FAQs about Breast Enlargement

If you are considering breast enlargement surgery, it is very important that you gather as much information as possible before making a final decision. Below you will find answers to several frequently asked questions concerning breast enlargement. If you should have further questions about breast enlargement or any other cosmetic surgery procedure, please feel free to view our breast augmentation video or browse our site for additional information.

What is breast augmentation?

Breast augmentation, also referred to as breast enlargement, is a surgical procedure designed to increase the size of the breasts. Breast implants are placed either directly behind or in front of the chest wall muscle in order to enhance bust size. Learn more about breast augmentation.

What is a saline breast implant?

Breast implants are used to enhance the size of the breasts during breast enlargement surgery. A saline breast implant is a silicone shell filled with a sterile saltwater solution. Saline implants are either round or anatomical, and the surface of the implant can be smooth or textured. Learn more about saline breast implants.

How long is the recovery period after breast enlargement surgery?

Most women can expect to return to work in a few days to a week. Exercise can typically be resumed three to four weeks following breast enlargement surgery. Learn more about recovery after breast augmentation.

What are the risks involved with breast augmentation surgery?

As with any surgery, there are risks associated with breast enlargement. Infection, deflation, nipple numbness, implant displacement, and rippling are all possible side effects of breast augmentation surgery. Another potential side effect is called capsular contracture. This occurs when the scar or capsule around the breast implant begins to tighten, squeezing the implant and causing the breast to harden. Learn more about possible breast augmentation risks and complications.

Is breastfeeding possible after breast augmentation surgery?

Breast enlargement surgery should not affect a woman's ability to breastfeed.

Will breast implants interfere with annual mammograms?

Breast implants will affect how your annual mammogram is performed. You will need to visit a radiology center where the technicians are trained to perform mammograms on patients with breast implants. Additional x-rays taken from various angles will be required to ensure an accurate reading. If the breast implant is placed under the muscle, 90 percent of the breast tissue will be visible. If the implant is placed over the muscle, only 75 percent of the breast tissue will be visible.

What is breast implant revision?

Breast implant revision is a surgical procedure in which a breast implant is replaced in order to correct complications resulting from breast reconstruction or breast enlargement surgery. Learn about breast implant removal and revision.

How should I choose a breast augmentation surgeon?

If you are considering breast enlargement surgery, it is very important that you choose a qualified and highly experienced breast surgeon. If there are any complications during surgery, an experienced breast surgeon will be more adept at handling the situation. In addition, a surgeon who has performed many breast enlargement surgeries has had more time to perfect his or her technique.

You should make sure any surgeon you consider is properly credentialed and board-certified. It is important to note that there are many plastic surgery boards, and not all of them are legitimate. You can contact the American Board of Medical Specialties to verify that a particular doctor is fully certified to perform breast enlargement surgery. Learn more about how to select a breast augmentation surgeon.

Locate a Plastic Surgeon in Your Area through DocShop

If you are contemplating whether to have breast enlargement, you should look for trustworthy sources of information about the procedure and carefully research potential doctors before making your final decision. DocShop is a good online source for finding information about different aspects of breast augmentation, including the risks, results, and recovery period. DocShop can also help you find an experienced surgeon in your area.