Breast augmentation, technically known as augmentation mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure to enhance the size and shape of a woman's breast for a number of reasons: To enhance the body contour of a woman who, for personal reasons, feels her breast size is too small. To correct a reduction in breast volume after pregnancy. To balance a difference in breast size. As a reconstructive technique following breast surgery. By inserting an implant behind each breast, surgeons are able to increase a woman's bustline by one or more bra cup sizes.

If you're considering breast augmentation, Plasticsurgery.org will give you a basic understanding of the procedure--when it can help, how it's performed, and what results you can expect. It can't answer all of your questions, since a lot depends on your individual circumstances. Please ask Dr. Gunn if there is anything you don't understand about the procedure. The method of inserting and positioning your implant will depend on your anatomy and your surgeon's recommendation. The incision can be made either in the crease where the breast meets the chest, around the areola (the dark skin surrounding the nipple), or in the armpit. Every effort will be made to assure that the incision is placed so resulting scars will be as inconspicuous as possible. Working through the incision, Dr. Gunn will lift your breast tissue and skin to create a pocket, either directly behind the breast tissue or underneath your chest wall muscle (the pectoral muscle). The implants are then centered beneath your nipples.