Breast augmentation

Breast augmentation is the art of enhancing the size and curvature of a woman's breasts.

Performed on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia, the breast augmentation procedure itself takes about an hour to complete. The surgeon carefully makes an incision under the crease of the breast (inframammary) or near the armpit (transaxillary), and inserts a saline or silicone-filled implant under or over the pectoral muscle. After the implant has been properly placed, the incision is closed. Breast implants are usually placed under the chest muscles because doing so gives a more natural look and feel to the breast and the muscles help hold the breast implants in place, as well as potentially limiting capsular contracture.

Breast augmentation patients can expect recovery side effects that include sensitive and swollen breasts, pain, and a possible, temporary period of decreased nipple sensation. Typically, patients may return to work within one week, but may need to limit their activity for up to four weeks after surgery.