1. What is a breast augmentation?

Breast Augmentation is enlargement of the female breast, usually with a saline or silicone implant. Early experimental studies have also recently started using external tissue expansion, fat injections and stem cells.


2. How should one prepare for breast augmentation surgery?

Before any elective surgery, a patient should be smoke/nicotine free for at least 4 – 6 weeks preop to minimize complications. This is especially important if the breast augmentation is combined with a breast lift (mastopexy). If the patient is near or over 40 years of age or has a strong history of breast cancer in the family, she should have a screening mammogram in advance of the procedure. A good healthy diet with protein and appropriate vitamins helps healing. Some plastic surgeons like their patients to wash with antibacterial soap before surgery.


3. How is a breast augmentation surgery performed?

Breast augmentation is usually performed under general anesthesia on an outpatient basis. There are many options available in 2010 that can only be properly covered during a comprehensive consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon. Options include saline vs. silicone implants, placement above or below the pectoralis muscle, different size and shape implants; scar location in the inframammary fold under the breast, at the lower edge of the nipple/areola complex, armpit or bellybutton!


4. How can one find a qualified board certified plastic surgeon?

A properly trained plastic surgeon can be found at plasticsurgery.org, the main site for board certified plastic surgeons. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons can also be called at 847.228.9900.


5. What are the possible immediate post-operative effects in breast augmentation surgery?

As with any surgery, a patient can develop bleeding, infection, bad scarring or other healing problems. Occasionally, the implants may be asymmetric or shift into the wrong position.


6. What are the possible longer-term effects in breast augmentation surgery?

Most patients heal nicely and are extremely pleased with their breast augmentation results. However, occasionally breast implants can leak or rupture and need to be replaced. Some women can form too much scar tissue around the implant causing them to become hard and/or distorted, a condition called capsular contracture. If this occurs, additional follow-up procedures might be required.


7. Who is a good candidate for breast augmentation?

The best candidate for breast augmentation, and for any cosmetic procedure for that matter, is someone who is self motivated. Many women feel disproportionate and have self image concerns if the size of their breast does not match the rest of their frame. Motivation to fit better in fashionable clothes and swimwear are common goals for augmentation candidates. Two large groups of patients include young women – college age to late twenties who never developed beyond an A” or B” cup. The second group is young mothers in their thirties or forties whose breasts have atrophied or sagged after having children. Implants can obviously enlarge the breast and help mild to medium sagging. Those with severe sagging might also require a breast lift, called a mastopexy, at the same time as the augmentation.

Some women also have breast augmentation for professional reasons, such as models, actresses and dancers.

One should not have cosmetic surgery if being pressured in anyway by a boyfriend, spouse or other significant person.