Breast augmentation

1.What is breast augmentation surgery?

Breast augmentation surgery involves using breast implants or fat, referred to as fat transfer breast augmentation, to increase the size of your breasts or restore breast volume that has been lost after weight reduction or pregnancy.
Breast augmentation is clinically referred to as augmentation mammaplasty.
Breast augmentation can:

• Increase fullness and projection of your breasts
• Improve the balance of your figure
• Enhance your self-image and self-confidence

2.What breast augmentation surgery won’t do

Breast augmentation does not correct severely drooping breasts. If you want your breasts to look fuller and to be lifted due to sagging, a breast lift may be required in conjunction with breast augmentation.
Breast lifting can often be done at the same time as your augmentation or may require a separate operation. Your plastic surgeon will assist you in making this decision.

3.Breast augmentation candidates

Breast augmentation is a very personal procedure and you should do it for yourself, not for someone else.
You may be a candidate for breast augmentation surgery if:

• You are physically healthy
• You have realistic expectations
• Your breasts are fully developed
• You are bothered by the feeling that your breasts are too small
• You are dissatisfied with your breasts losing shape and volume after pregnancy, weight loss, or with aging
• You are unhappy with the upper part of your breast appearing “empty”
• Your breasts are asymmetrical
• One or both breasts failed to develop normally or have an elongated shape

Many patients find it helpful to review breast augmentation photos as they navigate the decision-making process to have surgery.

4.Breast augmentation results

Breast augmentation results are immediately visible. Over time, post-surgical swelling will subside and incision lines will fade.
Satisfaction with your new image should continue to grow as you fully recover from surgery.
In order to achieve optimal breast augmentation results, it is important that you follow your surgeon’s post-operative instructions and return for follow-up visits. 

5.Breast implant replacement

It’s important to know that breast implants are not designed to last a lifetime.
Your implants may need to be replaced. You should plan for an annual examination by your plastic surgeon to evaluate your breast health and implant integrity.
Over time, your breasts can change due to aging, weight fluctuations, hormonal factors and gravity. If, after a period of years, you become dissatisfied with the appearance of your breasts, you may choose to undergo a breast lift or implant exchange to restore a more youthful contour.

Incisions are made in inconspicuous areas to minimize visible scarring. You and your plastic surgeon will discuss which incision options are appropriate for your desired outcome. Incision options include:

• Periareolar incision
• Inframammary incision
• Transaxillary incision

Incisions vary based on the type of breast implant, degree of enlargement desired, your particular anatomy and patient-surgeon preference.
After the incision is made, a breast implant is inserted into a pocket either:
A. Under the pectoral muscle (a submuscular placement), or
B. Directly behind the breast tissue, over the pectoral muscle (a submammary / subglandular placement)
The method for inserting and positioning breast implants depends on the type of implant, degree of enlargement desired, your body type and your surgeon’s recommendations.

6.What is fat transfer breast augmentation?

Fat transfer breast augmentation essentially uses liposuction to take fat from other parts of your body and inject it into your breasts. This is a breast augmentation option for women who are looking for a relatively small increase in breast size and would prefer natural results.