Augmentation mammaplasty also known as breast augmentation or breast enlargement or breast implantation, consist of insertion of silicone bag (also known as prosthesis), under the breast (submammary) or under the breast and chest muscle (subpectoral) and then filling the bag with saline or salt water. The easiest surgical implantation is under the breast tissue (submammary). 

The prosthesis expands the breast area giving it a better contour and look. However, the ultimate size of the breast is purely the patient’s personal decision.

However, the risk and complications associated with breast augmentation include the following:

• Infection: Chances of occurrence of fever are very rare (1%-3%). But they can be very distressing. Signs of infection include fever, redness, swelling and discomfort. However, if the infections do not respond to any antibiotic treatment, the implant should be removed and again replaced three months after the wound is healed completely.

• Bleeding: Signs of bleeding in the implant pocket include marked swelling, increased pain and bruising. If there is the incidence of bleeding into the implant pocket after surgery, it must be removed surgically.

• Capsule Contracture: The incidence of capsule contracture ranges from 30%-35%. Hardening of breast with distortion with occasional pain may be experienced by some patients. If there is multiple occurrence of capsule contracture, the patient may decide to remove the implant permanently.

• Asymmetry: Sometimes the implant may slip out of position in which it was initially placed leading to an asymmetrical look. Mostly, in this case, surgical repair is required.

• Calcifications : Calcification may occur in the scar capsule around the transplant. However, these calcifications are very different from the calcifications associated with the breast cancer.

• Deflation: Deflation of implants may occur due to the leakage from the saline bag implanted. These mostly occur in 1-5% of the cases.

It is unknown that how long the implant will last. The implant may or may not last for the life time; subject to various factors like manufacturing process, disruption of the saline bag due to any accident or fall and other unknown factors.