Breast augmentation — also known as a mastoplasty or implant surgery — increases the size of a woman’s breasts. The procedure can be done for cosmetic reasons, or to help correct a congenital deformity. It is also sometimes done as part of reconstruction after a mastectomy or lumpectomy for cancer.
During the operation, your surgeon makes a cut under your breasts or in the area of the nipple. They then create a pocket by separating the tissue. An implant, which is a sac filled with either sterile salt water (saline) or a silicone gel, is then placed in the pocket and centered. The surgeon closes the incisions with stitches and bands the implants and skin with surgical tape and skin glue. You can choose between saline or structured silicone implants, which have an outer shell that is either round or textured to make the breast feel more natural.
You will likely have some swelling and tenderness after the operation. It is important to follow your surgeon’s advice for returning to work and other activities, especially avoiding anything that raises your pulse or blood pressure.
Rarely, some women have problems months or years after getting an implant. One problem is a type of lymphoma called breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma. This can cause symptoms such as a lump or a mass in the breast, and is treatable with surgery to remove the implant. It is important to report any problems with your implants through the government’s Yellow Card Scheme. Augmentation Mammoplasty
