Breast augmentation involves using breast implants or fat transfer to increase the size of the breasts. This procedure can also restore breast volume lost after weight reduction or pregnancy, achieve a more rounded breast shape or improve natural breast size asymmetry.

Breast augmentation is also referred to as augmentation mammoplasty. When fat from another part of the patient's body is used to create the improved breast volume, the procedure is referred to as fat transfer breast augmentation.

Breast augmentation surgery can Increase fullness and projection of breasts, improve balance of breast and hip contours and enhance self-image and self-confidence.

Breast implants may also be used for breast reconstruction after mastectomy or injury.

Breast augmentation does not correct severely drooping breasts. A breast lift may be required along with a breast augmentation for sagging breasts to look fuller and lifted.

Breast lifting can often be done at the same time as augmentation or may require a separate operation.

Types of breast implants Saline breast implants

Saline breast implants are filled with sterile salt water. Should the implant shell leak, a saline implant will collapse and the saline will be absorbed and naturally expelled by the body.
Saline breast implants provide a uniform shape, firmness and feel, and are FDA-approved for augmentation in women age 18 or older.

Silicone breast implants

Silicone breast implants are filled with silicone gel. The gel feels a bit more like natural breast tissue. If the implant leaks, the gel may remain within the implant shell, or may escape into the breast implant pocket. A leaking implant filled with silicone gel will not collapse.
Silicone implants, may need to visit plastic surgeon regularly to make sure the implants are functioning properly. An ultrasound or MRI screening can assess the condition of breast implants..

Round breast implants

Round breast implants have a tendency to make breasts appear fuller than form-stable implants Higher profile options can achieve even more projection. Because round implants are the same shape all over, there is less concern about them rotating out of place.

Smooth breast implants

Smooth breast implants are the softest feeling. They can move with the breast implant pocket, which may give more natural movement.
Smooth implants may have some palpable or visible rippling under the skin.

Textured breast implants

Textured breast implants develop scar tissue to stick to the implant, making them less likely to move around inside of the breast and become repositioned.
Texturing offers some advantage in diminishing the risk of a tight scar capsule.
Implant manufacturers occasionally introduce new styles and types of breast implants, so there may be additional options available.
Whether saline or silicone implants, it is important to monitor breast implants and follow-up with plastic surgeon for appropriate checkups.

Complications

Breast augmentation surgery risks include hematoma, changes in nipple or breast sensation, implant leakage or rupture, formation of tight scar tissue around the implant (capsular contracture) and fluid accumulation (seroma).

Breast implants are not guaranteed to last a lifetime and future surgery may be required to replace one or both implants. Pregnancy, weight loss and menopause may influence the appearance of augmented breasts over the course of lifetime. Breast augmentation requires regular examinations of breasts' health and to evaluate the condition of breast implants.

The procedure 

Breast augmentation can be performed under intravenous sedation or general anesthesia. Incisions are made in inconspicuous areas to minimize visible scarring. Incision options include: along the areolar edge (peri-areolar incision), the fold under the breast (inframammary fold) and in the armpit (axillary incision). Incisions vary based on the type of breast implant, degree of enlargement desired, particular anatomy and patient-surgeon preference. After the incision is made, a breast implant is inserted into a pocket either under the pectoral muscle, directly behind the breast tissue, over the pectoral muscle.
Over time the incision lines will fade. The quality of scar depends on many things, including genetics, exposure to sun, nicotine and infection.

Recovery

During breast augmentation recovery, breasts will be wrapped in gauze dressings and an elastic bandage or support bra will minimize swelling and support the breasts as they heal.
Postoperative medications may include pain pills and an antibiotic to prevent infection.
Resume exercise and normal activity is possible after seven days