Breast augmentation increases the size and/or alters the shape of the breast, by inserting a prosthetic breast implant underneath the natural breast tissue. Women may elect to undergo breast augmentation surgery for a number of reasons. Some women simply want larger breasts, while others may want to correct a volume loss that occurs following pregnancy or menopause. Breast implants can also be used to improve the appearance of ‘sagging’ of the breast in some cases.

Breast implants are made from a silicone plastic shell filled with either silicone gel or salt water (saline). The FDA approved the use of silicone gel-filled breast implants in November, 2006, following a long moraturium. You can read more about silicone implants here.

A variety of different techniques can be used in performing breast augmentation, and the best procedure for each individual is selected based upon their unique anatomy, needs and preferences. Either silicone or saline-filled implants may be used, and many different styles of implant are available. Implants are selected depending upon the surgical needs of the patient

Breast augmentation surgery typically can be performed in one to two hours, and the patient may return home within a few hours after the procedure. Local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia may be chosen. Surgical incisions may be placed at the edge of the areola (the pigmented area around the nipple), in the crease under the breast, or in the armpit area. The breast implant may be located either under the breast gland, or in a deeper layer under the chest muscle (pectoralis major), depending on the needs of a given patient.

After the surgery, oral pain medication is typically sufficient to keep the patient comfortable, as discomfort is not severe. Stitches are removed within seven to ten days after surgery. Most patients can return to work about one week after surgery, although the surgeon may recommend wearing a support bra or tape for a few weeks. While most bruising resolves in a week or two, some swelling may persist for four to six weeks or longer, depending on the surgical technique used, and the individual patient.