Breast Augmentation

Bigger breasts. Fuller breasts. Younger-looking breasts. Breasts that make you feel better about yourself. If you are looking for any of those things, breast augmentation might be right for you.

What is breast augmentation?

Breast augmentation, or augmentation mammaplasty, involves increasing or restoring the size or fullness of breasts. Many women are interested in breast augmentation after weight loss or pregnancy, two events that often change the size and shape of the breasts. Breast augmentation is also useful in evening out breasts of different size or in reconstructing breasts after other breast surgery.

Many breast augmentation surgeries use implants to increase breast size and volume. Implants can be made of silicone or saline. Our surgeons will discuss both implant options with you, and help you choose the best breast implant for you before your surgery.

Breast augmentation will not lift saggy breasts, and so might be done in conjunction with a breast lift procedure. Breast augmentation can help if you desire larger breasts, if your breasts are uneven or vary in shape, or if one or both breasts failed to develop normally. 

What does breast augmentation involve?

General anesthesia is used during breast augmentation surgery to minimize discomfort. Depending on the desired outcome, our surgeons might make incisions under the arm, under the breast or around the nipple. A breast implant is inserted through the incision. Incisions are closed with stitches or surgical tape, and any scarring will fade over time. 

What to expect after breast augmentation

Breast augmentation recovery is different for every patient. Immediately after surgery, you can expect to be drowsy from anesthesia and your chest will be sore for a few days, and swollen for a few weeks. You will be able to go back to work after a few days, but you might be asked to avoid physical activity for a longer period. After swelling goes down, you can expect fuller breasts, and any scars will fade over time.

It will be necessary to take extra care when getting mammograms after surgery. It is important to go to a radiology center experienced in dealing with people with breast implants. Extra views or even ultrasound examinations might be needed.

Breast augmentation is long lasting, but is not permanent. Implants might need to be repositioned or replaced as you age.

Breast augmentation side effects and risks

Breast augmentation surgery carries the same risk as any minor surgery, namely risks related to anesthesia, bleeding and infection. In some cases, patients experience reduced sensation in part or all of the breast, and in rare cases implants can rupture or leak.

One rare but most common problem is called capsular contracture, and offices when the scar or capsule around the implant tightens. This squeezing of the implant can cause it to feel hard. Capsular contracture might require removal of scar tissue, or removal or replacement of the implant.

Rarely, injury, or normal compression and movement can cause the implant to break or leak. This normally requires a second surgery to replace the implant.