Breast Surgery

Breast enhancement is a common procedure these days. It can also be called mammoplasty. It is often used as a cosmetic procedure by plastic surgeons to increase and enhance the size and shape of a patient's breasts. This procedure can also improve the firmness of breasts and fix any noticeable variances in their size and shape.

Various factors may cause a woman to seek breast surgery, including very small or asymmetrical breast size, or a loss in size or firmness attributed to major weight loss, childbearing, or aging.

The breast enhancement can be carried out in a hospital setting, surgical center or in some cases, even in a plastic surgeon's office. Patients are placed under general anesthesia and the procedure usually lasts anywhere from 1 hour up to 3 hours, depending on the type of breast augmentation surgery being performed.

Initially, the plastic surgeon makes an incision either under the breast, around the outside of the nipple, in the armpit, or in the navel area, then the breast implant, which is available in a myriad of shapes and sizes made of saline or silicone, is then inserted into the space created by the surgeon.

The location of the incision and placement of the breast implant will be dependent upon how much breast tissue you have; your body type; your selection of implant type, size and shape; as well as where you prefer to have your scar.

Candidates for breast enhancement should be women who are healthy, and generally over 18 years of age. Those considering the surgery should understand that permanent scarring can occur, and that the effects of augmentation surgery are not permanent, as some sagging due to gravity and age will eventually occur, and implant exchange surgery is often needed years after breast augmentation.

Women who plan to become pregnant or lose a significant amount of weight in the future are not good candidates for breast augmentation, as these situations can both create a loosening effect on the tissues supporting the breasts.

Additionally, if you already have very heavy, full or droopy breasts, you may need a breast lift in combination with your breast enhancement surgery. Lastly, choosing a cup size not proportionate to your body frame is likely to bring disappointing results over the long term.

For the best and safest breast augmentation surgery, choose a board certified surgeon to ensure you receive optimum care.