Breast augmentation continues to be one of the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures in United States. A breast augmentation is done using breast implants or your fat to increase the fullness and size of your breasts, improve balance of your figure, and enhance your self-image and self-confidence.

A breast lift is a procedure that does not involve the process of putting in implants. This procedure, in medical terms is called a mastopexy, and is used to lift and tighten the breast tissue that you have so that your breasts have a more natural and appealing contour and shape. As women age, pregnancy, and other factors can cause your breasts to sag, droop, and leave you feeling less confident. The breast lift surgery will help lift up the tissue so that your breasts appear firm, perky, and younger looking.

As you age, your skin loses elasticity. Revision breast augmentation is a surgical option available to revise the look of the breasts. This is ideal for women who are not happy with the look or feel of their new breasts. For many cases, breast size is the issue, usually too small, too big, or they decide to change the type of breast implant, or have them removed altogether and return to their natural breasts.

If you don't want the stigma of implants, you can increase your breast size with fat. Assuming you've got extra fat to spare from love handles or saddle bags, it can be injected into your breasts. First you undergo liposuction and then your own fat is injected into your breasts. The advantages of this treatment are that you will have minimal scaring, and your breasts may look and feel more natural.

A Breast augmentation does not correct severely drooping breasts. If you want your breasts to look fuller and to be lifted due to sagging, a breast lift may be required in conjunction with breast augmentation. A breast lift can often be done at the same time as your augmentation or may require a separate operation. Your plastic surgeon will assist you in making the best decision for your body.

The surgery and types of implants you receive will depend on your body’s anatomy and the look you want to achieve. There are some important factors to keep in mind when undergoing breast augmentation surgery. Your breast implants will depend on these factors:

• Implant profile: How far your implant comes out of your chest
• Implant Shape: round or shaped (contoured)
• Implant size or volume: Size ranges from 120 to 850 cc’s
• Implant type: Silicone or saline
• Implant Surface: Smooth or with texture
• Implant Placement: This is important, as implants work best in certain places (depends on person)

When choosing the type of implants that you desire, both saline and silicone, have their advantages and disadvantages in knowing which ones are best for you.

Breast sizes range from 120 to 850 cc’s. It all depends on multiple factors, including you body frame, how tall you are, etc. During your consultation, you and your board-certified plastic surgeon will help you make the right decision.

With breast surgery or any surgical procedure for that matter, there is always a possibility of risks and complications. These however, can be minimized by following the doctors’ orders and asking questions.

You will most likely be able to breast feed after having breast surgery, but it depends on the type of procedure done. Most approaches are compatible with breast feeding. There may be some sensitivity to the breasts.

As a woman with breast implants, it’s important to know that implants do hinder getting a complete view of breast tissue during mammography. However, where the implants are placed makes a big difference. Implants that are placed under the chest muscles are much less likely to interfere with a mammogram than those placed above the chest muscles.

Depending on the procedure breast surgery is sometimes covered by insurance. Speak to your doctor or your insurance provider to find out more information.