Breast augmentation, or breast enhancement, increases the size of the breasts and enhances their shape and contour. Intermountain Medical Group plastic surgeons perform initial and secondary breast augmentations, or correction of breast augmentations that have proven defective or inadequate.

When is breast augmentation beneficial?

For patients looking to restore breast volume after pregnancy, enhance breasts that are too small, or give balance to uneven breast size, breast augmentation is a lasting solution. After pregnancy or significant weight loss, patients may also benefit from a breast lift, which can be done at the same time.

How is breast augmentation performed?

Patients first choose between saline or silicone implants. Both implant types have a silicone shell, but are filled with different substances. Each offers benefits and drawbacks, which the doctor will explain in detail during your free consultation.

  • Saline implants: A saline implant is filled with a salt-water solution. One of the main benefits of saline implants is cost. They are less expensive than silicone implants, and can be placed through a smaller incision.
  • Silicone implants: Silicone gel implants are slightly more expensive and have a more natural look and feel. In 2013, FDA approved the use of silicone implants for patients over the age of 22 who are undergoing their first breast augmentation.

Breast implants can be placed on top of or under the pectoralis major muscle. Placing the implant under the muscle tends to increase the length of recovery, but will conceal the implant better, creating a more natural look and feel to the breast enlargement.

Four different types of incisions can be used to place breast implants. These include the fold under the breast, through the belly button, under the armpit, or around the boarder of the areola (the dark tissue around the nipple). Pros and cons of each incision type will be discussed during your free consultation.

What results can I expect?

Scarring is almost always the number one concern for women when considering breast augmentation. In most cases, there will be very minimal scars that are difficult to detect.

Complete recovery from breast augmentation surgery may take up to three to four months depending on several factors including the size and location of the incision, the size of the breast implants, placement of the implants, etc. Your plastic surgeon will discuss details about your recovery plan before you have surgery.


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