Breast augmentation is a breast enlargement process usually performed to enlarge underdeveloped breasts or breasts that have decreased in size after pregnancy. It can also be performed in cases of breast deformity, or where one breast has not developed in proper symmetry with the other. When a breast is lost due to breast cancer, breast augmentation through reconstruction may also be possible.

There are many types of incision techniques that can be considered for breast enlargement or breast augmentation. The incision type used generally depends on the cosmetic surgeon’s technique. Once the incision is made, the cosmetic surgeon will lift the breast tissue up to create a pocket. This pocket will either be under the breast tissue or underneath the chest wall muscle. Once the pocket is created, the surgeon will insert a breast implant. Traditionally, this surgical procedure has been accomplished by using a silastic containing a silicone gel. However, there have been concerns raised about the safety of silicone implants. While further research is being done, new patients desiring breast augmentation are restricted to saline-filled implants.

Tags: breast deformity, proper symmetry, silicone implants, types of incision