This is a guest post by Peter Samberg, writer forAssociates For Plastic Surgery- A Leader in San Diego Breast Augmentation.

Every year hundreds of thousands of women undergo breast surgery. Many of these are cosmetic procedures that utilize breast implants. The surgeries are performed by plastic surgeons. Generally, breast augmentation surgery is designed to increase the size of small and underdeveloped breasts.

Pregnancy and breast feeding can decrease breast volume
Breast surgery can also restore or enhance breast volume. The size of a woman's breast will sometimes decrease as a result of pregnancy or breast feeding. Additionally, breast implants can serve numerous other purposes.

Breast cancer, asymmetrical breasts and deformity
It is not uncommon for breast cancer victims to use implants in conjunction with reconstructive surgery after a mastectomy. Another common issue is women with asymmetrical breasts that need an implant to help balance the difference in size. Breast surgery can also help to correct deformed breasts.

Types of breast implants
The type and size of breast implants that will be recommended for you will be determined largely by your personal objectives. Things that you and your plastic surgeon will take into consideration will be your existing body frame and associated mass, your existing breast tissue, and the preferences you have. Breast implants use a solid silicone rubber outer shell which is called a lumen. The two typical implant options include:

Silicone breast implants that are pre-filled with soft, elastic gel.
Saline breast implants that are filled with sterile salt water at the time of surgery, or they can be pre-filled.

The location of the incisions
Depending on several factors, an incision can be made underneath the breast, just above the crease, around the lower edge of the areola or within the armpit. With some procedures the surgeon can enter through the naval. Saline-filled implants often require a smaller incision since they are filled with saltwater after the implant is inserted. In some cases the incision is less than one inch in length and is relatively inconspicuous.

Listed below are other related breast surgery procedures:

· Breast reduction

· Breast reconstruction

· Breast lift surgery

Your surgeon will help you find the procedure that works for you
Naturally, surgical techniques for breast augmentation, the use of breast implants, and the other surgical procedures such as the ones listed above are always being refined and improved. Over time, the safety and reliability of the procedure continues to increase. As additional options are made available, your plastic surgeon will provide you with the most recent information. They will help you to find the right surgical procedure for you.

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