title: Breast augmentation and breast reduction.
abstract: Breast enhancement through augmentation improves not only the woman's physical appearance but also contributes to her psychologic well-being. With the current emphasis placed on women's breasts in the media, it is not surprising that small-breasted women feel inadequate. Recent US Federal Drug Administration approval of saline implants has given them a new image, and more women are seeking breast augmentation. (27) As long as the woman understands that this operation has associated risks, a physician-patient relationship may be developed resulting in many years of happiness and increased self-esteem. The shape, contour, and size of a woman's breasts are permanently altered by augmentation mammaplasty and breast reduction. Although each case is unique, the outcome of each procedure should result in a satisfied patient.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Women and Infants Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island, USA.
authors.forename: Pamela M
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Antoniuk
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D018427:Breast Implants; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016462:Mammaplasty / Q000379:methods / Q000523:psychology; D011182:Postoperative Care; D011300:Preoperative Care; D012307:Risk Factors