Breast augmentation, breast enlargement or augmentation mammoplasty is a surgery done to enhance the size of a woman’s breasts. In this procedure a breast implant is used as prosthesis to enlarge the breasts for cosmetic purposes. It can also be done as part of a breast reconstruction (mastectomy) or a ‘sex change’ surgery.

Breast implants are of two types; silicone gel- filled or saline-filled implants are the most popular ones. Different types of incisions are made to place the implants. The implants are placed in locations associated with the pectoralis major muscle.

The patients may be required to rest depending on the type of surgery. In general they may be able to restore normal activities within a week’s time. It is important not to strain the body during recovery. The scars due to the surgery may last for more than 6 weeks and may begin to fade only after several months of the surgery.

During initial recovery, it is important not to use the arms or strain the body in any way. Scars from a breast augmentation surgery will last six weeks or longer and usually begin to fade several months after surgery.

Infection, breast pain, change in nipple sensation and difficulty in breast feeding, are some of the complications that are asociated with this surgery. Women who have done breast augmentation surgeries may be required to do a repeat or a revision surgery to sustain the good results.

If you have lost sleep over the size of your breasts then wake up to breast enlargement!