What is breast augmentation?

Breast augmentation, also known as augmentation mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure that aims to enhance the size and shape of the breasts. This is often accomplished by inserting breast implants or transferring fat from other parts of the body to the breasts. Breast augmentation surgery is a popular choice for women who want to increase the size of their breasts or improve their symmetry. It may also be used to restore breast volume after weight loss or pregnancy, or to correct breast asymmetry.

What are the different kinds of breast augmentation?

There are two primary methods for breast augmentation: using breast implants or transferring fat from another part of the body. Within these categories, there are various options available depending on the desired appearance and feel of the breasts. It’s important to carefully consider the advantages and disadvantages of each option and consult with a qualified plastic surgeon before making a decision on breast augmentation. Note that certain types of breast implants are only approved by the FDA for use in certain age ranges.

• Saline breast implants: These implants are filled with sterile saline (salt water). If the implant were to break inside your breast, your body will absorb the saline and naturally get rid of it.
• Structured saline breast implants: These implants are filled with sterile saline (salt water) and have an inner structure that helps the implant feel more natural.
• Silicone breast implants: These implants are made of silicone gel. If the implant were to break, the gel could stay within its shell or leak into your breast. If you get silicone implants, you may have to see your plastic surgeon regularly to make sure your implants are working properly.
• Form-stable breast implants: These implants are often called gummy bear breast implants because they keep their shape even in the implant shell breaks. They are made of a thicker silicone gel and are firmer than traditional implants. Form-stable breast implants require a longer surgery incision in your skin.
• Round breast implants: These implants usually make breasts look fuller. Since the implants are round all over, they don’t typically change the look of your breast if they rotate out of place.
• Smooth breast implants: These implants feel the softest of all the different kinds of implants.Smooth breast implants usually make breast movement look more natural than other implants.
• Textured breast implants: These implants create scar tissue to adhere to the implant, which makes them less likely to move around inside of your breast. Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL), though rare, occurs most frequently in people who have breast implants with textured surfaces.

For a fat transfer breast augmentation, the surgeon will use liposuction to remove fat from another part of the body and then inject it into the breasts. This technique is often used for individuals who desire a modest increase in breast size. The fat is typically taken from the abdomen, thighs, or buttocks. This type of augmentation is generally less invasive than using breast implants.

• Belly
• Flanks (the sides and lower back of your abdomen)
• Back
• Thighs

Why do people get breast augmentations?

There are several possible motivations for undergoing breast augmentation surgery, including:

• Desiring a change in the size or shape of one’s breasts, such as feeling that they are too small
• Seeking to correct asymmetry between the breasts
• Seeking to restore volume lost after pregnancy or weight loss
• Seeking to correct any abnormalities or issues that have arisen after previous breast surgery
• Seeking to boost self-confidence and self-esteem.

It’s important to carefully consider one’s reasons for wanting the procedure and to have realistic expectations, as well as to choose a qualified, experienced plastic surgeon and to follow their instructions before and after the surgery.

How common are breast augmentations?
The ASPS also reports that there were approximately 1.6 million cosmetic surgical procedures performed in 2020. This includes procedures like breast augmentation, tummy tuck, and facelift.