Breast Augmentation: What You Should Know About

According to the 2010 report of American Society of Plastic Surgeons, breast augmentation remains to be the top cosmetic surgical procedure of 2009. In 2008, an estimated 307,000 cases of breast augmentation were filed and although there is a 6% decrease in 2009, this surgical procedure still remains on top of the list.

Breast augmentation, otherwise known as augmentation mammaplasty, is a surgical procedure performed to enlarge (or augment) breasts in order to achieve a fuller appearance. Others opt for this procedure for breast reconstruction purposes to restore breast volume, which may have been lost due to mastectomy, trauma, or congenital deformity.

In order to augment breasts, implants are used. Implants are breast-shaped prosthesis that are made of silicon covering and either silicone gel or saline (salt water) filling. 

Typically, the procedure is done on an out-patient     basis which usually takes two hours. The process starts with administering anesthesia which can either be under local or general anesthesia. Incision is then made around the areola, in the armpit or under the breast, depending on the type and size of the implant. The method by which the prosthesis is inserted also depends on the said conditions and after which, the incision will be closed.

As with any surgery, breast augmentation surgery has associated risks which include bleeding, infection, unfavourable scarring or fluid accumulation. Other risks associated with the surgery may be related to the implant itself such as obstructed mammography or capsular contracture, where a firm scar forms around the implant. And although most mortality cases are associated with anesthesia or medication errors, death associated with breast augmentation are extremely rare. Another important consideration that women should take note is that there are no lifetime guarantees with breast implants. And so before going into the procedure, women should weigh the pros and cons and decide, “Are you a good candidate for breast augmentation?”