Our patients tell us how cosmetic surgery has positively impacted their appearance, self-confidence and attitude. One of the best examples of this is breast augmentation - a procedure that can enhance the size and shape of your breasts.

If you're considering breast augmentation, the information in this article may be helpful to you. If you've already had breast implants, you may want to pass this information along to a friend.

Natural Shape and Feel
The most common form of breast augmentation uses saline implants to enlarge the breasts while still maintaining a natural shape and feel. The procedure has virtually no effect on the tissue. That means that women can still breast-feed naturally. It also allows for the same effective breast examination and lump detection as with a natural breast.

Many women decide to have breast augmentation after having children and noticing a reduction in breast volume. Others may feel they are under-endowed and would like to improve the way their clothes fit or have more self-confidence in a bathing suit. Still others want to balance a difference in breast size. Whatever their reason, my patients express great satisfaction with the way they look and feel after having the procedure.

The Matter of Size
The size of the implant really depends on how much change you're interested in seeing; whether you elect a modest or generous enlargement -- it's a personal choice. As your plastic surgeon, my goal is to help you achieve a more balanced figure so that you look more feminine whether you're wearing a bathing suit or a business suit.

If there's a moderate amount of sagging, we usually recommend a more generous implant. The implant will actually help reduce the appearance of sagging -- essentially filling the loose skin. In some cases, we also recommend a breast lift to move the nipple into a higher position.

About the Surgery
The breast augmentation procedure usually takes about ninety minutes. Patients are heavily sedated with either general or twilight anesthesia. A small incision, approximately 1 inch long, is made under the nipple, under the breast, or in the armpit in a natural crease. The implant is then inserted behind the tissue or muscle.

Patients may experience a little swelling and bruising at first with moderate soreness for two to three days. Most women can return to work four to five days after the procedure and resume exercise and sports in approximately two weeks.

Patient Imaging Software is used to guide patients from their current appearance to a representative post-operative outcome.

More Information
As a board-certified plastic surgeon, Graham M. Kemsley, M.D., F.R.C.S., has more than 20 years of experience. He has performed over 2,000 breast augmentation procedures since 1977.

Breast augmentation is a highly personal choice that should be carefully considered. Since a lot depends on your personal circumstances, we invite you to come in for a consultation.