Essential Facts > Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation, or augmentation mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to enhance the size and shape of a woman’s breast. This has become one of the most popular procedures performed today. Breast size can easily be increased by one or more bra cup sizes. There are many reasons why women choose to undergo breast augmentation. Some women wish to increase the size of their breasts in order to enhance their body contour. Breast augmentation can correct breasts of different size, or help women that have lost shape in their breasts as a result of age, pregnancy or nursing. There are other reasons why women choose to undergo breast augmentation. However, the individual must have realistic goals and expectations for the procedure. Be sure to discuss with your doctor your reasons for wanting to enhance the size of your breasts.

There are different types of implants used for the breast augmentation procedure; saline-filled and silicone gel-filled implants are the most common. Currently the FDA approves the use of saline-filled implants for breast augmentation, while silicone gel-filled implants are only approved for certain studies. Be sure to ask your doctor about the types of implants available for breast augmentation.

Our essential facts section provides the basic introductory facts about this procedure to help answer some of the more frequently asked questions about today’s cosmetic surgery procedures. Take some time to look through the essential facts listed and read a more detailed description of the breast augmentation procedure in our “Research” section. However if you wish to gain more thorough and complete information about any cosmetic surgery procedure you are considering, please consult with a cosmetic surgeon.