Breast Augmentation

Also known as augmentation mammaplasty, breast enlargement or breast implants

Breast augmentation surgery increases or restores breast size using silicone implants, saline implants or in some cases, fat transfer. One of the most popular and frequently performed aesthetic surgery procedures, breast augmentation has a long and successful track record in satisfying women who wish to enhance, regain or restore balance to their figures.

When to Consider Breast Augmentation

If you want a better proportioned or more appealing figure
If you wish your clothes fit better
If you believe you might gain self-confidence or self-esteem from such a procedure
When pregnancy, weight loss or aging has affected the size and shape of your breasts
To restore symmetry if one of your breasts is smaller than the other

Considerations

Pros

Augmentation is a long-term solution for achieving an ideal figure.
You can look better in clothes and swimwear.
You can have a more youthful-looking figure.
You can feel more proportional.

Cons

Implants are not life time devices and may eventually need to be replaced.
Normal surgical risks are involved.
There is a rare condition called Breast Implant Related Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BI-ALCL) which you should discuss with your plastic surgeon.
Some patients wish to remove implants later for a variety of reasons, which can include pain, asymmetry, lifestyle changes, or other symptoms

These are the top pros and cons to weigh when considering breast augmentation. If you wish to focus on what is unique to you, please consult with your aesthetic plastic surgeon.

Are you a good candidate for breast augmentation?

The following are some common reasons why you may want to consider breast augmentation:

You believe your breasts are too small for your body.
You feel self-conscious wearing a swimsuit or form-fitting or low-cut tops.
Clothes that fit your hips are too large at the bust line.
Your breasts do not fill out your brassiere.
Your breasts have become smaller or less firm after you've had children.
Your breasts have become smaller due to weight loss.
One of your breasts is noticeably smaller than the other.
You have sagging breasts, which may benefit from both augmentation and a breast lift.

If you are in good health, have a positive attitude and realistic expectations, you are most likely a good candidate for this procedure.

Detailed Procedural Info

How is a breast augmentation procedure performed?

In breast augmentation using implants, your surgeon makes an incision, creates a pocket in the chest/breast area and places an implant in the pocket.

An additional option for breast augmentation is autologous fat transfer, a process in which your surgeon removes some of your own fat, using liposuction, from a fat-yielding body part (such as your abdomen, thighs, or flanks) processes it and then injects it into your breasts.

Where will my breast implants be placed?

Multiple factors, including your anatomy and your surgeon's recommendations, will determine how your breast implant is inserted and positioned. The implant is placed in a pocket either:

Underneath the pectoral muscle, which is located between the breast tissue and chest wall.
Underneath the breast tissue and on top of the pectoral muscle.

Breast Augmentation - Implant Placement Drawing

Breast implants can be placed either above or below the pectoral muscle.

Placement of the implant underneath the pectoral muscle may interfere less with mammograms and breast-feeding. The implant may move when you flex your chest muscles. Your plastic surgeon will discuss this with you.

What are my options?

There have never been more choices for breast augmentation. The following options are available, depending on your medical history, body shape and aesthetic goals.

Breast augmentation patients have a choice between saline implants and silicone implants. Choosing the type of implant typically comes down to personal preference and the surgeon’s opinion.

Saline-filled breast implants are filled with sterile salt water. Saline breast implants may be prefilled at a predetermined size or filled at the time of surgery to allow for minor modifications in implant size.

Structured saline-filled breast implants are filled with sterile salt water, but contain a structure inside so they behave as if filled with soft, elastic silicone gel. This structure enables them to hold their shape better than traditional saline implants. Approved by the FDA and Health Canada in 2014, these implants have been available since 2015.

Silicone gel-filled breast implants are filled with soft, elastic gel and are available in a variety of shapes and degrees of firmness. All silicone gel breast implants are pre-filled and patients may require a longer incision for larger implant placement.

Cohesive gel silicone gel-filled breast implants, also known as “gummy bear” or “form stable” implants, are filled with a cohesive gel, made of crosslinked molecules of silicone, which makes them a bit thicker and firmer than traditional silicone gel implants. This enables them to hold their shape better. Approved by the FDA for use in the United States in 2012, these silicone implants have been available in much of the world since 1992.

