Breast augmentation enlarges a woman’s breasts through the surgical placement of breast implants. In general, it is a cosmetic procedure strictly performed to fulfill your personal desire for fuller breasts or to restore breast volume lost after weight reduction or pregnancy. Implants may also be used for reconstructive purposes to restore a breast that is lost due to mastectomy, injury or for other reasons. In any case, breast implants allow women the choice of fuller, natural appearing breasts and a more balanced figure.
What is breast augmentation?
Breast augmentation is the surgical placement of breast implants to increase fullness and projection of the breasts or to improve symmetry of the breasts. Clinically referred to as augmentation mammaplasty, the procedure is used cosmetically to:
• Enlarge a naturally small breast, most commonly the result of heredity
• Restore breast volume lost following pregnancy, as a result of breast-feeding or due to weight loss
• Achieve better symmetry when breasts are moderately disproportionate in size and shape
Possible risks of breast augmentation include bleeding, infection or poor healing of incisions and changes in nipple or breast sensation. Capsular contracture, implant leakage or rupture, or wrinkling of the skin over the implant is also possible and may require a second procedure. All surgery carries risks associated with anesthesia. These and additional risks will be discussed prior to your consent.
What to expect?
Breast augmentation may be performed in your plastic surgeons accredited office-based surgical facility, an ambulatory surgical facility or a hospital. The decision for anesthesia will be based on the requirements of your specific procedure and considerations of patient and surgeon preference. Your plastic surgeon and the assisting staff will fully attend to your comfort and safety.
