Breast Augmentation (Breast Enlargement with Breast Implants)

Breast augmentation is a surgical operation performed to enlarge the breasts for a number of reasons:

• To enhance the body contour of a woman who feels that her breast size is too small.
• To correct a loss of breast volume after pregnancy.
• To balance breast size, when there is a significant difference between one breast and the other.
• As a reconstructive technique for various conditions, including breast cancer.

The size and Shape of the breasts prior to surgery will influence both the recommended treatment and the final result. If the breasts are not the same size or shape before surgery, they may not be completely symmetrical afterward. Breast enlargement is accomplished by inserting a breast implant either behind the breast tissue or under the chest muscle. Both saline-filled and silicone gel-filled implants are now available for cosmetic augmentation.

Incisions are made to keep scars as inconspicuous as possible, usually under the breast or around the lower part of the areola (pigmented portion of the nipple). The method of inserting and positioning breast implants will depend on your preferences, your anatomy and your surgeon’s recommendation.

Patients undergoing breast augmentation must consider the possibility of future surgery to revise their breasts, as breast implants cannot be expected to last forever. In addition, breast implants will not correct nipple asymmetry or significantly lift sagging breasts. These conditions will likely require a breast lift (mastopexy) and can be discussed at the time of your consultation.