Augmentation Mammoplasty

Augmentation mammoplasty is plastic surgery to enlarge the size of the breasts. Augmentation mammoplasty is currently the most common plastic surgery procedure performed in the United States after liposuction. Doctors make incisions to perform an augmentation mammoplasty at either at the areola (the darker skin around the nipple), the underarm or under the breasts. Surgeons then place the breast implants either over or under the pectoralis muscle. Patients most often choose silicone breast implants for an augmentation mammoplasty because they mimic the consistency of natural breast tissue. Saline breast implants are popular with patients who are concerned with having a foreign substance in their body or want to avoid the possibility of silicone leaks in their breasts long after augmentation mammoplasty. Doctors consider the ideal breast size of the patient, breast implant material (silicone vs. saline), breast implant location (under vs. over the muscle) and the approach for insertion at length. Excellent rapport with an experienced board certified plastic surgeon is extremely important for the patient. A certified plastic surgeon works with a patient to make decisions and assures the best augmentation mammoplasty outcomes.