Breast augmentation  also known as augmentation mammoplasty  is surgery to increase breast size. It involves placing breast implants under breast tissue or chest muscles.

For some women, breast augmentation is a way to feel more confident. For others, it's part of rebuilding the breast for various conditions.

If you're considering breast augmentation, talk to a plastic surgeon. Make sure you understand what surgery involves, including possible risks, complications and follow-up care.

Breast augmentation might help you:

• Enhance your appearance if you think your breasts are small or that one is smaller than the other and this impacts how you dress or the type of bra needed to help with the asymmetry
• Adjust for a reduction in the size of your breasts after pregnancy or significant weight loss
• Correct uneven breasts after breast surgery for other conditions
• Improve your self-confidence

Risks

Breast augmentation poses various risks, including:

• Scar tissue that distorts the shape of the breast implant (capsular contracture)
• Breast pain
• Infection
• Changes in nipple and breast sensation
• Implant position changes
• Implant leakage or rupture