If you are thinking of having breast augmentation, you have plenty of company. Breast augmentation or breast enlargement is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures today, and its popularity snows no signs of abating. The biggest hurdle to jump in deciding whether or not to have this surgery is that instead of there being a dearth of information about it, there's so much information available on the internet that it often leaves prospective patients confused and overwhelmed. Your best bet is to find an excellent surgeon and then to study all the literature he or she makes available to patients.

One of the many myths about breast augmentation is that if you have larger breasts you'll be happy. Well - you'll probably feel better about how you look in your clothes and you may even feel sexier -- but a change in your bra size isn't going to change your entire life or to solve your problems. Another myth is that "lopsided" breasts can be made perfect. Surgeries can do much to correct unevenness, making breasts look more symmetrical after surgery, but a perfect "matched set" may not be possible. Perhaps the most common misconception is that you can be as big as you want to be. Wrong! Your body frame, your current breast size, and your skin are all factors in what size breast implants you can ultimately carry well.

Breast enlargement is a relatively simple surgical procedure most often done on an outpatient basis. Most reputable, certified plastic surgeons offer a choice of FDA-approved saline or silicone implants, which come in different shapes and sizes. An important factor when considering breast size is your lifestyle. If you are active in sports you might want to keep your implant size smaller. If have a body type with fuller hips or wider shoulders you might want to consider larger implants to create a more portioned shape
to your body.

Surgery is done under general anesthesia so you will need someone to take you home after surgery and be with you the first day or so following the procedure. You will be able to go about light daily activities after the first few days, but lifting or rigorous physical exercise should be avoided for about three weeks. Most patients return to their jobs within a week unless their job requires lifting or aerobic activity.

Incisions sites vary and include the following areas-at the areola's edge, underneath the breast, through the armpit or through the belly button. The two most common incision sites are at the areola's edge or underneath the breast. You can expect some discomfort with healing and slightly more discomfort is reported when the implant is placed under the breast muscle. Normally you will be given pain medication after surgery, so with adequate rest the healing process is usually speedy and uneventful. Sutures are removed within 7-12 days.

As with all surgical procedures there are risks but major complications are extremely rare. After you decide breast enlargement is right for you, start by making an appointment with one or more qualified surgeons. Talk to him or her about your specific goals and expectations. Take along some pictures of breasts that you think are desirable. By discussing your specific hopes and goals, a surgeon will be able to tell you what realistically can be achieved with your body. The more you share in a consultation with a surgeon the more likely you are to be happy with your result.

Note: The specific risks and the suitability of Breast Enlargement for a given individual can be determined only at the time of consultation with a physician. All procedures have some degree of risk. The information provided here is not a substitute for a consultation.