BREAST SIZE IS IMPORTANT TO MANY WOMEN. Some individuals feel that small breasts not only limit their fashion choices, but can also cause dissatisfaction with body image. Breast augmentation to increase fullness and projection of the breasts improves the balance in a woman's figure and can enhance her self-image and self-confidence.

Breast augmentation enlarges a woman's breasts through the surgical placement of breast implants. In general, it is a cosmetic procedure strictly performed to fulfill your personal desire for fuller breasts or to restore breast volume lost after weight reduction or pregnancy. Implants may also be used for reconstructive purposes to restore a breast that is lost due to mastectomy, injury or for other reasons. In any case, breast implants allow women the choice of fuller, natural appearing breasts and a more balanced figure.

This presents an overview of breast augmentation. The best way to learn how breast augmentation can help you fulfill your personal goals is a consultation with a plastic surgeon certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery@ 0] The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada®.

Breast augmentation is usually done to balance a difference in breast size, to improve body contour, or as a reconstructive technique following surgery.

Incisions are made to keep scars as inconspicuous as possible, in the breast crease, around the nipple, or in the armpit. Breast tissue and skin is lifted to create a pocket for each implant.

The breast implant may be inserted directly under the breast tissue or beneath the chest wall muscle.

After surgery, breasts appear fuller and more natural in tone and contour. Scars will fade with time.

What is a breast augmentation?

Breast augmentation is the surgical placement of breast implants to increase fullness and projection of the breasts or to improve symmetry of the breasts. Clinically referred to as augmentation mammaplasty, the procedure is used cosmetically to:

Enlarge a naturally small breast, most commonly the result of heredity

Restore breast volume lost following pregnancy, as a result of breast-feeding or due to weight loss

Achieve better symmetry when breasts are moderately disproportionate in size and shape

Breast augmentation does not however correct sagging breasts. In cases where a woman desires to enhance breast fullness and at the same time improve the position and shape of sagging breasts, a breast lift may be performed in conjunction with breast augmentation.

Breast augmentation is a highly individualized procedure - one that you should choose to undergo to fulfill your own desire for enhanced breast size, not the desire of others. Permanent breast enhancement can only be achieved surgically. There is currently no medical treatment of any kind for breast enhancement with the proven results and satisfaction of breast augmentation.

Adult woman of any age can benefit from breast augmentation to enhance small breast size or restore fullness. However it is recommended that breasts be fully developed prior to breast augmentation. You should also be aware that breast augmentation does not generally interfere with a woman's ability to breastfeed.

A woman who is motivated by her own personal desire to enhance breast contour is most likely to be satisfied with the results of breast augmentation surgery. Good candidates are defined as:

Healthy individuals who do not have a life-threatening illness or medical conditions that can impair healing

Non-smokers

Individuals with a positive outlook and specific goals in mind for improving their body image

Where do I begin?

A consultation with your plastic surgeon is the first step to learn how breast augmentation can enhance your breasts' appearance and improve your body image. A consultation is designed to fully educate you about breast augmentation in a non-pressured environment and will include:

A discussion of your goals and an evaluation of your individual case

The options available in breast augmentation surgery

The likely outcomes of breast augmentation and any risks or potential complications

The course of treatment recommended by your plastic surgeon

Your plastic surgeon will also answer your questions.

Evaluation

Overall health and personal outlook can greatly impact the outcome of breast augmentation surgery. These will be carefully evaluated in consultation with your plastic surgeon. The success of your procedure, safety and overall satisfaction require that you:

Honestly share your expectations

Fully disclose health history, current medications, the use of vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco and drugs . Be candid about any history of breast cancer in your family and your personal breast health

Commit to precisely following all of your plastic surgeon's instructions

Safety

By making the decision to consult with your plastic surgeon and following all the instructions given, you are taking
an important step in helping to assure your safety.

Your plastic surgeon is certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery or The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada®. This certification designates surgeons who are specifically trained in plastic surgery of the face and entire body.

My breast augmentation

Your plastic surgeon performs breast augmentation using implants made of medical grade, biocompatible, textured or smooth silicone shells filled with sterile saline solution. Should the implant rupture or leak, the saline is safely absorbed by the body and poses no health hazard. Implants may be pre-filled prior to placement, or slowly filled at the time of surgery through a self-sealing valve. Implant placement, type and size will be determined based on your breast anatomy, body type and desired increase in size, as well as your plastic surgeon's judgment. Implant manufacturers occasionally introduce new styles and types of implants; there may be additional options available to you.

Breast implants have not been shown to impair breast health. Careful review of scientific research by independent groups such as the National Academy of Sciences Institute of Medicine (lOM) has found no proven link between breast implants and auto-immune or other systemic diseases in women. Implants can, however, create subtle or more noticeable changes in the look and feel of your breasts. Capsular contracture, a condition that causes the naturally-forming scar tissue around a breast implant to contract, occurs in a variable percentage of patients and can make the breast feel firmer than normal. While this condition can be addressed surgically, correction is not always permanent.

You should be aware that breast implants are not guaranteed to last a lifetime and future surgery may be required to replace one or both implants. Pregnancy, weight loss and menopause may influence the appearance of augmented breasts over the course of a woman's lifetime. Breast augmentation
requires maintenance over time, including regular examinations for breast health and to evaluate the condition of your implants.

A mammogram may be recommended prior to your procedure to ensure breast health and serve as a baseline for future comparison. Following the procedure, mammography is technically more difficult. Obtaining the best possible results requires specialized techniques and additional views. You must be candid about your implants when undergoing any diagnostic breast exam.