Breast Augmentation

Overview

Breast augmentation is performed to enhance the appearance, size, and contour of a woman's breasts. Women consider breast augmentation for many different reasons. Some women feel their breasts are too small. Some desire augmentation after their breasts change after pregnancy. Others desire to correct an asymmetry in breast size.

Breast augmentation is performed with implants that can be placed under a chest muscle or over a chest muscle. The incision can be placed in the axilla (armpit), areola (the area surrounding the nipple), or lower breast fold. In general, all breast augmentations are minimally invasive procedures. For augmentations in which the incision is made in the armpit, an endoscope (thin tube with a small camera and light) may be used during the procedure.

Breast implants are made up of a silicone shell filled with either saline (a saltwater solution) or silicone gel. A woman determines her desired size by fitting trial implants. Currently, saline filled implants are used on an unrestricted basis.