Who is a Candidate for Breast Enlargement?

Women who desire larger breasts may wish to have a breast enlargement (augmentation) procedure. Breast augmentation may also be indicated for women who have one breast that is noticeably smaller than the other.

Breast augmentation is intended to give the patient larger and more shapely breasts. A more positive self image may also be a result of breast enlargement.

About Breast Enlargement Surgery

Breast enlargement surgery is done on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia. Prior to your surgery, you and your surgeon will decide what surgical approach and type of implant is best for you. Incisions for breast enlargement can be made either under the breast in the crease, around the bottom of the aerola (nipple complex), or in the armpit. The implants are can be placed either under the breast tissue or under the muscle. There are several types of implants - saline and silicone gel - which come in many styles which allows your surgeon to select the implant that is best suited to your needs.

The patient goes home in an elastic bra. The bra helps hold the breasts in the correct position. Initial discomfort is controlled with oral medication. Sutures are usually removed in 7 to 12 days. Light activities can be resumed as tolerated and aerobic activities can be started in about 3 weeks. Moving or sliding the implants within the breast pockets during the postoperative period may reduce the frequency of wrinkling. Your surgeon will instruct you in post operative massage of your implants at your post operative check up.

Additional Procedures

An additional procedure that would enhance the result of a breast augmentation is a Breast Lift if the breasts are saggy in addition to being small.

Many women are interested in enhancing their breast size to improve their overall body image. Patient's interest in augmentations range from the subtle change to a significant enlargement to their breast size. Women often consider augmentation with a breast lift following pregnancy.

Breast augmentation requires surgical dissection of pockets deep to the breasts or underneath the chest wall muscles. Once the pockets have been created, breast implants, [silicone “shells”] are inserted into the pockets and expanded with salt water until the desired size and shape is achieved.