Breast Enlargement

Breast enlargement, also known as breast augmentation or augmentation mammoplasty, is the surgical placement of breast implants to increase breast size. An implant is a soft silicone shell filled with silicone gel or a saline (saltwater) solution. This procedure is carried out for a range of reasons including:

• To enlarge what are considered naturally small breasts
• To achieve better symmetry if one breast is larger than the other
• To restore breast volume lost following pregnancy, or as a result of breast-feeding or weight loss
• To reconstruct the breast after surgery for breast cancer (mastectomy) or other conditions affecting the breast

Breast enlargement does not correct severely drooping breasts. If you’d like your breasts to look fuller and to be raised, a breast lift may be required instead of or in conjunction with breast enlargement.

During breast enlargement surgery, an incision is made in the bottom crease of the breast, the armpit, or along the lower edge of the areola (the coloured area surrounding the nipple). The implant is inserted through the incision and may be placed under either the breast tissue or the chest muscle beneath the breast. Once the implants have been adjusted to the correct shape and position, the incision is closed with stitches.

Most women have some swelling, bruising, and soreness in their breasts for several days or weeks after the procedure. Some also experience a burning sensation in their nipples right after surgery. Wearing a supportive bra 24 hours a day can help reduce swelling and support the breasts while they heal. You will also have scars after breast enlargement surgery, but these are in well-concealed areas and will usually fade over time.

Women who undergo breast enlargement often see a sizable boost in self-esteem and positive feelings about their sexuality, a researcher at the University of Florida found. You are more likely to be happy with the results if you have clear, realistic expectations about the surgery and understand the risks associated with breast enlargement. 

Breast enlargement surgery can pose various risks, including:

• Capsular contracture, a condition that occurs when scar tissue distorts the shape of the breast implant causing hardening of the breast tissue, rippling in the skin of the breast, and changes in the shape of the breast
• Changes in nipple and breast sensation due to nerve damage, usually temporary
• Infection, which typically occurs during the first week after surgery
• Implant leakage, deflation or rupture
• Increased difficulty to detect breast cancer on a mammogram
• Correcting any of these complications might require additional surgery, either to remove or replace the implants.