Breast augmentation — also known as augmentation mammoplasty — is surgery to
increase breast size. It involves placing breast implants under breast tissue or chest
muscles.
Breast augmentation is a cosmetic surgery procedure to increase breast size and
enhance breast shape, typically through the placement of silicone or saline breast
implants. From a cosmetic surgeon’s perspective, the ultimate goal of breast
augmentation is to enhance a patient’s natural proportions and create a more
symmetrical, aesthetically pleasing breast profile. The exact procedure is tailored to
meet a woman’s individual needs.
There is no “typical” breast augmentation patient, and women choose to have the
procedure for many different reasons—having larger breasts is just one of them. Breast
augmentation is one of the most effective procedures to correct noticeable breast
asymmetry, and breast implants can be used to help correct tuberous breast
deformities.
Breast Augmentation Benefits
Breast augmentation surgery can balance your unevenly shaped breasts. It also works for breast enlargement and can restore the shape, fullness and firmness of your breast, in order to give a more natural look – most especially when you just had a pregnancy or an extreme weight loss. It also can improve breast ptosis and perfect for those who had mastectomy.
Breast augmentation might help you:
1-Enhance your appearance if you think your breasts are too small or that one is
smaller than the other.
2- Adjust for a reduction in the size of your breasts after pregnancy.
3- Correct uneven breasts after breast surgery for other conditions.
4- Improve your self-confidence.
5- Increase fullness and projection of your breasts.
6- Improve balance of breast and hip contours.
7- Enhance your self-image and self-confidence.
You might need a baseline mammogram before your surgery. Your doctor might adjust
certain medications before the surgery as well. For example, it’s important to avoid aspirin or other medications that can increase bleeding.
If you smoke, your surgeon will ask you to stop smoking for a time before the surgery.
During the procedure
During breast augmentation, the surgeon makes an incision in one of three possible places: in the crease under your breast (inframammary), under your arm (axillary) or around your nipple (periareolar).
After making an incision, the surgeon will separate your breast tissue from the muscles and connective tissue of your chest. This creates a pocket either behind or in front of the outermost muscle of the chest wall (pectoral muscle). The surgeon will insert the implant into this pocket and center it behind your nipple.
When the implant is in place, the surgeon will close the incision — typically with stitches (sutures) — and bandage it with skin adhesive and surgical tape.
Soreness and swelling are likely for a few weeks after surgery. Bruising is possible, too. Expect scars to fade over time but not disappear completely.
While you’re healing, it might help to wear a compression bandage or sports bra for extra support and positioning of the breast implants. Your surgeon might prescribe pain medication as well.
Follow your surgeon’s instructions about returning to regular activities.
Breast augmentation can change the size and shape of your breasts. The surgery might
improve your body image and self-esteem. But keep your expectations realistic, and don’t expect perfection.
Also, your breasts will continue to age after augmentation. Weight gain or weight loss might change the way your breasts look, too.
One common question that patients have before breast augmentation is, “What will my scars look like?” You’ll be glad to learn that an experienced, qualified cosmetic surgeon will use a surgical technique that places breast augmentation incisions so the resulting scars are easily hidden and inconspicuous, even to the patient herself.
Of course, all of these options make it even more important to choose a cosmetic surgeon who is well-qualified and has experience using a variety of breast implants.