Breast augmentation is the most common plastic surgery procedure in the United States. Breast augmentation, also called augmentation mammaplasty, involves surgical placement of an implant behind each breast to increase its volume and enhance its shape. Implants are inserted through an incision - usually made just above the breast crease, around the pigmented skin surrounding the nipple, or in the armpit - and placed into a "pocket" created by the surgeon behind the breast tissue or the chest muscle. Breast augmentation is requested to add volume to small or underdeveloped breasts, or to restore volume lost as a result of weight loss, childbirth, or aging.

Two women speak out about their motivations for breast augmentation. Research shows that the typical breast implant patient is a woman in her 30’s a couple of kids who has seen her breasts sag and lose volume after childbirth. The typical breast implant patient wants to look better and feel better about herself.

The availability of FDA-approved silicone gel implants will create new options for women considering breast surgery for the first time and for those who have had previous surgeries but are seeking new replacements or revision. Now, all women over 22 years old seeking cosmetic breast augmentation and women seeking breast reconstruction surgery are able to select silicone breast implants.

File under: Beauty» Breast