Breast augmentation, also known as augmentation mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure aimed at increasing the size and enhancing the shape of the breasts. It involves the placement of breast implants or, in some cases, fat transfer to achieve the desired volume and improve breast symmetry.

Breast augmentation is commonly performed for the following reasons:

Small Breast Size: Some women desire larger breasts due to their naturally small breast size, which may affect their body proportions or self-confidence.

Breast Volume Loss: After pregnancy, breastfeeding, or significant weight loss, some women may experience a reduction in breast volume and seek augmentation to restore fullness.

Breast Asymmetry: Breast augmentation can help correct breast asymmetry, where one breast is noticeably smaller or differently shaped than the other.

Enhanced Body Proportions: Breast augmentation can create a more balanced and proportionate figure, enhancing overall body contours.

Breast augmentation involves the following steps:

Anesthesia: The surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia to ensure the patient’s comfort throughout the procedure.

Incision Placement: The surgeon makes incisions in discreet locations, such as around the areola (periareolar incision), under the breast crease (inframammary incision), or in the armpit (transaxillary incision).

Implant Placement: Breast implants, either saline or silicone gel-filled, are carefully inserted into a pocket created either above or below the chest muscle (pectoralis major muscle).

Closing Incisions: Once the implants are positioned correctly, the incisions are closed with sutures, and dressings are applied to support the healing process.

After breast augmentation, patients may experience some discomfort, swelling, and tightness in the chest area. Prescription pain medication and a supportive surgical bra are often provided to help manage these symptoms.

The recovery time varies, but most patients can resume light activities within a few days and return to normal daily activities within a week or two. Strenuous physical activities and heavy lifting should be avoided for several weeks to promote proper healing.

The results of breast augmentation are visible immediately after surgery, but the breasts will continue to settle and the swelling will subside over the following weeks. The final results become more apparent once the breasts have fully healed.