Glossary of Cosmetic Plastic Surgery and Laser Terms
Breast Enlargement
Also known as augmentation mammaplasty, breast augmentation involves implants to create fuller breasts or to restore breast volume lost after weight reduction or pregnancy. Augmentation of the breast consists of placement of a breast implant (prosthesis) under the breast tissue (submammary) or under the breast and chest muscle (subpectoral).
The patient may choose an implant that is prefilled with liquid silicone gel or filled during surgery with sterile saline. A newer version of the silicone implant is akin to the consistency of a gummy bear, called cohesive gel. Some implants have a smooth surface, while others have a rougher, textured surface. Whatever choice is made, the implant expands the breast area to give a fuller breast (increased cup size), better contour, and increased cleavage. The size of the implants is mainly a personal decision by the patient. Cup size is an inexact estimate of the final breast size since cup sizes vary between bra manufacturers, the fit of the bra, how much breast tissue is already present, and chest width. Describing the preferred cup size and looking at pictures or photos helps to show the physician what implant size to use for the desired outcome. Another method of estimating the implant size is to place breast implant sizers in a bra with the patient's estimated desired cup size. One can see with the bra on and covered by a T-shirt or sweater what the final result will approximate.
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