Breast enlargement is the third most common cosmetic surgery performed in the United States. Clinically known as augmentation mamoplasty, surgical breast implants have seen an increase of more than 20% over the past four years.

Mostly, all breast surgery today is performed with saline filled implants that consist of a silicone shell filled with sterile saltwater. Saline filled implants are safe because the body absorbs the saline solution in case the implant ruptures or leaks. At present, the FDA does not approve silicone gel breast implants because they are not proven to be safe.

Women looking for breast enlargement should have realistic expectation of the outcome. Though the implantation can improve an individuals appearance and self-esteem, the desire to match the looks of ones ideal wont necessarily materialize. The outcome will depend upon individual factors such as health, the chest structure and the shape of the body, the type of surgical procedure and the size of implant, prior breast surgery, and the skill and experience of the surgical team.

Prior to the surgery, it is important to ascertain whether the American Board of Plastic Surgery certifies the surgeon. In addition to this, an individual should question the doctor regarding the risk or complications involved in breast augmentation, the size, shape and texture of implant, the contents of implant, the remedial measures if anything go wrong with the surgery, and the time of recovery. The plastic surgeon must also be informed about the individuals medical records. Any weight reduction program or future planning of pregnancy should be told to the surgeon because this can affect the long-term result of breast enlargement.

A breast enlargement surgery takes 1-2 hours or more depending on the type of surgery and is usually done under local anesthesia. The implant is placed either under the breast tissue or the chest muscle beneath the breast. The surgery is usually performed on an outpatient basis, but sometimes hospitalization may be necessary for some individuals.

Complications may occur with this surgery. The common complications are breast pain, breast hardness and numbness in the nipples that may last for years. Some individuals may also develop an infection that may require the removal of the implants for several months until the infection clears. Implants may also occasionally leak, rupture, wrinkle, or change shape necessitating a second surgery to replace the damaged implants. Differences in shape and size of the breast after the surgery may also occur in some cases.

While there is no scientific evidence that breast augmentation causes breast cancer, the presence of breast implants can make it technically difficult to detect breast cancer on a mammogram.

Most women may have to go through remedial surgery depending upon their age. Individuals under the age of 18 are not permitted to undergo breast enlargement surgery.