There are three general categories of cosmetic surgery performed on the breasts (also called mammoplasty): breast augmentation, breast reduction, and breast reconstruction.

Breast Augmentation (Augmentation Mammoplasty)
Breast augmentation is performed to enhance the appearance, size, and contour of a woman's breasts. Women consider breast augmentation for many different reasons. Some women feel their breasts are too small. Some desire augmentation after their breasts change after pregnancy. Others desire to correct an asymmetry in breast size.

Breast augmentation is performed with implants (see below) that can be placed under a chest muscle or over a chest muscle. The incision can be placed in the axilla (armpit), areola (the area surrounding the nipple), or lower breast fold. In general, all breast augmentations are minimally invasive procedures. For augmentations in which the incision is made in the armpit, an endoscope (thin tube with a small camera and light) may be used during the procedure.

Breast implants are made up of a silicone shell filled with either saline (a salt water solution) or silicone gel. Women determine their desired size by fitting trial implants. Currently, saline filled implants are used on an unrestricted basis. Silicone gel filled implants, once banned by the FDA, are available only to women participating in approved studies.

Breast augmentation is a relatively straightforward procedure. As with any surgery, some uncertainty and risk are expected. Know your concerns and expectations. Review the benefits, risks, and alternatives. Seek consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon.

Breast Reduction
Breast reduction surgery is often used in women with large, heavy breasts who experience significant discomfort including neck pain, back pain, and numbness or weakness due to the weight of the breasts. During this procedure, excess skin, fat, and breast tissue are removed.

After surgery, breast reduction can cause a change in breast sensation as well as the inability to breastfeed.

After breast reduction, most women report relief from the symptoms caused by having oversized breasts. For more on this topic, see the article on breast reduction surgery.

Breast Reconstruction
Breast reconstruction surgery is often performed in women who undergo mastectomy as a treatment for breast cancer.