Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation involves making a small incision to insert a breast implant into the breast area in order to enlarge the breast. The surgery is commonly performed on an outpatient basis at a hospital or state-of-the-art surgical unit while the patient is under a general anesthesia. There are a few possible locations for the small incision that will be used for inserting the breast implant. The most frequent technique utilizes an incision made in the lower portion of the breast. Another technique, though less frequently used, involves making an incision in the armpit. Rarely, an incision around the areola (the darker skin surrounding the nipple). The best technique will be decided together between the patient and the surgeon during the consultation.

During surgery, the breast tissue is raised to create an open pocket under the breast tissue or beneath the chest wall muscle (submuscular). Inserting an implant behind each breast can increase a woman’s breast size by one or more bra cup sizes. Silicone is the most common type of implant used in the US. Several sizes and shapes are available to meet patients’ needs. Saline implants are also available and are filled with salt water rather than silicone.

You may be a candidate if you have one or more of the following:

• You are physically healthy and you aren't pregnant or breastfeeding.
• You have realistic expectations.
• Your breasts are fully developed.
• You are bothered by the feeling that your breasts are too small.
• You are dissatisfied with your breasts losing shape and volume after pregnancy, weight loss, or with aging.
• You are unhappy with the upper part of your breast appearing "empty"
• Your breasts are asymmetrical.
• One or both breasts failed to develop normally or have an elongated shape.
• You are seeking breast reconstruction for breast cancer surgery either immediate or delayed.