Breast enhancement

Side view of female breast with detail of chest muscle and breast tissue
Breast implant under breast tissue and implant under muscle

In breast enlargement surgery, the doctor makes the breasts larger by putting an implant under the breast tissue or under the chest muscle. An implant is a soft silicone shell filled with silicone gel or a saline (saltwater) solution.

Your doctor makes a cut (incision) in the bottom crease of the breast, the armpit, or along the lower edge of the nipple and the areola (the colored area around the nipple). Then your doctor makes a pocket under the muscle or breast tissue. He or she puts in the implant and adjusts it to the correct shape, size, and position. Your doctor then closes the incision with stitches.

ByHealthwise Staff

Primary Medical ReviewerSarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine

Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine

Specialist Medical ReviewerKeith A. Denkler, MD - Plastic Surgery

Current as ofOctober 13, 2016

Current as of: October 13, 2016

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine & Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & Keith A. Denkler, MD - Plastic Surgery