Breast Enlargement or Augmentation

Breast enlargement, also known as mammoplasty or breast augmentation has been a subject prone to much ridicule by society. It wasn’t that long ago, women who elected to have their breasts enlarged were scorned or teased afterward.

Today, breast enlargement is on the rise surviving the silicone gel implant of 1992. In fact, breast augmentation is now the leading plastic surgery according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeon's report for 2007.

Women who are considering a breast enlargement may be asked to first have a mammogram. This provides you with a baseline to which future results can be compared.

When speaking to a plastic surgeon about a breast enlargement, keep a realistic goal at hand. He will explain to you that the size of the breasts will depend on how much soft tissue you have on hand supporting the implant. Larger than normal breasts will make you appear off-balance. The plastic surgeon may ask you to bring your spouse into the office during these discussions so all parties will agree to the final determination.

The operation is performed either under a local or a general anesthesia. An incision is made with its location varying according to the technique used by the surgeon. The implant will then be placed under the breast tissue between the breast and the chest muscle, or under just the muscle.

Breast augmentation implants are made of either saline or silicone. Saline implants are filled with saline solution (sterile salt water) of various quantities. Should it puncture and leak, the saline solution simply gets absorbed into the surrounding tissue and gradually and naturally expelled by your body. While harmless, the affected breast will change in size and texture, essentially deflating. Silicone implants are filled with gel that feels like natural body tissue. A leak will not cause your breast to "collapse" but it will have to be addressed by the surgeon, so regular doctor visits will be needed to check on your implants.

As with any surgery there are risks involved. While your doctor and his staff can and should explain all the risks and possible complications, the final decision is up to you. Other than anesthesia-associated risks, potential complications include excessive bleeding, infections, implant rupture or leakage and scarring.