Breast enlargement, or augmentation mammoplasty, enhances the body contour of a woman who is unhappy with her breast size. This procedure can also correct a reduction in breast volume after pregnancy or balance a difference in breast size. In certain cases where the breasts have sagging or droopiness, a simultaneous breast lift may be necessary.
During the procedure, an implant is inserted through an incision made in the inframammary fold (the crease under the breast) or around the areola (dark tissue around the nipple), or through the armpit. The implant may be placed under the breast tissue or beneath the chest wall muscle or we may use the newer technique of subfascial augmentation, which means that the implant is placed under the fascia of the muscle. Women may choose to have saline or silicone implants, although nowadays we tend to use only silicone implants.
Breast augmentation is an outpatient procedure which usually takes 1-1.5 hours under sedation or general anesthesia. Stitches are absorbable but the incisions are usually covered with tape for 1-2 weeks. Most patients return to routine activity within the first week but aerobic activity and strenuous upper body activity are limited for 3-4 weeks.
