A woman's breast is an important symbol of her femininity. For some women, breast size not only bears an immense significance to their overall body image, also affect their confidence. Cosmetic breast enhancement, also called breast augmentation, can increase breast size, projection, harmonize overall body balance and improve overall body image. The procedure involves the use of implants to increase breast size and projection. While inadequate breast volume may be due to the result of hereditary factors, other causes such as natural aging, weight reduction, post-pregnancy, post-lactation and post-mastectomy may also need to be corrected by breast augmentation surgery.

Breast Augmentation Surgery

The surgery of breast augmentation can either be carried out in a hospital under general anesthesia. Common incision sites include the armpits, the breast crease and around the areola region; a 4 cm incision is adequate for the insertion of a 250ml implant. Placement of implants can be either behind the muscles of the breast or behind the breast gland; this varies with different individual cases. 

Breast Augmentation Result

Swelling and bruising should subside within 2-4 weeks and the new shape of the breasts will improve over 12 months. The breast augmentation scars, if visible, will continue to improve over 2 years.

Breast Implant Safety

Silicone implants and silicone-shelled saline implants are safe to use in humans. There has been no evidence which suggests that such implants may cause and elevated risk of breast cancer or autoimmune diseases. In 2005, The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have approved the use of silicone breast implants. Please go to their website 

http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/breastimplants/index.html for further details.

NB: An important reminder is that breast implant is not designed to last permanently. Patients are required to have follow-up consultations in order to determine if the implants need to be replaced. The implant site of breast augmentation surgery may be hardened, painful and potentially permanent changes in nipple or breast sensation. For severe cases, it may need to take away the additional surgical implant.