Breast augmentation, also known as augmentation mammoplasty, is a cosmetic surgical process that aims at enhancing the shape, size and fullness of breasts in women. It is often done to enlarge the naturally small breasts, or to restore their shape and size of breasts following pregnancy, breastfeeding or weight loss. Breast Augmentation is also used to restore symmetry to asymmetrical breasts. According to researchers, enlarged, shaped breasts can boost a woman’s confidence and self-esteem and even improve their sexuality.

Sometimes breast implants can be used got reconstructive mammoplasty after procedures done for breast cancer.

The Method of Breast Augmentation

When it comes to breast augmentation, there are several options to choose from at different stages of the procedure. First of all, you have to choose the right type of implant. There are three types of implant filling to choose from:

1. Saline implants: These implants are elastomer silicone shells that are filled with a saline solution. The amount of solution filled in it depends on the desired shape and firmness of the breast. If the saline implant leak o the solution is just absorbed and by the body and is harmless.
2. Silicone implants filled with gel: These are silicone shells filled with silicone gel. If this implant leaks, the gel stays inside the shell or goes out into the implant pocket. That is why you need to go for more frequent check-ups with this implant type. You may also need to undergo MRI scans to check the position of your implant.
3. Composite implants: These alternative implants that are of historical interest only.

Surface and Texture

The surface can be smooth or nanotextured. The coarse textured surfaces are not used anymore because of the rare occurrence of large cell lymphoma.

Incisions

There are three incisions often used for breast augmentation.

1. Inframammary incision that are made in the crease below the breast
2. Trans axillary incisions that are made in the armpit
3. Peri areolar incisions that are made around the nipple. These are shorter incisions better used for small or saline implants.

The type of incision chosen for you depends on a number of factors, such as how much breast augmentation needs to be done, the implant type that needs to be inserted, your particular anatomy, and your surgeon’s own discretion.

Once the implant is chosen and the type of incision is planned, another choice that needs to be made is regarding the type of placement. There can be three types of placements:

1. Submuscular placement - that goes under your pectoral muscle
2. Subfascial placement - above the muscle but below the covering of the muscle (fascia).
3. Sub glandular or sub mammary placement, that goes behind your breast tissue but in front of muscle and fascia
4. Dual Plane placement- upper part is behind the muscle and lower part is behind the breast tissue.

Recovery Post Surgery

For a few days, you are likely to experience some swelling, soreness and bruising. There will be scars that will fade with time. During the recovery process, you will be advised to wear a sports bra or compression garment for added support. You may be given some pain killers as well. You can get back to desk work in a week or so, however you must not get involved in any strenuous activities for a few more weeks.

Also check out: A breast lift surgery can be combined with breast augmentation or breast reduction.