Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation is the most commonly performed operation by board-certified plastic surgeons in the United States. In this clip, plastic surgeon Dr. Fodero explains the difference between saline and silicone implants, and how breast augmentation today is different than it's ever been. He says patients today want a very "natural" look.

DR. JOSEPH FODERO: Breast augmentation is the most commonly done operation by board-certified plastic surgeons in the United States, and it’s an operation with very high patient satisfaction. And breast augmentation involves simply augmenting the breasts using an implant. And the two main groups of women that I see in my practice for breast augmentation are young women who are interested in going up a cup size or two, just want fuller breasts, and then women that have had some changes in their breasts, either from weight loss or pregnancy, that want to restore some of things that they lost over the years. The operation typically takes an hour and a half to perform, and we do it right here in our surgery center, and people need about five days off from school or work for recovery. I routinely use saline breast implants as well as silicone gel breast implants. They both have benefit. The gel implants are, I think, a better product for women that are very small-breasted, or have had some problem with saline. Contemporary breast augmentation has really gone to a much more natural, youthful, athletic look. The days of the over-augmented, very conspicuous breast augmentation I really think are over. So what most women are seeking is they’re seeking to have enhancement that’s natural, pretty, sexy, that doesn’t interfere with daily activities. My patients are active women that play tennis and run and swim, and they’re looking for a more natural look.