Breast Augmentation (Mammoplasty) is a surgical procedure to enhance the size and shape of a woman's breast. An implant is a shell, filled with either silicone or saline (salt-water solution), and is inserted behind each breast.

REASONS FOR BREAST AUGMENTATION
to increase breast size
to correct a reduction in breast volume after pregnancy
to balance a difference in breast size
as a reconstructive technique following breast surgery

ANESTHESIA
Breast augmentation is usually an outpatient procedure (you will go home the same day as your surgery). Breast augmentation can be performed with a general anesthesia so you'll sleep through the entire operation, or with a local anesthesia so you'll be relaxed - but awake.

THE SURGERY
The incision can be made either in the crease where the breast meets the chest, around the areola (the dark skin surrounding the nipple), or in the armpit. Incisions will be placed so resulting scars will be as inconspicuous as possible.

Working through the incision, your breast tissue and skin will be lifted to create a pocket, either directly behind the breast tissue or underneath your chest wall muscle (the pectoral muscle). The implants are then centered beneath your nipples.

Surgery time is usually 1 - 2 hours. The incisions are stitched closed and may also be taped. A gauze bandage may be applied over your breasts to help with healing.

RECOVERY
Following surgery, you will feel tired and sore for a few days, but most of your discomfort can be controlled with medication. Within several days the gauze dressing (if you have them), may be removed, and you may be given a surgical bra. You may feel a burning sensation in your nipples for about two weeks, but this will subside as bruising fades. Stitches are removed in 7 - 10 days, but the swelling in your breasts may take 3 - 5 weeks to disappear.

You should be able to return to work within a few days. Your breasts will probably be sensitive to direct stimulation for 2 - 3 weeks, so you should avoid much physical contact.

HEALING
Scars will be firm and pink for at least 6 weeks. They remain the same size for several months, or even appear the widen. After several months, scars will begin to fade, although they will never disappear completely.