Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure to increase the size and shape of the breasts.  Women may consider having their breasts enlarged for several different reasons:

• To make the breasts more proportionate with the body and enhance self-esteem
• To correct a reduction in breast volume after pregnancy
• To reshape or enlarge breasts that have lost their shape from breast-feeding or aging
• To balance asymmetrical breasts (breasts that differ significantly in size or shape)
• To reconstruct the breast contour after breast removal surgery (mastectomy)

Procedure

While there are many variations in the procedure, breast implants are typically placed either under the chest muscle or under the breast tissue.

Types

The FDA has approved several types of implants for use in breast augmentation surgery. Saline-filled implants were approved in 2000, and the silicone gel-filled type was approved in 2006.

Risks

Implants can rupture after breast augmentations. Some other possible complications include difficulty breastfeeding, breast pain and hardening of the body area surrounding the implant.

Cost

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the national average physician fee for breast augmentation surgery in 2008 was $3,348. Most health insurance plans will not cover elective cosmetic surgery, so cost is often a factor for individuals considering breast augmentation.

Considerations

Breast augmentation may require numerous surgeries over the patient's lifetime for maintenance or because of complications. Additionally, it is important to remember that many of the changes made with breast augmentation surgery cannot be undone.