Breast Augmentation and enlargement is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures. There are many ways in which one can enhance a natural cleavage, however, the only real way to create significantly enlarged breasts is through inserting a prosthesis or breast implant.

The purpose of the breast implant is to push your own breast tissue up and outwards, resulting in a natural look, feel and behaviour of the breast. Implants come in various shapes, sizes and materials. The breast augmentation surgeon will discuss with you the most suitable shape and size for you. It is important to take into consideration your personal expectations as well as your current breast and body shape.

Breast implants have a silicone exterior casing, which can be smooth or textured. Most modern implants have a textured surface because this is believed to reduce the risk of capsular contracture (hardening of the breast) The inside of the implant can be filled with different types of silicone gel or saline. These are the safest, most common types of materials used. In the UK the preference is for silicone gel filling, this is due to the soft and pliable nature of the substance. It has a more realistic feel and movement than saline implants.

The implants are inserted either in front of the chest muscle, partially covered by the muscle or behind it. This depends on your own breast tissue and the shape and effect you are hoping to achieve. There are various types of incisions, the most common being in the natural crease underneath the breast. This incision is usually as small as 5cm, and the post operative scar is concealed by the curve of the breast.

Alternatively, the implant can be inserted by making an incision around the areola, the pigmented tissue that surrounds each nipple. This can either be under the bottom half of the areola or can be fully around it. An implant is most commonly inserted by this method if a breast lift or mastopexy is being carried out at the same time. The skin of the areola often heals to conceal the scar extremely well, as it can be mistaken for the natural border to the nipples.

There is another method where the implant is inserted through an incision made in the underarm, although this is less common due to the risk to certain ligaments that occupy this place. In general the incision under the breast is preferred because scarring is minimal and it does not interfere with the function of the nipple or areola. This method also ensures that it is still possible to breast feed and to carry out monthly checks for breast changes.