Beauty Doc Blog

September 03.08

Breast enlargement, formally referred to as breast augmentation, is a safe and popular plastic surgery procedure.  It is not unusual for women to feel their breasts are too small or have become different after childbearing.  Breast enlargement gives women the figure and confidence they want.

During an augmentation mammaplasty, a silicone implant is placed behind the breast’s natural tissue.  The implant may be placed either under or on top of the pectoral muscle in the chest.  The result are filled-out, enlarged and lifted breasts with a naturally pleasing appearance.

Breast augmentation is meant to improve the appearance of breasts rather than make them look perfect.  Common reasons women want breast enlargement include small breasts, low breast volume following pregnancy, breast reconstruction after a mastectomy and the desire to correct uneven breasts.

The best candidates for breast enlargement surgery have realistic goals and are in good physical and emotional health.  Breast augmentation is possible for those with chronic health conditions but special precautions must be taken prior to surgery.  Candidates must also understand  the human body is naturally asymmetric and uneven and that plastic surgery will not repair personal problems such as marital or job difficulties.

Breast enhancing surgeries have been performed since the 1950s.  During the 1960s, silicone implants were introduced.  Today there are both silicone and saline filled implants in various shape and sizes to achieve most physical goals.

Breast augmentation is done as a day patient/outpatient.  There are several types of anesthetic with general anesthesia most frequently used.  An incision is made to create a space or “pocket” for the implant.  The implant is then placed behind or on top of the pectoral muscle.  The incision is usually made in the fold underneath the breast, in the armpit or at the edge of the areola.  The surgery is recommended for those over 18 years old.  There is no age limit for breast enlargement as long as the candidate is in good overall health.

Patients should not smoke or take nicotine replacements before or up to two weeks after breast augmentation surgery.  Smoking negatively affects the body’s ability to heal after surgery.  Patients will be in and out on the same day as their breast enlargement surgery but cannot drive home themselves. Someone must be available to drive the patient home and keep an eye on the patient for a few hours after surgery.  The patient wears a surgical bra for 48 to 72 hours after surgery.  After this period of time, the patient can remove the bra to take a shower.  Patients must be careful about moving their upper body right after surgery.

Breast enlargement is a safe, effective way to get the hourglass figure you always wanted.