Breast augmentation

Breast augmentation, sometimes referred to as a “breast aug” or “boob job” by patients, involves using breast implants or fat transfer to increase the size of your breasts. This procedure can also restore breast volume lost after weight reduction or pregnancy, achieve a more rounded breast shape or improve natural breast size asymmetry.

Breast augmentation is also referred to as augmentation mammoplasty. When fat from another part of the patient’s body is used to create the improved breast volume, the procedure is referred to as fat transfer breast augmentation.

Why Breast augmentation ?

• Increase fullness and projection of your breasts

• Improve balance of breast and hip contours

• Enhance your self-image and self-confidence

Breast implants may also be used for breast reconstruction after mastectomy or injury.

Breast augmentation does not correct severely drooping breasts. A breast lift or mastopexy may be required along with a breast augmentation for sagging breasts to look fuller and lifted.

Breast lifting can often be done at the same time as your augmentation or may require a separate operation.

Are a good candidate for breast augmentation?

Breast augmentation is a deeply personal procedure, and it’s important that you’re doing it for yourself and not for someone else, even if that person has offered to pay for it. Patient satisfaction is high, specifically when they want the procedure themselves.

You may be a candidate for breast augmentation if:

• You are physically healthy and you aren't pregnant or breastfeeding

• You have realistic expectations

• Your breasts are fully developed

• You are bothered by the feeling that your breasts are too small

• You are dissatisfied with your breasts losing shape and volume after pregnancy, weight loss or with aging

• You are unhappy with the upper part of your breast appearing "empty"

• Your breasts are asymmetrical

• One or both breasts failed to develop normally or have an elongated shape

The decision to have plastic surgery is extremely personal and you will have to weigh the potential benefits in achieving your goals with the risks and potential complications of breast augmentation. Only you can make that decision for yourself.

You will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure that you fully understand the procedure and any risks and potential complications.

Possible breast augmentation surgery risks include:

• Anesthesia risks

• Bleeding

• Hematoma

• Infection

• Changes in nipple or breast sensation

• Poor scarring

• Wrong or faulty position of the implant

• Implant leakage or rupture

• The formation of tight scar tissue around the implant (capsular contracture)

• Fluid accumulation (seroma)

• Wrinkling of the skin over the implant

• Persistent pain

• Possibility of revision surgery

These risks and others will be fully discussed prior to your consent. It is important that you address all your questions directly with your plastic surgeon.

Breast implant safety

Careful reviews of scientific research by independent groups such as the Institute of Medicine have found no link between breast implants and autoimmune or other systemic diseases.