What is Breast Augmentation?

Breast augmentation is the enlargement and reshaping of the breasts using silicone or saline implants. The procedure, which is performed by a cosmetic surgeon, is commonly undergone to reach a bigger cup size. It is also used to correct deformities, such as tubular breasts, or rebuild a breast affected by cancer or trauma. The cost and risks of breast augmentation surgery vary, and the patient usually spends a significant amount of time discussing these with the surgeon before operation. Much controversy surrounds breast enlargement, especially the unproven concern that getting implants increases the risk of acquiring certain diseases.

Someone choosing breast augmentation has many choices to make regarding the size, shape, and material of her new implant or implants. For shape, she can usually choose between teardrop and round breasts. The size is also personal preference, and surgeons can generally add one or many cup sizes. Both saline and silicone implants are widely used, and they have different textures and risks. In some countries, the person may be limited to silicone implants or restricted to a certain size, depending on age and jurisdiction.

This procedure is considered relatively safe, with most following a few standard steps. Depending on whether the patient chose silicone or saline breast implants, the cosmetic surgeon will make an incision in the belly button, underarm, or breast. A small pocket is then made in the chest area to fit the implant in. If the patient chose silicone implants, the surgeon places them in a natural position before finishing the surgery. With saline implants, the surgeon places the unfilled implant into the pocket before filling it with saline, then positioning them and confirming the correct size.

The reasons why a person may choose to seek breast augmentation may vary significantly from person to person; however, there are many common reasons. A person may be trying to make her body more attractive and proportionate or change her breasts back to how they were preceding a pregnancy. Other people may seek breast augmentation they age in order to keep their breasts from aging with them. Some people may even consider their breasts underdeveloped or deformed and consider a procedure as a way of shaping their breasts to an appearance they consider more natural. Another common reason of note is that some people’s breasts may increase or decrease following weight gain or loss, and then those people may want to return their breasts to their previous size.