Categories: Plastic Surgery Blog

Mini Boob Job: What is it and Is It Right for You?

When many women think of a Boob Job, they imagine dramatic changes — large implants and a noticeable transformation. But not every woman wants that. Some prefer a subtle, natural-looking enhancement that simply restores balance, improves clothing fit, or adds back lost volume after pregnancy or weight changes. That’s where mini breast augmentation (sometimes called a “mini boob job”) comes in.

At Feel Beautiful Plastic Surgery in San Diego, Dr. Steve Laverson specializes in carefully tailored procedures designed to enhance natural beauty without overcorrection. His philosophy is simple: every patient deserves a personalized plan and results that look and feel like they’ve always been part of you.

What Does “Mini Boob Job” Really Mean?

A mini boob job is a procedure that uses smaller breast implants to achieve subtle volume and shape enhancement. While traditional breast augmentation often involves implants 350cc and larger, mini augmentations typically use implants ranging from 120cc to 350cc.

The goal is refinement rather than transformation. Instead of significantly enlarging the breasts, a mini augmentation helps:

  • Restore balance between the breasts and body frame.
  • Replace volume lost after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight changes.
  • Create a gentle, natural enhancement that complements your figure.

How It Differs from Traditional Augmentation

Volume: Smaller implants (120–350cc) vs. larger implants (350–800cc or more).

Aesthetic goal: Natural harmony rather than dramatic size increase.

Lifestyle impact: Less weight on the chest, making it attractive to athletes or women with active routines.

Common Misconceptions

Many assume that because the implants are smaller, a mini breast augmentation is a “lesser” surgery. This is not the case. While the outcome is more subtle, the procedure is still a true surgical breast augmentation requiring anesthesia, careful planning, and precise execution.

Why Women Choose a Smaller Enhancement (Mini Boob Job)

Women choose mini breast augmentation for a variety of personal reasons, often centered around the desire for balance and subtlety:

Natural proportions: Many women don’t want their breasts to appear “done.” Small implants offer gentle enhancement while preserving a natural look.

Lifestyle and clothing considerations: Smaller implants make it easier to exercise comfortably and fit into a wider range of clothing styles without feeling restricted.

Post-pregnancy refinements: After breastfeeding or weight loss, some women lose upper pole fullness or overall volume. A mini augmentation restores shape without creating a dramatic size increase.

Confidence without dramatic change: For women who already like their body but want a slight boost, a mini augmentation provides subtle improvement.

Less invasive appearance, not procedure: While the surgery is still performed with the same level of care as a traditional augmentation, the visual outcome is lighter, softer, and less obvious.

Options for Small Breast Augmentation

When considering mini breast augmentation, you’ll have choices in the type of implant used. Dr. Laverson spends time during your consultation helping you select the best option for your goals and body:

Saline implants: Filled with sterile saltwater. They require a smaller incision since they are filled after placement, but may feel less natural than silicone in smaller sizes.

Silicone implants: Filled with cohesive silicone gel, they tend to feel more like natural breast tissue. Often chosen for mini augmentations because of their soft, realistic feel.

“Gummy bear” implants: Form-stable silicone implants that hold their shape even if cut. These are great for women seeking subtle volume with a very natural contour.

Each implant type has pros and cons related to feel, incision size, and cost. What matters most is choosing the implant that balances your anatomy, lifestyle, and desired outcome.

How a Mini Boob Job Differs from Traditional Breast Augmentation

While both mini and traditional breast augmentations share the same surgical foundation, the goals, implant size, and patient motivations can differ:

Implant sizes and goals: Mini augmentation: typically 120cc to 350cc, used to add gentle fullness or correct mild asymmetry. Traditional augmentation: often 350cc to 800cc or larger, designed for a more dramatic increase in breast size.

Surgical approach and incision: The incisions and techniques are similar — through the inframammary fold (under the breast), periareolar (around the nipple), or transaxillary (through the armpit). The difference lies not in the technique, but in the implant size chosen and the aesthetic outcome planned.

Recovery considerations: With smaller implants, many women report less tightness in the chest and slightly more comfortable recovery. However, it’s important to remember that this is still a full surgical procedure requiring anesthesia, healing, and downtime.

Longevity of results: Smaller implants may place less stress on breast tissue over time, which can reduce risks of sagging compared to larger implants. That said, all implants — regardless of size — should be monitored over the years and may eventually require replacement.

Who is an Ideal Candidate for a Mini Boob Job?

Not everyone who seeks breast augmentation is looking for a dramatic change. Mini augmentation is best for women who want refinement instead of transformation. You may be a candidate if you:

Seek modest, natural-looking enhancement: Perfect if you want a subtle size increase rather than a noticeable jump in cup sizes.

Have asymmetry or volume loss: Mini augmentation can restore balance and symmetry, especially after pregnancy or weight fluctuations.

Are an athlete or highly active: Smaller implants don’t interfere as much with running, weightlifting, yoga, or other physical activities.

Value proportion over size: If you prefer your breasts to complement your body frame without dominating it, this may be the right choice.

Are in good health with realistic expectations: As with all cosmetic procedures, emotional and physical readiness are essential.

Dr. Laverson emphasizes that the best candidates are those who want to enhance, not reinvent, their figure. His role is to listen carefully to your goals and then design a plan that delivers results you’ll love for years to come.

