Breast augmentation is the enlarging of breasts. Most often breast augmentation is a surgical procedure that involves placing an implant, usually a silicone or saline filled "sack," in the breasts to make them larger. Often breast augmentation is used in breast reconstruction after mastectomy surgery has been performed.

In the surgery itself, a small implant is placed under the breast tissue. There are various surgical procedures to accomplish this. Each surgeon has his or her own technique that is used. There is little discomfort after the first couple of days, though there may be quite a bit of bruising that stays for several weeks.

When considering breast augmentation, a person should be sure the surgeon who'll be doing the surgery is qualified to do so. This generally means they have credentials as a plastic surgeon, though some general surgeons do breast augmentation surgery. Only use a surgeon who does breast augmentations regularly and is up to date on the latest technology and surgical procedures involved. The only type of breast augmentation surgeries that are covered by insurance are ones done for breast reconstruction after mastectomies. The cost for breast augmentation varies widely, from $1,500 to $20,000 or more.