Autologous fat transfer removes fat through liposuction from an area of your body in which there are abundant fat cells, such as your thighs, abdomen and hips. After a process of preparation, the fat cells are injected into your breast. The amount of fat available for augmentation may be less than the volume achievable with an implant in many patients. Not all of the fat that is transferred is expected to survive the grafting process, and in some cases, the surgery may need to be repeated to achieve greater volumes of augmentation.

Your plastic surgeon might combine any of these breast augmentation options with a breast lift if there is any sagging or drooping of your breasts.

Your anatomy and health profile as well as your personal preferences will help you and your surgeon determine:

The best type of surgery for you
Your optimal breast size
The type of implant and incision location that will best fill your needs.

Factors that influence the size and type of breast augmentation recommended for you include:

Your medical history
Your goals for breast enhancement
Your existing body frame and mass
Your existing breast tissue
Your preferences related to size and incision placement.

The goal of your aesthetic plastic surgeon and staff is to help you achieve the best results and to make your surgical experience as easy, safe and comfortable as possible.

What will my breast augmentation incisions and scars be like?

An incision can be made in one of four places:

Inframammary: Underneath the breast, just above the crease
Transaxillary: Near the armpit, where the arm meets the chest area
Periareolar: Around the lower edge of the areola (the dark area surrounding the nipple)
Transumbilical: in the navel

Breast Augmentation Surgery - Post-Op Drawing

Incisions can be made underneath the breast in the crease; around the areola; in the armpit; or in the belly button (saline only).
Breast Augmentation can restore and enhance your breast volume, giving you renewed confidence.

Is breast augmentation safe?

It is important for women with breast implants to keep in mind that breast implants are not intended to last a lifetime: replacement may become necessary. After breast implant surgery, you should have periodic examination by a board-certified plastic surgeon to monitor your implants.

Silicone gel−filled breast implants have been under scrutiny for years, but after gathering detailed and meticulous research and data, the FDA has approved them for use in cosmetic breast enhancement surgery, finding no link between silicone gel implants and connective tissue disease, breast cancer or reproductive problems. In addition, the FDA has approved three companies to develop and market breast implants and continue to collect data on their long-term safety and efficacy. For more information on silicone breast implants, please see the FDA breast implant information provided on their site.

Surgical techniques for breast augmentation and all breast implants are continually being refined, increasing the safety and reliability of the procedure. Ask your plastic surgeon to provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision.

Selecting a Surgeon

Select a surgeon you can trust

It’s important to choose your surgeon based on:

Education, training and certification
Experience with breast augmentation surgery
Your comfort level with him or her

Members of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery are experienced and qualified to perform your aesthetic procedure. Learn how to select a surgeon.

After finding a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area who is experienced in performing breast augmentation, you will need to make an appointment for your consultation. Generally, because of the in-depth nature of the consultation, there is a cost associated with the initial visit. In some cases for out-of-town patients, introductory consultations can be undertaken virtually using telemedicine technologies, but an in-person exam should be performed before surgery.

Your initial consultation appointment

During your initial consultation, you will have the opportunity to discuss your cosmetic goals. Your surgeon will evaluate you as a candidate for breast augmentation and clarify what a breast augmentation can do for you. Understanding your goals and medical condition, both alternative and additional treatments may be considered (see related procedures).

You should come to the consultation prepared to discuss your complete medical history. This will include information about:

Previous surgeries
Past and present medical conditions
Allergies and current medications
Medical treatments you have received
Medications you currently take
Family history of breast cancer
Current mammogram results
Your history of smoking, steroid use, or other factors that may influence healing

Your plastic surgeon will examine, measure and photograph your breasts for your medical record. Your surgeon will consider:

The current size and shape of your breasts.
The breast size and shape that you desire.
The quality and quantity of your breast tissue.
The quality of your skin.
The placement of your nipples and areolas.

If your breasts are sagging, a breast lift may be recommended in conjunction with breast augmentation.

If you are planning to lose a significant amount of weight, be sure to tell your plastic surgeon. The surgeon may recommend that you stabilize your weight before undergoing surgery.

