Breast Enlargement/Augmentation

Many women are unhappy with the size of their breasts, and choose breast augmentation. It may be something you’ve considered for a long time, or just recently desired following a significant change in your body, such as weight loss. Whatever your reason, talk to Dr. Peters about your thoughts and feelings, what you want to look like and how you want to proceed. Between the two of you, in a private and confidential conversation, you will decide what is best for you. Dr. Peters and her attentive staff are there to support you and your decision.

Breast enlargement (augmentation) increases breast size and improves breast shape. Women sometimes choose augmentation when they have decreased breast volume after pregnancy or weight loss. It is sometimes chosen to balance breast asymmetry when there is a significant difference between the sizes of the breasts. Most often it is chosen to improve contour when a woman feels her breast size is too small. Breast augmentation is the second most frequently performed cosmetic surgery in the United States, surpassed only by liposuction.

The decision that most affects a woman’s satisfaction with outcome of breast augmentation is the size of the breast implant. It is important that a patient have a good sense of what she would like to achieve and to participate fully in this decision. Women vary widely in the breast size they prefer. An individual’s body type, height and weight should be considered when selecting an implant size. The shape and size of your breasts prior to surgery will influence both the recommended treatment and final results.

Patients may try on “sizers” to get a general sense of what the change might look like. Dr. Peters suggests not focusing on bra size because bras are not standardized and the language can lead to miscommunication. Pictures are more helpful and Dr. Peters recommends women bring in a few magazine photographs of women in evening gowns or bathing suits to show what looks good to them.

Other decisions made prior to breast augmentation include the type of anesthesia to be used, placement of the incision, location of the implant above or below the pectoral muscle, and the style and shape of implant. When you meet with Dr. Peters, all of this will be discussed along with technique, type of implant, recovery and more.