Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure which aims to change the size of the breast. There can be several reasons for having this operation. These reasons include the desire to enhance the breasts if the patient feels they are too small, the need to reduce breast volume after pregnancy, and the desire to balance differences in breast size. Breast augmentations are usually performed by placing an implant behind the breast. A breast implant is a silicone shell that can be filled with either a saline solution or a silicon gel. Saline solution is the most common and popular type of implant.

Side effects

Breast augmentations are a common procedure but still can cause serious side effects. These side effects can range from minor to serious, including death caused by infection. Other more common side effects include temporary discomfort, soreness, swelling, bruising, and skin wrinkling. The breast can become very sensitive following surgery. Both methods of implantation can produce these side effects. Silicone breast implants have become known for causing the worst and most harmful side effects. According to researchers and doctors, the possible side effects of silicone breast implants include associations to breast and lung cancer and autoimmune diseases. There are several factors that can contribute to these harmful side effects such as medical history and smoking.

Teenagers

Over the past decade, the number of teenagers receiving breast implants has increased, alarmingly. The number of women under the age of 18 who underwent teen breast implant surgery more than tripled between the years 1992 and 2002. The idea of teens receiving breast implants is seen as dangerous to many in the medical field. Concerns about the body not being fully developed and the possible false hope that breast implants offer is what causes many doctors and parents to try and discourage teens from seeking the surgery. Due to the remaining growth that occurs after teenage years, it is almost inevitable that more surgery would be required. Accidents such as leaking, deflating, rupturing, or capsular contracture can occur and it may be necessary to undergo immediate surgery to fix the problem. This makes breast augmentation a risky venture for teenagers and adults alike.