If you think that you may want to become pregnant in the future, discuss this with your surgeon. Pregnancy can alter breast size in an unpredictable way and could affect the long-term results of your breast augmentation. There is no evidence that breast implants will affect pregnancy or your ability to breastfeed, but if you have questions about these matters, you should ask your plastic surgeon.

Your treatment plan

Based on your goals, physical characteristics, and the surgeon’s training and experience, your surgeon will share recommendations and information with you, including:

An approach to your surgery, including the type of procedure or combination of procedures.
The outcomes that you can anticipate.
Your financial investment for the procedure.
Associated risks and complications.
Options for anesthesia and surgery location.
What is needed to prepare for the surgery.
What you can expect to experience after surgery.
Show before-and-after photos of cases that are similar to yours and answer any questions; 3D imaging may be used to help choose an appropriate implant for you.

Questions to ask your aesthetic plastic surgeon

It is important for you to take an active role in your surgery, so please use this list of questions as a starting point for your initial consultation:

Am I a good candidate for breast enhancement or enlargement?
Are the results I am seeking reasonable and realistic?
Do you have before-and-after photos I can look at for the procedure I am undergoing?
Will you be combining a breast lift with the breast augmentation?
In my case, will the breast implants be placed beneath the breast tissue or beneath the pectoral muscle?
Will my scars be visible? Where will my scars be located? Is there any way I can minimize scarring?
What type of implants do you recommend for me?
What kind of anesthesia do you recommend for me?
How much will a breast augmentation cost?
What will you expect of me to get the best results?
What kind of recovery period can I expect and when can I resume normal activities?
How many additional implant-related operations can I expect over my lifetime?
How can I expect my implanted breasts to look over time? After pregnancy? After breast-feeding?
What are the risks and complications associated with my procedure?
How are complications handled?
What are my options if the cosmetic outcome of my breast augmentation does not meet the goals we agreed on?
How will my breasts look if I choose to have the implants removed in the future and not have them replaced?

Preparing for Your Procedure

How do I prepare for a breast augmentation procedure?

Your surgeon will provide thorough preoperative instructions, answer any questions you may have, take a detailed medical history and perform a physical exam to determine your fitness for surgery.

To help detect and track any changes in your breast tissue, your plastic surgeon may recommend:

A baseline mammogram before surgery
Another mammogram a few months after surgery

In advance of your procedure, your surgeon will ask you to:

Stop smoking at least six weeks before undergoing cosmetic surgery to better promote healing.
Avoid taking aspirin and certain anti-inflammatory drugs that can increase bleeding.
Regardless of the type of surgery to be performed, hydration is very important before and after surgery for safe recovery.

For breast augmentation using autologous fat transfer, you may be instructed to wear a special bra to expand the skin and tissue around the breasts to prepare them for fat injection.

Breast augmentation is usually performed on an outpatient basis. Be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery and to stay with you at least the first night following surgery.

What can I expect on the day of breast augmentation surgery?

Your breast augmentation surgery may be performed in a hospital, free-standing ambulatory facility or office-based surgical suite. Most breast augmentation procedures take at least one to two hours, and may be 1-2 hours longer if breast lifting is also being performed.

Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedure.
General anesthesia is commonly used during your breast augmentation procedure, although local anesthesia or intravenous sedation may be desirable in some instances.
For your safety during the surgery, various monitors will be used to check your heart, blood pressure, pulse and the amount of oxygen circulating in your blood.
Your surgeon will follow the surgical plan discussed with you before surgery.
After your procedure is completed, you will be taken into a recovery area, where you will continue to be closely monitored.

Breast implants
Following insertion and placement of breast implants, your surgeon will use sutures to close the surgical incisions. Many plastic surgeons will wrap your chest area with a gauze bandage or dress you with a surgical compression bra to provide support and assist with healing. Occasionally, drainage tubes may be used for a short time following surgery.

Fat transfer
Breast augmentation with autologous fat transfer requires two procedures: liposuction and fat injection. Using liposuction techniques, your plastic surgeon will remove your fat cells from a predetermined location with a cannula, process the fat and then inject the fat into your breasts. Your liposuction incisions will be closed with sutures, and you will wear compression garments over the liposuction areas and your breasts.

You may be permitted to go home after a short observation period unless you and your plastic surgeon have arranged other plans for your immediate post-operative recovery.

