What is Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation or enhancement is the enlargement of breast volume by the surgical placement of an implant. According to information provided by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), 364,610 patients underwent breast augmentation in 2005 and the procedure remains one of the most popular procedures performed across the country today. The implant can be placed in women who feel that their breasts are too small or who have even lost volume from age, weight loss or pregnancy. Differences in size between the right and left breasts - either naturally occurring or from the removal of a breast (mastectomy) because of breast cancer, for example - can also be improved with the use of implants. The results of breast augmentation can be amazing and women who have undergone breast enhancement often feel like new - with a restored image to their self esteem and confidence. Dr. M Kayser is a Michigan Plastic Surgeon who is Board Certified in Plastic surgery. As a perfectionist, Dr. M Kayser will take all measures necessary to ensure that your results are the best that he can offer. Please view the extensive gallery of before and after photographs of breast augmentation patients.

Learn about the Breast Augmentation procedure in 3D

What are implants filled with?

Breast implants are devices that are either filled with saline (salt water) or silicone (gel). There are pros and cons with each device. Saine implants feel less natural and can show visible or palpable rippling; however, since all implants will eventually leak, there is no health concern if this happens. Silicone gel implants, however, feel more natural but if they leak, it may not be detected immediately. The good news is that scientific evidence so far has not shown women with silicone gel implants to be at any greater medical risk than those women with saline implants; indeed:

After rigorous scientific review, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved on November 17, 2006 the marketing of silicone gel-filled breast implants made by two companies for breast reconstruction in women of all ages and breast augmentation in women ages 22 and older. The two manufacturers of these products are Allergan (formerly Inamed Corp.) and Mentor Corporation.

Dr. M Kayser is a Michigan plastic surgeon fully credentialed to use both saline and silicone gel implants by both major implant manufacturers - Allergen and Mentor. Please visit the ASPS website and additional breast implant information below as summarized from www.breastimplantsafety.org for further information.

What are the incisions used in breast augmentation?

There are basically four approaches through which the breast implant can be passed. The most common sites would be the peri-areaolar (around the areola) and along the inframammary (breast crease) folds. These are the most straightforward approaches and have the advantage of being in direct proximity to the implant so that their accurate placement can best be assured. A third approach involves placing the implant through a cut made in the axilla (armpit); the scar is not on the chest but the manipulation of the implant to ensure its optimal position is potentially compromised. The final route involves placing the implant through a cut made around the navel and tunneling the device to its proper location on the chest. Unlike the other three approaches, the technique often places the implant above the muscle, which is often not the preferred location as the risk of scar tissue (capsule) problems can be higher. Finally, this method is not approved for safety by the FDA.

Continue reading about breast augmentation surgery.