Breast Enlargement (Breast Augmentation)

Breast Enlargement (Augmentation Mammoplasty)

If you have small underdeveloped breasts, breasts that have atrophied after pregnancy or two different sized breasts, augmentation mammoplasty can help. This surgical procedure can increase the size and shape of a woman's breasts. By placing an implant behind each breast, your surgeon can increase your bustline by one or more bra cup sizes. Sometimes a breast lift is done at the same time to raise and lift sagging breast tissues.

A breast implant is a silicone shell filled with saline (salt water) solution or silicone gel. The implant can be placed either under the breast tissue or beneath the breast muscle. Incisions can be made around the areola (the dark skin around the nipple), under the breast in your natural crease or in the armpit. The implants are then inserted, centered and the incisions closed. An ace bandage or support bra will be placed around the breasts to hold them in the correct position. The size, type and placement of your implants, and the location of your incisions will be decided by you and your surgeon.

You will be sore for a few days after your surgery. The degree of discomfort depends on whether the implants are placed under the breast tissue or under the breast muscle. Any discomfort can be controlled by pain medication prescribed by your surgeon.

Swelling and bruising of the breasts is normal and will begin to subside in a week or so. The incisions are placed to keep the scars as inconspicuous as possible and will become barely noticeable after several months. You may have a decrease in sensitivity around your nipples or some numbness near the incision after surgery. These symptoms usually disappear with time.

Return to top