Breast
Augmentation

One of the most frequently performed plastic surgery procedures in the U.S., breast augmentation can give women with small or unevenly sized breasts a fuller, firmer, better-proportioned look through the placement of implants in the breast. Women may elect to undergo breast augmentation for many different medical and aesthetic motivations, including balancing breast size and compensating for reduced breast mass after pregnancy or surgery. The procedure may be combined with others, such as a breast lift, for more satisfying results.

Breast augmentation is a very popular procedure for women and among the most commonly performed cosmetic surgery procedures. A saline-filled implant is inserted under the crease in the breast, around the nipple or through the armpit. The implant can be placed under the breast tissue or beneath the chest wall muscle. After surgery, breasts will appear fuller and more shapely in contour. Incision scars will fade or disappear over time. In certain unique instances, silicone implants can be used.

Complications following surgery are uncommon and usually minimal. They may include capsular contracture, swelling, pain, infection around the implant, a change in nipple sensation, milk production if you nursed a baby within a year before the procedure, and breakage or leakage of the implant as a result of injury or the normal compression and movement of your breast (if this happens the implant will simply deflate in a few hours and your body will absorb the saltwater).

Breast augmentation lasts 1-2 hours and is typically performed with general anesthesia. In some cases, local anesthesia combined with a sedative is also possible. Incisions for breast augmentation are made in inconspicuous places on the breast to minimize scar visibility. Common choices include the armpit, breast crease, or around the areola (the dark skin around the nipple). The breast is then lifted, creating a pocket into which the implant is inserted.

Placement behind the chest wall muscle offers a few advantages over placement beneath the breast tissue only. These include reduced risk of capsular contracture (post-operative tightening around the implant) and less interference with mammogram examinations. Possible disadvantages include the need for drainage tubes and elevated pain in the first few days following surgery. Your surgeon will discuss the best placement options for you prior to your surgery.

After the implants are placed and centered beneath the nipples, incisions are stitched, taped and bandaged. To learn more about how breast augmentation works, check out our webinar.