Breast Augmentation, also known as augmentation mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to enhance the size, shape, and volume of the breasts. It is one of the most common cosmetic surgeries and is often sought by individuals looking to improve breast size for aesthetic reasons, restore breast volume lost after weight loss or pregnancy, or achieve better symmetry if one breast is smaller than the other.

Goals of Breast Augmentation:

• Increase breast size: Enhance the overall size of the breasts for a fuller appearance.

• Improve breast shape: Create a more rounded or youthful breast contour.

• Restore volume: Often performed after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or significant weight loss, which can lead to a loss of breast volume.

• Correct asymmetry: Balance the size or shape of uneven breasts.

• Reconstruction: Can also be part of breast reconstruction following mastectomy or other breast surgeries.

Types of Breast Implants:

Breast augmentation typically involves placing breast implants into the breasts to achieve the desired size and shape. There are two main types of breast implants:

1. Saline Implants:

   • Made of a silicone shell filled with sterile saltwater (saline).

   • If a saline implant ruptures, the saline is absorbed harmlessly by the body.

   • They offer a firm feel but may have a more noticeable rippling effect in some cases.

   • Saline implants are usually filled after being placed in the breast, allowing for smaller incisions.

2. Silicone Gel Implants:

   • Made of a silicone outer shell filled with cohesive silicone gel, which feels more like natural breast tissue.

   • Silicone implants are pre-filled, so the incision might be slightly larger than for saline implants.

   • If a silicone implant ruptures, the gel may stay within the implant shell or leak into the breast implant pocket, but it generally does not collapse like a saline implant.

   • Regular follow-up with your surgeon is recommended to monitor the integrity of silicone implants.

Other Implant Options:

• Gummy Bear Implants (form-stable implants): A type of silicone implant filled with thicker silicone gel that maintains its shape better, even if the shell breaks. These implants are often referred to as "gummy bear" implants because of their consistency.

• Smooth vs. Textured Implants:

  • Smooth implants: These are more common and move naturally within the breast pocket, which can provide a more natural feel.

  • Textured implants: The rough surface of these implants helps them adhere to surrounding tissue, reducing the risk of movement within the breast pocket, but they may feel firmer.

Breast Augmentation vs. Breast Lift:

It’s important to note that breast augmentation increases the size and volume of the breasts but does not correct significant sagging. For individuals with sagging or drooping breasts, a breast lift (mastopexy) may be needed in combination with augmentation to achieve both lift and fullness.

Breast augmentation is a highly customizable procedure, allowing individuals to achieve the size and shape that suits their aesthetic preferences and body goals. However, it’s important for patients to thoroughly discuss their goals and expectations with a qualified plastic surgeon to ensure that breast augmentation is the right choice for them.