Aftercare and Recovery

Your surgeon will discuss how long it will be before you can return to your normal level of activity and work. After surgery, you and your caregiver will receive detailed instructions about your post-op care, including information about:

Drains, if they have been placed
Normal symptoms you will experience
Potential signs of complication

Immediately after breast augmentation surgery
After your breast augmentation procedure, you may be placed in a surgical dressing that can include a support bra or garment.

Breast augmentation surgery stretches the breast tissue and can be painful—especially when implants have been placed under the chest muscle. Typically, the most pain is experienced within the first 48 hours after breast augmentation surgery. Your level of pain will typically decrease each day and may be effectively treated with various pain medications.

Your breasts may feel tight and sensitive to the touch and your skin may feel warm or itchy. You may experience difficulty raising your arms.

Some discoloration and swelling will occur initially, but this will disappear quickly. Most residual swelling will resolve within a month.

When the anesthesia wears off, you may have some pain. If the pain is extreme or long-lasting, contact your physician. You will also have some redness and swelling after the surgery. Contact your surgeon to find out if your pain, redness and swelling is normal or a sign of a problem.

Breast Augmentation Recovery Time Frame
You should be able to walk without assistance immediately after breast augmentation surgery. It is very important that you walk a few minutes every few hours to reduce the risk of blood clot formation in your legs.

It is vitally important that you follow all patient care instructions provided by your surgeon. This will include information about wearing compression garments, care of your drains, taking an antibiotic if prescribed and the level and type of activity that is safe. Your surgeon will also provide detailed instructions about the normal symptoms you will experience, how to care for areas of incision, and any potential signs of complications. It is important to realize that the amount of time it takes for recovery varies greatly among individuals.

The first week

For two to five days, you may feel stiff and sore in your chest region.
Any surgical dressings will be removed within several days. You may be instructed to wear a support bra.
You will be permitted to shower between one and seven days after surgery.
If you have external sutures, they will be removed in about a week. If your surgeon used tissue glue or tape, it will fall off on its own in a week or two.
You may be able to return to work within a few days to a week, depending on the nature of your job.
You should refrain from lifting, pulling or pushing anything that causes pain and limit strenuous activity or upper body twisting if this causes discomfort.

Two to six weeks
You should minimize excessive physical activity for at least the first few weeks after surgery. After that, take care to be extremely gentle with your breasts for at least the next month. Intimate contact will be guided by your comfort.

Long-term
Your surgeon will encourage you to schedule routine mammograms at the frequency recommended for your age group. Following breast augmentation, you should continue to perform breast self-examination.

How Long Will the Results Last?

Under normal circumstances, the results of your breast augmentation surgery will be long-lasting; however, it’s important to know that breast implants may need to be replaced. Routine follow-up with your surgeon is important.

Fat transfer surgery has different expectations, including losing some volume over time.

Your breasts can change due to:

Childbirth
Aging
Weight gain or loss
Hormonal factors
Gravity

After a number of years, if you become less satisfied with the appearance of your breasts, you may choose to undergo a breast revision to exchange your implants, or a breast lift to restore a more youthful shape and contour.

Maintain a relationship with your aesthetic plastic surgeon
For safety, as well as the most beautiful and healthy outcome, it’s important to return to your plastic surgeon's office for follow-up evaluation at prescribed times and whenever you notice any changes in your breasts. Do not hesitate to contact your surgeon when you have any questions or concerns.

Associated Costs

The cost of breast augmentation varies from doctor to doctor, from one geographic area to another, and based on the specific augmentation procedure. Between saline breast implants, gel-filled silicone implants, and “gummy bear” silicone implants, the type of implant will also influence the total cost.

See the national average for physician fees per procedure.

These numbers only reflect the physician/surgeon fees last year and do not include fees for the surgical facility, anesthesia, medical tests, prescriptions, surgical garments or other miscellaneous costs related to breast revision.

Because breast augmentation is an elective cosmetic surgery, insurance does not cover these costs. Many surgeons offer financing plans to make the procedure more affordable.

Choose your surgeon based on quality, training and experience — not cost.

See why ASAPS members are widely recognized for upholding the highest standards in the area of aesthetic plastic surgery by viewing their basic credentials, training and certifications.

