Cosmetic Procedures: Breast Augmentation With Implants

So you're seeking a way to enhance your breasts, or perhaps you are planning to improve their overall appearance?

The good news is that you're one of many women who want to have breast implant surgery.  According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the number of breast augmentation procedures has increased, from more than 32,000 cases in 1992 to more than 347,000 surgeries in 2007.

Women get their breasts augmented for a variety of reasons: They may seek to increase the size of their breasts or improve breasts that have sagged due to multiple pregnancies. In some cases, women seek breast augmentation as a form of reconstructive surgery or to provide balance to uneven breasts.

But before you jump in, it's important to educate yourself about breast implant surgery. We've compiled this information as a basic overview of breast implants; however, this does not replace the advice of a surgeon.

Your Consultation Before Breast Augmentation

Before you undergo breast augmentation, you'll meet with your surgeon. You should prepare for this consultation by thinking about what you like and don't like about your breasts. Remember, you're not seeking perfection, but improvement. Also, be sure that you're in good mental and physical health, overall, and that you have realistic expectations. Breast implants are not going to solve problems for you.

Your surgeon will need to take a detailed medical history, including any previous problems you've had with your breasts, including lumps. You also should be able to tell your surgeon of any medication you are taking.

How Breast Augmentation Is Done

The breast implant procedure will take about one to two hours. It will be performed either under general anesthesia (you'll go to sleep) or local anesthesia with an oral sedative. You and your surgeon will make this determination together.

Breast augmentation can be performed with one of several approaches. Your surgeon can perform the procedure via the crease under your breast (known as the inframammary fold); via the areola (known as the "nipple" incision); via your armpit (known as transaxillary); or a newer, lesser-used method, via your belly button. Your surgeon will discuss all the possible methods with you, and together you will determine which best suits your needs.

There are different types of breast implants used as well, including saline or silicone gel. (In 1992, the FDA called for a voluntary moratorium on silicone gel implants due to safety concerns. Further study found no risk for connective tissue disease or rheumatologic disease. In 2006, the FDA authorized two manufacturers to sell silicone gel breast implants for use in breast augmentation surgery.)

The key differences: Saline implants are firmer. Some women have complained they feel hard or less natural. Silicone gel implants provide a more natural appearance and feel, but the implants do not last a lifetime. Also, women with saline breast implants can tell visually right away if a leak has occurred. But with silicone gel breast implants women must get MRI scans every few years to see if it has leaked.