Breast augmentation is a cosmetic surgery procedure for the enlargement of breasts using a liquid-filled implant device.
The size and type of breast implant recommended by plastic surgeons is determined by a patient's goals for breast enhancement, existing body frame, and mass, existing breast tissue, and other preferences the patient and plastic surgeon discuss. All breast implants include a solid silicone rubber outer shell, called a lumen.
Breast augmentation options
- Saline breast implants: Filled with sterile salt water. Saline implants may be pre-filled to a predetermined size. Saline may also be filled at the time of surgery to allow for minor modifications in implant size.
- Silicone filled breast implants: Filled with soft, elastic gel. All silicone breast implants are pre-filled and may require a longer incision for implant placement.
The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) announced November 2006 the approval and availability of silicone gel-filled breast implants, ending a 14-year ban on the use of silicone implants for cosmetic breast surgery. Now all women over 22 years old seeking cosmetic breast augmentation and women seeking breast reconstruction surgery have the option to select silicone breast implants.