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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffBreast augmentation — also known as augmentation mammoplasty — is a surgical procedure to increase breast size. During breast augmentation, breast implants are placed under the breast tissue or chest muscles.
For some women, breast augmentation is a way to enhance self-image and self-confidence. For others, breast augmentation is part of breast reconstruction after surgery for breast cancer or other conditions affecting the breast.
If you're considering breast augmentation, consult a plastic surgeon. Make sure you understand what surgery involves, including possible risks, complications and follow-up care.
References
- Breast implant surgery. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ProductsandMedicalProcedures/ImplantsandProsthetics/BreastImplants/ucm064176.htm. Accessed May 14, 2012.
- Risks of breast implants. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ProductsandMedicalProcedures/ImplantsandProsthetics/BreastImplants/ucm064106.htm?utm_campaign=Google2&utm_source=fdaSearch&utm_medium=website&utm_term=breast%20implants%20and%20breast-feeding&utm_content=1. Accessed May 14, 2012.
- McCarthy CM, et al. Silicone breast implants and magnetic resonance imaging screening for rupture: Do U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommendations reflect and evidence-based practice approach to patient care? Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 2008;121:1127.
- Breast augmentation procedure steps. American Society of Plastic Surgeons. http://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/breast-augmentation.html?sub=Breast%20augmentation%20procedure%20steps. Accessed May 14, 2012.
- Breast augmentation before and after. American Society of Plastic Surgeons. http://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/breast-augmentation.html?sub=Breast%20augmentation%20before%20and%20after. Accessed May 14, 2012.
- Breast augmentation costs. American Society of Plastic Surgeons. http://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/breast-augmentation.html?sub=Breast%20augmentation%20costs. Accessed May 14, 2012.
- Preparing for breast augmentation surgery. American Society of Plastic Surgeons. http://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/breast-augmentation.html?sub=Preparing%20for%20breast%20augmentation%20surgery. Accessed May 14, 2012.
- Breast augmentation recovery. American Society of Plastic Surgeons. http://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/breast-augmentation.html?sub=Breast%20augmentation%20recovery. Accessed May 14, 2012.
- Anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) in women with breast implants: Preliminary FDA findings and analyses. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ProductsandMedicalProcedures/ImplantsandProsthetics/BreastImplants/ucm239996.htm. Accessed May 7, 2012.
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