safely and aesthetically. Meanwhile, your skin elasticity influences the maximum projection your tissues can accommodate—how far forward the implant can sit without creating excessive tension.

Once we understand those boundaries, we can make the process much more concrete. Rather than relying on numbers alone, I prefer using a simulation approach to help you visualize size and shape on your body. CC can vary widely depending on implant width and profile, so two people can choose the “same CC” and end up with very different results. That’s why I place more weight on how the implant fits your anatomy and how it supports your goals than on chasing a specific number.

At Seojin Plastic Surgery, we also developed a hybrid approach called the “Yuyu Plus” technique, which combines implants with PRP nanofat and fat grafting. This method is registered as a trademark with the Korean Intellectual Property Office, and it reflects how seriously we take refinement and customization—especially for patients who want softness, improved contour, or more nuanced shaping alongside implant-based volume.

Is it better to place the implant over or under the muscle?

This is one of the most important choices in breast augmentation, and the best answer depends on your anatomy, tissue characteristics, and lifestyle. Both options have advantages and disadvantages.

With under-the-muscle placement, the implant is often less noticeable to the touch and tends to look more natural and stable for many patients. That said, there is a specific issue that can occur called “animation deformity,” where the implant shifts or changes appearance when you flex your chest muscles. For patients who frequently engage their pectoral muscles—or who are particularly sensitive to movement-related changes—this is a meaningful consideration.

With over-the-muscle placement, you can avoid animation deformity, because the implant is not being influenced by muscle contraction in the same way. However, other drawbacks can be more noticeable depending on your natural breast tissue thickness. In my consultations, I weigh these tradeoffs carefully and match the plan to what will look and feel best for you, not just immediately after surgery, but in everyday life.

Which incision area is best for breast augmentation?

In many cases—unless there’s a specific reason related to your breast tissue—you can choose between an incision in the under-breast fold (inframammary fold) or in the armpit (axillary incision). Each approach has its own balance of scarring, recovery experience, and surgical access.

With an inframammary incision, the dissection area is smaller, so patients typically experience less pain and swelling. It also gives direct access, which can be helpful for precise pocket work and implant positioning. The tradeoff is that the scar may be more visible, especially depending on how your breast fold forms and how your skin heals.

With an armpit incision, the scar is less visible on the breast itself, which some patients strongly prefer. However, the dissection area is larger, and that means pain and swelling can last longer. In consultations, I help patients think beyond scar placement alone and consider the whole recovery and long-term result—because the “best” incision is the one that aligns with both your priorities and your anatomy.

What is the most common reason patients seek breast augmentation?

There are several reasons people choose breast surgery, but the most common is simply enlarging small breasts. Many patients tell me they want more volume because their breasts feel small compared to their body frame, and they want a more proportional look in clothing and in everyday life.

Another extremely common motivation is post-pregnancy change. After childbirth, patients may lose volume and skin elasticity, and they often describe feeling that their breasts no longer match how they feel inside. In these cases, augmentation can be about regaining shape, restoring fullness, and improving confidence—not about dramatically changing identity.

Are certain implant sizes or shapes more popular right now?

Trends come and go, but I prioritize safety and predictability. For safety reasons, these days we generally use only round implants rather than teardrop-shaped implants. Many patients are surprised by this, because they assume teardrop implants automatically look more natural. In reality, modern round implants can produce very natural results—especially when selected properly for your chest width, projection limits, and tissue characteristics.

Some implant brands are also designed to shift shape with posture, meaning they can look different when you’re standing versus lying down. This can create a more natural appearance in motion and in real life, not just in a static photo.

When it comes to size, I don’t believe in a single “most popular” CC that works for everyone. The best size depends on your goals and your anatomy, which is why I recommend doing a simulation with the implant I suggest and then deciding from there. This helps us choose a size that feels exciting to you while still respecting what your body can support beautifully.

Have you ever refused to perform breast augmentation, and why?

Yes. As with any surgery, I believe it’s essential that patients understand the procedure and what it can realistically achieve. If there is a big gap between what surgery can deliver and what a patient wants, proceeding can lead to disappointment—even if the surgery is technically successful. In those cases, I would rather pause, re-educate, and reset expectations than move forward under pressure.

I may also recommend waiting if your current physical condition or life situation isn’t ideal for surgery. Timing matters: it’s best to move forward when you’re in good physical and mental shape, and when you can commit to recovery without excessive stress. Surgery should support your life—not complicate it—so choosing the right moment is part of achieving a great outcome.

Conclusion: What’s the best way to plan your breast augmentation?

The best breast augmentation plan is always individualized. I start with your rib cage width and skin elasticity to define safe, natural-looking boundaries, then use simulation to match implant size and profile to your goals. From there, we choose implant placement (over or under the muscle) based on the pros and cons that matter most for your body and lifestyle, and we select an incision approach that fits your priorities for scarring and recovery.

Whether your goal is improved proportion, restored post-pregnancy volume, correction of asymmetry, or a fuller silhouette that reflects how you want to present yourself, the most important step is a thoughtful consultation and a plan grounded in both anatomy and realism. When those pieces come together, breast augmentation can be a confident, empowering choice—and one that looks and feels right for you.

More about Seojin Plastic Surgery Clinic

Seojin Plastic Surgery Clinic in Gangnam, Seoul, is a destination for breast augmentation patients who want clear guidance on implant size selection and incision options within a highly individualized treatment plan. As a one-doctor clinic, Dr. Lee Hyungmin personally manages every step—from consultation and 3D imaging-based planning through surgery and follow-up—so decisions about implant type (including hybrid implant plus fat grafting for a softer, more natural contour) and approach can be tailored to your anatomy, goals, and lifestyle. With more than 16 years of experience and recognition as one of the 100 Good Doctors in Korea, Dr. Lee is known for attentive, end-to-end care and meticulous technique, supported by state-of-the-art tools such as high-definition endoscopy to enhance precision and safety. Beyond breast augmentation, Seojin also provides a full spectrum of breast procedures (lift, reduction, nipple surgery, gynecomastia, and transgender breast implants), reflecting a comprehensive understanding of breast aesthetics and proportion that helps patients pursue balanced, confidence-building results.

Find more about this clinic here: Seojin Plastic Surgery Clinic