According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, enhancement is one of the most common types of plastic surgery performed. For example, in 2006, 329,000 augmentations were performed. People having enhancement increased by 475% since 1992 (!), the largest increase of surgery procedures.

Is it safe?

Breast enhancement has been used since 1895 and the safety of the procedure, which usually takes one to two hours, has continued to improve. There are two primary types of breast implants, one is saline infused with saline solution and the other is silicone implants containing silicone gel.

In 2006, the FDA approved silicone implants after having labeled them unsafe 14 years prior.

Furthermore, according to a recent study in which 24,000 Canadian women were studied, women who had had augmentation have a slightly less chance for breast cancer than women who have not had this type of plastic surgery.

Patients do, however, have to take some precautions during recovery.

Smoking is prohibited usually for at least a month prior to surgery, and smoking and strenuous activity are discouraged during the two weeks immediately after.

Women who chose under muscle placement will experience more pain since the muscle was cut during surgery.

There are no defined psychological patterns associated with the patients who choose to have breast implants. While the demographic of these patients are usually young, healthy members of a high socioeconomic class; nevertheless, they suffer from low levels of self-esteem and are often suffering from depression due to issues with body image, and could have even attempted suicide. A cause for concern is the amount of teenagers having this type of surgery performed has quadrupled since 2001.

Why consider breast implants?

While this procedure intends to give a natural appearance, after recovery, breasts will be less likely to sag, and they may be rounder than natural tissue. Most women prefer these changes.

Since choosing this procedure is a very personal decision, patients are highly encouraged to discuss all questions and concerns with their surgeons, including showing pictures of the type of breast implants they prefer. The doctor, in turn, should explain the choices involved with choosing the best type of enlargement, such as incision type, placement, type of implant and even the necessity of implants.

The social stigma associated with this plastic surgery has lessened to the degree that more information is available. Furthermore, the majority of the women who have undergone this procedure would recommend it to others since self-esteem and body image does greatly improve.