Augmentation mammoplasty, or more commonly known as breast augmentation, is an elective surgical procedure performed to enhance the size and shape of a woman's breast for a variety of reasons that are either personally or a medically motivated. Some of those reasons might include:

To improve breast appearance or breast shape after losing firmness.

To create the appearance of a breast that is missing or disfigured.

To achieve better symmetry when breasts are somewhat disproportionate in shape or size.

To improve or restore breast volume lost due to weight loss or changes following pregnancy.

To enhance a body contour restricted by breasts of less than desirable size.

To provide the foundation of a breast contour when a breast has been removed.

Adult women of any age can benefit greatly from the enhancement breast implants provide. It is usually recommended, however, that a woman's breasts are fully developed prior to placement of breast implants.

The ideal candidates for breast augmentation are women who are looking for improvement in the way they look, but they understand that perfection is an unrealistic expectation. So, if you're physically healthy and realistic with your expectations, then you could certainly qualify as a candidate.

You should be aware that breast implants are not guaranteed to last a lifetime and future surgery may be required to replace one or both implants. Regular examinations for breast health and to evaluate the condition of your implants are very important.

Breast augmentation is one of the most common procedures in cosmetic plastic surgery, with a total of 364,610 procedures performed in 2005. The procedure is a relatively straightforward, but as you'll find with any surgical procedure, there are specific risks and complications associated with this type of operation.

Capsular Contracture is the most common problem. It can occur if the capsule or scar around the implant begins to tighten, causing the breast to feel hard. Treatment may require either removal of the scar tissue, or perhaps even removal or replacement of the implant.

Excessive Bleeding following the operation may cause some swelling and pain. If it continues, another operation may be needed to control the bleeding and remove the accumulated blood.

Infection around an implant. This is unlikely, but can occur at any time, usually within a week after surgery. It may be necessary to remove the implant for several months until the infection clears, after which a replacement implant can then be inserted.

Nipple Sensitivity. Occasional reports of nipples becoming oversensitive, under sensitive, or even numb. Symptoms generally disappear with time, but may be permanent in some patients.

Breast Feeding. Pregnancy and the associated changes to a woman's body may alter the results of any form of breast surgery. It's very important to discuss any additional risk potential associated with pregnancy or breast-feeding, with your doctor prior to any elective surgery.

Implant Breaks or Leaks. No implant will last forever. Rupture can occur as a result of injury or even from the normal compression and movement of your breast, causing the implant shell to leak. If filled with saline, the solution will be absorbed in the surrounding tissue within a few hours and expelled naturally by the body. If the implant is filled with silicone, the leaking solution will usually remain within the implant shell or escape into the breast implant pocket. This type of leak is difficult to detect and for this reason annual implant assessment visits to your doctor are highly recommended.

Mammography is much more difficult. Be open or candid about your implants prior to undergoing any diagnostic screening. Additional MRI or ultrasound exam may be recommended.

When you decide that breast augmentation is the right choice for you, then consider these general guidelines throughout the process:

It's important to choose a board-certified plastic surgeon from the American Board of Plastic Surgery with extensive experience in all of the breast-related procedures. Using a board-certified plastic surgeon does not always guarantee the best results; however, board certification does require specific and rigorous surgical education and training.

* Review the doctor's credentials, education, training, type of certification held:

* Ask the number of times that the treatment has been performed in the practice.

* Ask the doctor if he or she has privileges at a hospital. In order to obtain such privileges, the doctor would be required to go through a skill-level peer review process.

* View before-and-after photos of patients with similar conditions receiving alternative surgical options.

Plan Your Surgery - be certain your surgeon explains to you the expectations, risks, and the benefits of each plastic surgery option. Discuss where the incision will be made and how the implant will be inserted, the type of anesthesia to be used, the facility where the surgery will be performed, and all of the costs involved.

Prepare For Your Surgery - your surgeon will provide instructions covering your dos and don'ts prior to surgery. Take these guidelines very seriously.

Following Your Surgery - naturally, you're going to feel sore and tired for a few days. But, you should be up and about within 24 to 48 hours. Stitches will come out in 7 to 10 days, but expect swelling to continue for an additional four weeks, or so.

Returning to Work - depends on work activities, but with your doctor's approval, you should be back in the office in a couple of days.

Follow-up exam - learn and practice self-examination techniques, but be sure to see your physician for your post surgery follow-up evaluation.

Improving your shape with plastic surgery can improve your self-confidence and change the way you are perceived by others. But remember, you are still going to be you. You should certainly hope for the best, but be prepared for results that may not completely meet all of your expectations. And, be prepared for reactions from some folks that may not share your enthusiasm for augmentation. But in the end, if you're satisfied with the results, then the procedure should certainly be considered a success. And after all, if you feel better about yourself as a result, then the thoughts of others really won't matter much.

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