Breast Augmentation Choices (Implants, Surgical Access and Surgical Plane Choices)
Breast Augmentation Consent
Silicone Breast Implants – Report of the Independant Review Group
Breast Augmentation (augmentation mammaplasty) is a surgical operation performed to enlarge the breasts for a number of reasons, such as to enhance the body contour, to correct a loss in breast volume, to balance breast size or for reconstructive purposes. According to the United States FDA ruling, a woman must be at least 18 years of age for cosmetic breast augmentation.
Breast enlargement is accomplished by inserting a breast implant either behind the breast tissue or under the chest muscles. Incisions are made to keep scars as inconspicuous as possible, usually under the breast or around the lower part of the areola. Breast implants are manufactured in a variety of shapes, sizes and surface textures. The method of implant selection and size, along with the surgical approach for inserting and positioning breast implants will depend on your preferences, your anatomy and of course, the surgeon’s recommendation. The shape and size of the breasts and chest wall will influence both the recommended treatment and the final results. Conditions which involve sagging of the breast or diminished skin tone (stretch marks) may require additional surgical procedures (such as a breast lift) to reposition the nipple and areola upward and to remove loose skin.
Breast Augmentation is the most requested cosmetic procedure and nearly 300 000 procedures are performed in the USA annually. The exact numbers in South Africa are unknown but about 6000 procedures is a rough estimate. Breast augmentation is a procedure with a high patient satisfaction rate and literature shows that about 93% of patients are satisfied with their implants.