What is breast augmentation?

Breast augmentation is a procedure to enhance or augment the size of one's breasts. This may be with an implant (saline or silicone) or with autologous fat transfer (fat transfer using one's own fatty tissue taken from another location). A lift procedure may be done at the same time or as a separate (preceding) surgery.

How should one prepare for breast augmentation surgery?

By this point, you have selected your method of augmentation, including implant selection and incision approach. Ask any last minute questions you may have. Ensure that no preoperative breast imaging is required or recommended (such as a mammogram). Be sure to follow your surgeon's instructions pertaining to avoidance of certain medications (herbal, over the counter, prescription,etc). If necessary, make arrangements for help with young children or other responsibilities which involve lifting/straining. Some physicians may recommend taking vitamin C supplements prior to surgery to improve wound healing; arnica may also be used to help decrease bruising and swelling.

How is breast augmentation surgery performed?

Breast augmentation surgery can be performed in multiple techniques depending on the incision approach, placement of implant and associated procedures performed (such as a lift or liposuction). Typically, an incision is made under the breast (inframammary), around or within the areola (peri or intra-areolar), in the underarm (transaxillary) or in the belly button (transumbilical only an option for saline implants). Additional incisions may be needed if your nipple position needs to be elevated to obtain the best aesthetic outcome. Often liposuction of the anterior axillary region(fatty tissue which protrudes between a woman's bra strap and her underarm) is performed with the augmentation to give a better result. Placement of the implant above or below the muscle is another factor to be considered. Most often it is preferable to have a submuscular placement. Fat transfer to the breasts is an option for some women who do not desire an implant, have adequate fatty deposits elsewhere to harvest the fat from, and who do not want a significant increase in their breast size. In some countries outside of the USA there are also fillers which are used to augment the breasts; this is not FDA approved here. The type of anesthesia utilized for this procedure varies from one surgeon to the next, but I recommend you seek a board certified anesthesiologist to perform the anesthesia.