
	Home	Procedure Guide	Before & After Photo Gallery	Locate a Plastic Surgeon	Forum & Chat Community	News & Features

Procedure Guide > Quick Facts

Breast Augmentation Quick Facts

Procedure: Breast Augmentation (augmentation mammaplasty)

Best Candidates: Women who want to enhance the size of their breasts, are in good health, have reasonable expectations and are not pregnant or nursing.

Benefits: Larger breasts with a natural look and feel. Many women experience a significant boost to their self-esteem and an increase in self-confidence.

Risks: Risks specific to surgery using breast implants include capsular contracture, which is contraction of the capsule surrounding the implant, and the likelihood of repeat surgery, since breast implants are not considered to be lifetime devices. Other risks include infection, discomfort and nausea.

Cost: The total cost usually ranges from $5,000 to $7,000, but can vary considerably depending on the plastic surgeon, their location and surgery details.

Length of Procedure: From 1 to 2 hours.

Inpatient/Outpatient: Usually outpatient.

Anesthesia: Usually general anesthesia, which puts the patient to sleep.

Post-op Symptoms: Normal symptoms after surgery include general fatigue, moderate swelling and bruising and mild to moderate discomfort and pain. These symptoms usually subside quickly during the first 48 hours.

Recovery Time: Most women are up and around the day after surgery and can resume most normal activities, including returning to work, within a few days. Strenuous physical activity should be avoided for at least 3 weeks and upper body weight training for 6 weeks. Always follow your doctor's instructions.

Locate a plastic surgeon in your area:

Breast Augmentation Procedure Guide