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What is breast augmentation?
Breast augmentation, also referred to as augmentation mammaplasty, is a cosmetic surgery procedure designed to increase the size of the breast by inserting a saline or silicone implant under the breast tissue or under the chest muscle. Incisions may be located in the crease beneath the breast (inframammary), around the areola (periareolar), or in the armpit (axillary). The implant may also be inserted through an incision made at the naval, or belly button.

Who is a good candidate for breast augmentation?
Ideal candidates for breast augmentation include women who are looking to increase the size of the breasts and are healthy, realistic in their expectations, and aware of all risks and benefits of the procedure. There are a number of reasons why a women may seek breast augmentation including the following: small breasts or breasts that are disproportionate to the rest of the body; uneven breasts; decreased breast volume resulting from weight loss; and changes in breast size and shape resulting from pregnancy.

Is there anything that needs to be done to prepare for breast augmentation surgery?
To reduce the risk of blood clots and infection, patients should stop smoking and drinking alcohol about two weeks before surgery. Patients will also need to avoid certain medication which can increase bleeding, including aspirin and anti-inflammatory drugs. Procedures performed on an outpatient basis will require that you arrange for a ride home after surgery and for someone to stay with you during the first night.

How is breast augmentation performed?
Breast augmentation is usually performed with general anesthesia on an outpatient basis. Techniques will vary according to the particular surgeon and the patient. In general, however, the procedure begins by making an incision which may be located in the crease beneath the breast, around the nipple, in the underarm, or on the navel. Once the incision is made, the implant is then inserted and placed either behind the breast tissue or beneath the chest muscle. The incisions are then closed and the patient is moved into a recovery room and closely monitored for a short period of time.

How long is the recovery after breast augmentation?
Recovery after breast augmentation usually takes two to three weeks. Dressings applied to the breasts after surgery are typically removed within several days. Within a week, patients are able to shower and return to most normal activities. Heavy lifting and physical contact with the breasts should be avoided for up to three weeks, and arm movement may be limited for two to three weeks. Swelling may take a month to fade, though bruising and discoloration usually disappear quickly.

Are there any risks associated with breast augmentation?
All surgery carries some degree of risk and the potential complications associated with breast augmentation may include anesthesia reactions, blood clots, changes in breast or nipple sensation, and infection. Capsular contracture, which is one of the most common risks linked to breast augmentation, occurs when the naturally occurring scar tissue around the implant begins to harden or become tight, ultimately squeezing the implant and causing the breast to feel hard. Other complications can include tearing or rupture of the  implant which may lead to a leakage in the breast. Side effects such as bruising, swelling, scarring and hardness tend to disappear with time. Patients should be sure to thoroughly discuss all risks and benefits with a qualified plastic surgeon prior to their procedure.

What is the cost of breast augmentation?
The cost of breast augmentation can vary dramatically based on several factors including the particular surgeon and the patient’s geographic location. The average surgeon/physician fee for breast augmentation in 2005 was listed as $3,406 by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). The total cost of breast augmentation, which includes the surgeon fee, operating room costs, anesthesia costs and other potential expenses, generally runs anywhere from $3,000 to $8,000.

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