Breast Augmentation

*Just added - Read the Breast Augmentation FAQs

Breast augmentation, or enlargement, is an operation done to enhance the appearance of small breasts.  This procedure increases the size and improves the shape of the breasts especially in underdeveloped breasts, breasts that have decreased in size after pregnancy, or breasts that are uneven in volume.

Today, breast augmentation is done mainly using saline-filled implants with an outer silicone shell.  In certain cases, it can also be done using silicone gel implants as part of a research study.  The operation is safe and can create breasts that look and feel very natural. 

Implants can be inserted either on top of or behind the pectoralis major muscle in the chest.  The incision can be around the areola, under the breast, in the armpit, or in the bellybutton.  Generally all these incisions heal virtually unnoticeably.

The most important factor that Dr. Goodman considers when doing a breast augmentation is the desire of the patient:  what size you want to become and what your priorities are in terms of the shape of the breast and the incision.  Realistic expectations and being well informed makes it more likely that you will be pleased with the result - as the great majority of patients are after breast augmentation.

Many women also opt to have a tummy tuck at the same time as the breast augmentation to balance the body. Sometimes it is necessary to have a breast lift along with the augmentation if an implant alone will not lift the nipple back into its normal position.