Limitations and Risks

Fortunately, significant complications from breast augmentation are infrequent. Your specific risks for breast augmentation will be discussed during your consultation.

All surgical procedures have some degree of risk. Some of the potential complications of all surgeries are:

Adverse reaction to anesthesia
Hematoma or seroma (an accumulation of blood or fluid under the skin that may require removal)
Infection and bleeding
Changes in sensation
Scarring
Allergic reactions
Damage to underlying structures
Unsatisfactory results that may necessitate additional procedures

All surgical procedures have some degree of risk. With breast augmentation, minor complications occur occasionally, but do not affect the outcome. Major breast augmentation complications are very unusual.

Other risks specific to breast augmentation are outlined below:

Infection
Capsular contracture
Implant rupture
Mammography shadows affecting breast cancer detection.

Breast Cancer Detection
If you are of an age in which you get regular mammographic examinations, it will be important for you to select a radiology technician who is experienced in taking x-rays of augmented breasts. Additional views of your breasts are often required.

Your aesthetic plastic surgeon, in some instances, may recommend other types of examinations, such as ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). It is possible that the presence of breast implants could delay or hinder the early detection of breast cancer.

You can help minimize certain risks by following the advice and instructions of your board-certified plastic surgeon, both before and after your breast surgery.

Implants and ALCL:
In January 2016, the United States FDA provided an update to the 2011 safety communication that identified a possible association between breast implants and the development of ALCL, a rare type of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

According to the World Health Organization, BI-ALCL is not a breast cancer or cancer of the breast tissue; it is a lymphoma, a cancer of immune cells. Women with breast implants may have a very low, but increased risk of developing ALCL adjacent to a breast implant.

Women with breast implants are encouraged to contact their plastic surgeon if they notice swelling, fluid collections, or unexpected changes in breast shape
In symptomatic patients suspicious for BI-ALCL, the implant should be immediately removed.

Breast implant associated-ALCL is very rare, and if it occurs, is highly treatable in the majority of patients. The FDA, ASPS, and ASAPS recommend that all women, including those with breast implants, follow their normal routine in medical care and follow-up, including mammography when appropriate.

The FDA as well as the Institute of Medicine (IOM) maintain that breast implants do not impair breast health and scientific evidence continues to support that FDA-approved breast implants have a reasonable assurance of safety and effectiveness.

Patient Experiences and Stories

My Breasts are Now Symmetric and I’m More Confident after Undergoing Breast Augmentation

Kira decided to undergo a breast augmentation because her breasts were asymmetric. Her left breast was smaller than her right; this had an impact on her confidence level especially when trying on bathing suits.”

A breast augmentation surgery increases breast size and restores balance using silicone gel implants, saline implants or in some cases, fat transfer.

I Look Better in My Clothes after Breast Augmentation

Maryann decided to undergo a breast augmentation simply because she wanted to look better in her clothes.

“I was never ashamed of who I was and how I stood; I just need that extra,” explains Maryann. “The first time I went to the doctor, the information he provide me about the surgery was a little frightening, but through a referral from a friend, I found a board-certified plastic surgeon who was calm and caring in the way he explained the procedure, so I felt good about him and decided to proceed with the surgery,” she added.

Lessons Learned from Previous Botched Breast Surgery

Cassondra first got her breasts done when she was 18, but was unsatisfied with the results because her breasts were very far apart and her chest bone was noticeable.

“I finally decided to get my breasts redone and did my research to find my doctor,” explained Cassondra. “Research is very important, the internet is good but anyone can put up a website. I had a bad experience in the past and have learned from it.”

It is important to consult with your plastic surgeon prior to your procedure and verify his credentials to ensure he is a board-certified plastic surgeon.

My Breast Augmentation Enhanced My Femininity

Growing up, Debbie was flat-chested and always felt like she resembled a 12 year-old boy; she didn’t feel like a woman. This made her self-conscious when she wore certain types of clothing such as bathing suit –she lacked self-confidence.

“My sisters made fun of me and it was the on-going joke since I was the last child born that there was none left for me,” stated Debbie. “I decided to look into the surgery and chose a doctor that my friend had a recommended.”

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