Breast augmentation is the procedure by which a surgeon can increase the bust line of a woman by several inches by placing an artificial implant behind each breast. Breast implants are quite popular not only with celebrities, but with the ordinary population as well.

The procedure is often sought by women who may be unhappy with their appearance, and also by models/actresses, where the nature of work might demand such a procedure. Though breast augmentation can increase the breast size and improve the physical appearance of the breasts it may not necessarily alter a woman’s look sufficiently to match her ideal. It is very important that a person who undergoes the breast augmentation procedure discuss it thoroughly with her surgeon, consider the pros and cons and whether the final result is close enough to the expectation she has in her mind before finally taking the plunge.

There are two types of breast implants, one is a silicone shell filled with salt water solution and the other type is the same silicon shell, but filled with silicone gel. Saline filled implants are available to women for the breast augmentation procedure on an unrestricted basis. The actual procedure itself is relatively straightforward, but with the usual risks associated with surgery. There are also some specific complications associated with breast augmentation. The most common complication that women suffer from is called capsular contracture where the scar around the implant begins to tighten inside the skin. This squeezing may cause the soft implant to feel hard. This can be treated by removing the scar tissue, or removing or replacing the implant.

In some women, the nipples may become hyper sensitive or go to the other extreme of numbness. Near the surgical incisions there may be small patches of numbness. Though the numbness typically disappears, there are certain cases where it is permanent. The implants will not interfere with a woman’s fertility, pregnancy or ability to nurse.

If the implant breaks, if it is a saline filled implant it will deflate within a matter of hours and the salt water will be absorbed by the body quite harmlessly. On the other hand, if a silicon gel implant breaks, as long as the scar does not break or tear, the gel will be contained inside and not cause much complications. However, if the scar tissue around the implant breaks, the gel is likely to move into the surrounding tissue and may cause complications. Both breakages may require a second operation to remove or replace the implant.

Breast augmentation is a relatively harmless and extremely popular procedure. However, it is important to check with your surgeon on the types of complications that can arise and have a clear understanding of what type of result can be realistically achieved before actually undergoing the procedure.