Technically called an augmentation mammaplasty. This surgical procedure enhances the size and shape of a woman's breast, by inserting an implant behind the breast and increasing a woman's bust line by one or more bra cup sizes. The goal is a fuller breast, with a bit more "lift". It will correct the reduction in breast volume after pregnancy or age, and will give balance to breasts differing in size or shape.

This surgery is usually performed on an outpatient basis, not requiring an overnight hospital stay. General anesthesia is most commonly used. The surgery usually lasts one to two hours. Drainage tubes may be used for several days following the surgery and stitches will not need to be removed.

A breast implant is a silicone shell filled with either silicone gel or a salt-water solution known as saline. Both options are viable and are a topic to discuss with your surgeon based on your individual preferences and risks.

Three possible incision sites:

a- In the crease under the breast (Inframamary incision).

b- In the lower half of the areola (the colored skin around the nipple), (Periareolar incision).

c- Axila (armpit), (Transaxillary incision).

The most commonly used incision is in the Inframamary fold. It is hidden by clothes and the breast itself when you stand. The breast tissue is minimally disturbed, and the remaining incision scar is concealed within the fold of skin under the breast. All of these incisions allow the implant to be placed either submuscular (below the chest muscle) or subglandular (between the chest muscle and your breast tissue).

If the implant is placed submuscularly, you may feel more discomfort for a longer period of time than the subglandular approach.

As with any other surgery there are inherent risks and complications with breast augmentation. The surgery may make part or all of your breast numb for weeks or as 6 months, the nipple could potentially have a decreased response to stimulation for several months and some reporst of oversensitivity, undersensitiviy or numbness may be felt. Possible complications from breast enlargement include bleeding, infection, or complications related to the implant such as capsular contracture. Capsule formation is a normal reaction to any implant however capsular contracture occurs when the scar or capsule around the implant begins to tighten. Although not frequent it represents a possible complication.

Occasionally, breast implants may break or leak, due to injury to the breast or through normal wear and tear over time, releasing the saline filling or silicone. It usually happens quickly and requires surgery to remove and, if desired, replace the rupture implant. There is no evidence that breast implants will affect fertility, pregnancy, or your ability to nurse. Breast implants are one of the most studied medical devices by the FDA and have been deemed safe devices with little complications to date. During the first 24 to 48 hours after your surgery, you will experience the most discomfort as well as a feeling of fatigue and soreness and sore for several days.

During the first 24 to 48 hours after your surgery, you will experience the most discomfort as well as a feeling of fatigue and soreness and sore for several days. Breasts may remain swollen and sensitive to physical contact for weeks at a time accompanied with a feeling of tightness in the breast area as your skin adjusts to your new breast size. The swelling in your breast may take three to five weeks to disappear. Regular activities can be resumed after about one week.

Post-operative care is usually quite simple, perhaps involving use of a post-operative bra or jog bra for extra support and positioning while you heal. You should wear a front-fastening bra (with under-wire), day and night for 4 weeks, except for changing into a clean bra or bathing.

Your decision to have breast augmentation is highly personal. Psychological and emotional benefits have included an enhanced self-esteem, a more satisfying body image and personal gratification.