Health A-Z

Breast augmentation, also known as augmentation mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure to increase the size, shape, or fullness of the breasts using implants or fat transfer. Here's how it relates to symptoms, treatment plans, and diagnosis testing.

1. Desire for larger breasts: Some individuals may seek breast augmentation to enhance the size and shape of their breasts to achieve a more proportionate or desired appearance.
2. Asymmetry: Breast augmentation can also address breast asymmetry, where one breast is larger or differently shaped than the other.

1. Pre-operative evaluation: Patients undergo a comprehensive evaluation by a plastic surgeon to determine candidacy for breast augmentation and discuss various factors such as implant size, type, and placement, as well as incision location and surgical technique.
2. Surgical procedure: Breast augmentation can be performed using either saline or silicone gel implants, or through autologous fat transfer (fat grafting). The surgical technique may involve making incisions in the breast crease (inframammary), around the areola (periareolar), or in the axilla (transaxillary), followed by placement of the implants or fat transfer.
3. Post-operative care: After surgery, patients receive post-operative care instructions and may require pain management, antibiotics, and follow-up appointments to monitor healing and address any concerns or complications.

1. Medical history and physical examination: A thorough medical history is obtained, followed by a physical examination to assess breast size, shape, symmetry, skin quality, and nipple-areolar position.
2. Breast imaging: Mammography or breast ultrasound may be recommended as part of the pre-operative evaluation to assess breast health and detect any abnormalities that may affect surgical planning.
3. Discussion of goals and expectations: A consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon is essential to discuss the patient's goals, expectations, and concerns regarding breast augmentation, as well as to review available options, risks, and potential complications.