Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation is a common type of cosmetic surgery that uses breast implants or fat transfer to increase the size and shape of your breasts. There are several types of breast implants and surgical procedures, so it's important to talk to your surgeon about what will work best for you.

Different kinds of breast augmentation

Breast implants are the most common type of breast augmentation. Breast implant options include:

• 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 if 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.

Why do people get breast augmentations?

There are many reasons you may want or choose to undergo breast augmentation surgery, including:

• To change the appearance of your breasts if you think they are small.
• To change the symmetry of your breasts if one is smaller than the other.
• To account for a decrease in your breast size after pregnancy or significant weight loss.
• To correct any unevenness or issues with your breasts after breast surgery for other conditions.
• To improve your confidence and self-esteem.

Recovery Time

Everyone heals differently, so recovery time for breast augmentation surgery can vary depending on the type of breast augmentation you had and your overall health. On average, full recovery takes about six to eight weeks.