Breast augmentation, sometimes referred to as a "breast aug" or "boob job" by patients, involves using breast implants or fat transfer to increase the size of your breasts. This procedure can also restore breast volume lost after weight loss or pregnancy, create a more rounded breast shape or improve natural breast size asymmetry.

Breast augmentation is also called augmentation mammoplasty. When fat from another part of the patient's body is used to create improved breast volume, the procedure is called fat transfer breast augmentation.

What breast augmentation surgery can do

Increase fullness and projection of your breasts
Improve balance of breast and hip contours
Enhance your self-image and self-confidence

Breast implants may also be used for breast reconstruction after mastectomy or injury.

What breast augmentation surgery can't do

Breast augmentation does not correct severely drooping breasts. A breast lift may be required along with a breast augmentation for sagging breasts to look fuller and lifted.

Breast lifting can often be done at the same time as your augmentation or may require a separate operation. Your plastic surgeon will help you make this decision.

Types of breast implants

Saline breast implants

Saline breast implants are filled with sterile salt water. If the implant shell leaks, a saline implant will collapse, and the body will absorb and naturally expel the saline.

Saline breast implants provide a uniform shape, firmness and feel, and are FDA-approved for augmentation in women age 18 or older.

Structured saline breast implants

Structured implants are filled with sterile salt water and contain an inner structure that aims to make the implant feel more natural.

Silicone breast implants

Silicone breast implants are filled with silicone gel. The gel feels a bit more like natural breast tissue. If the implant leaks, the gel may remain within the implant shell or may escape into the breast implant pocket. A leaking silicone gel implant will not collapse.

If you choose silicone implants, you may need to visit your plastic surgeon regularly to make sure they're functioning properly. An ultrasound or MRI screening can assess the condition of breast implants.

Silicone breast implants are FDA-approved for augmentation in women aged 22 or older.

Gummy bear breast implants

Form-stable implants are sometimes referred to as gummy bear breast implants because they maintain their shape even when the implant shell is broken.

The silicone gel inside the implant is thicker than in traditional silicone gel implants. These implants are also firmer than traditional implants.

Shaped gummy bear breast implants have more projection at the bottom and are tapered towards the top. If a shaped implant rotates, it may create an unusual breast appearance that requires a separate procedure to correct.

Placing gummy bear implants requires a slightly longer skin incision.

Round breast implants

Round breast implants have a tendency to make breasts appear fuller than form-stable implants. Higher-profile options can provide even more projection.

Because round implants are the same shape all over, there is less concern about them rotating out of place.

Smooth breast implants

Smooth breast implants feel the softest. They can move with the breast implant pocket, which may give more natural movement.

Smooth implants may have some palpable or visible rippling under the skin.

Textured breast implants

Textured breast implants develop scar tissue to stick to the implant, making them less likely to move around inside the breast and become repositioned.

Texturing offers some advantage in diminishing the risk of a tight scar capsule.

Implant manufacturers occasionally introduce new styles and types of breast implants, so there may be additional options available.

Whether you choose saline or silicone implants, it is important for you to monitor your breast implants and follow up with your plastic surgeon for appropriate checkups.