Breast Augmentation- An Introduction

Breast augmentation is often referred to as augmentation mammaplasty. Breast augmentation is most often considered by those who do not feel their breasts are large enough.
Breast augmentation is designed to improve the fullness and projection of the breast, thereby enhancing ones figure. The augmentation procedure is often used to return breast dimensions after pregnancy or significant weight loss.

Breast lift procedures differ from breast augmentation in that they correct sagging breasts. We will cover breast lifts shortly on this blog so be sure to head back soon for the update. Both procedures can often be performed during the same surgery.

Breast augmentation surgery requires patients to be medicated, either by general anaesthetic or intravenous sedation.

Breast augmentation will involve an incision being made in one of three areas:

1) Periareolar incisions are made at the base of the areolar.

2) Inframammary incisions are made at the base of the breast.

3) Transaxillary incisions are made in the underarm.

Each method is designed to ensure there is as little scaring as possible after the healing process and that the incisions become invisible.

The two most commonly used implants used for breast surgery are either saline implants, or silicone implants. Saline implants, surprise, surprise contain saline water. This is salt water that has been sterilized. Silicone implants contain a silicone gel.

Once the incisions has been made the implant will be placed either underneath the pectoral muscle, or immediately behind the breast tissue and on top of the pectoral muscle. When in implants are in place internal stitches (or sutures in the US) are layered on the internal tissues whilst surgical taping and external adhesive will be used to seal the skin. In a relatively short time any signs of surgical incisions should disappear.

Check out the site for a fuller description of breast augmentation and all things cosmetic surgery, including what to expect of the post surgery recovery period.