Dr. Laverson’s Precision Approach to Mini Augmentation

One of the qualities that sets Dr. Steve Laverson apart is his commitment to taking time for precision and artistry. While some surgeons perform breast augmentations quickly, Dr. Laverson believes that the best results come from slowing down and perfecting every detail.

Here’s what his patients can expect:

Individualized planning: No two bodies are the same, so no two surgeries should be the same. Each operation is designed specifically for your anatomy and goals.

Meticulous technique: He uses multiple layers of suturing for durability and scar concealment, and operates under magnification to refine every step.

Nerve protection: By visualizing nerves and other critical anatomy, Dr. Laverson preserves sensation and reduces risks.

Upright adjustments during surgery: He repositions patients upright while still under anesthesia to evaluate how implants look naturally and make real-time adjustments for perfect balance.

Quality over speed: “Because it’s the only result you’ll ever have and will be part of you forever, it must be spectacular. We do more for you, so it takes longer — but the result is worth it.”

This patient-first philosophy is why Dr. Laverson is trusted by women from all walks of life — from athletes and professionals to models, celebrities, and mothers who simply want to feel comfortable and confident in their own skin.

What to Expect Before, During, and After Surgery

Choosing a mini breast augmentation is a personal decision, and knowing what to expect makes the process smoother and less stressful.

Consultation

Your journey begins with a private consultation at Feel Beautiful Plastic Surgery. Dr. Laverson takes time to:

  • Listen carefully to your goals and concerns.
  • Perform detailed measurements of your breasts and chest wall.
  • Review implant types and sizes that would best complement your frame.
  • Discuss whether a mini augmentation alone is ideal or whether additional refinements (such as a breast lift or fat transfer) may provide better balance.

This individualized planning ensures your results are designed just for you — not a one-size-fits-all solution.

The Procedure

  • Performed under safe anesthesia at an accredited surgical center.
  • Dr. Laverson makes a small incision, typically hidden in the natural breast fold or around the areola.
  • Implants — usually between 120cc and 350cc for mini augmentation — are placed with precision.
  • During surgery, you’ll be repositioned upright to evaluate symmetry and natural appearance before closure.

Recovery

  • Most women return home the same day.
  • Swelling, tightness, or discomfort peak within the first few days, then improve steadily.
  • Light activity resumes in about a week, though strenuous exercise should wait several weeks.
  • Smaller implants often mean a slightly easier recovery compared to larger augmentations.

Results

  • Expect subtle, natural fullness that complements your frame.
  • Results are long-lasting, though implants may eventually need replacement.
  • Many patients report improved clothing fit, restored confidence, and greater ease in active lifestyles.

FAQs About Mini Breast Augmentation

What implant sizes are typically used in a mini augmentation?

Mini augmentations generally use implants between 120cc and 350cc. The right size depends on your frame, breast tissue, and personal goals.

How long can results from a mini breast augmentation last?

Most women enjoy their results for 10–15 years or longer. Implants are durable but not permanent; monitoring with your surgeon is important.

Do smaller implants create a more natural look?

Yes. Smaller implants are often chosen specifically for their subtle, natural appearance. They blend with existing tissue and complement the body’s proportions without drawing attention.

What is the expected recovery time after a mini augmentation?

Initial recovery takes about one week, with most women returning to work and light activity quickly. Full healing, including return to high-impact exercise, typically takes several weeks.

Are there risks or complications to consider with a mini breast augmentation?

Like any surgery, there are risks such as infection, bleeding, scarring, or implant-related complications (capsular contracture, rupture). Choosing an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Laverson reduces these risks and ensures the highest standard of care.

Why Choose Dr. Steve Laverson for Your Mini Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation is both a technical operation and an artistic one. Mini augmentations require special attention because the enhancement is subtle — small differences in implant placement, symmetry, and contour matter even more.

Dr. Steve Laverson brings:

  • Over 30 years of surgical experience and more than 50,000 procedures performed.
  • Double board certification (American Board of Surgery and American Board of Plastic Surgery).
  • Training at world-renowned institutions including Johns Hopkins, Stanford, UCLA, USC, and the New York Plastic Surgical Group.
  • Recognition from peers nationwide, with publications in leading journals such as Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and Aesthetic Surgery Journal.
  • A reputation for meticulous, artistic results — taking extra time during every operation to deliver outcomes that are balanced, natural, and long-lasting.

His philosophy is simple: “Because it’s the only result you’ll ever have and will be part of you forever, it must be spectacular.”

Begin Your Journey Toward Subtle Enhancement & Lasting Confidence

If you’ve been considering breast augmentation but want a gentle, natural enhancement, a mini breast augmentation may be right for you. At Feel Beautiful Plastic Surgery in San Diego, Dr. Steve Laverson combines surgical precision with artistry to deliver results that feel authentically you.

📞 Schedule your private consultation today and explore how mini breast augmentation can restore confidence, balance, and beauty — one detail at a time.

Dr. Steve Laverson

Great cosmetic surgery results provide tremendous value for your lifetime. With more than 30 years of experience and over 40,000 surgeries performed, Dr. Laverson is a highly regarded plastic surgeon both locally in San Diego and internationally.

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