Breast augmentation (also known as breast enlargement, breast implants or augmentation mammoplasty) is a surgical procedure to reshape and/or enlarge the breasts for various reasons.
For example:
- Where a woman for personal reasons feels her breasts are too small
- To correct a reduction in breast volume after pregnancy or weight loss
- To balance a difference in breast size
- As a reconstructive technique following breast surgery
Breast augmentation is not designed to correct sagging or drooping breasts. The surgical solution for this is a breast lift.
All breast implant surgery will leave some scarring and breast implants may have to be changed in the future.
How do I choose my implant type and size?
There are many implant options available. Your surgeon will discuss these with you during your consultation to help you decide what is right for you. Typically you will also try on actual implants or sizers by placing them in your bra (or one supplied by the clinic) and trying them on with different non-patterned tops (which you should bring with you).
The implant type, size, shape and placement will be determined not just on your desired size, but importantly on your breast anatomy, skin elasticity and body type. These are important factors in achieving a natural result.
What are the risks?
Like all cosmetic procedures there are risks involved. There are general risks associated with surgery and risks specific to this procedure. Your surgeon will discuss these with you during your consultation. You should then reassess whether it is right for you. The most common risk is capsular contracture, although this risk is low. This is where scar tissue that forms around the implant contracts and compresses the implant, making it hard. This can be painful and the implant may need to be replaced. Other risks include infection, bleeding, rupture or leakage of the implant and nipple numbness. |
