What Is Augmentation?

Augmentation is a medical term referring to an addition or supplement to enhance something or make it look better. This term is most often heard in relation to cosmetic plastic surgery procedures. According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, there were more than 10 million cosmetic procedures performed in 2009, and breast augmentations were the most commonly performed procedures for women.

Function

• An augmentation is a surgical procedure which augments, or increases, the size and shape of a targeted part of the body. Augmentations can be performed using an implant--often made of silicone or saline--or fat deposits that are harvested from the patient's own body. This procedure is very popular as people are on the eternal quest for a better and more attractive body, and an augmentation is a way to increase size, change the shape and make the skin look tighter and younger.

Types

• There are several parts of the body that can be effectively targeted and enhanced from an augmentation surgery. Breast augmentations are the most common of these procedures, and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery reports that more than 311,957 women received a breast augmentation surgery in 2009. Other popular augmentation surgeries include those targeting facial features such as the lips or the chin. An injection of fat deposits can augment lips in a less invasive out-patient surgery, and small contoured implants can be used to compensate for a small unpronounced chin or any other feature than needs emphasis.

Benefits

• The benefits of an augmentation surgery are purely superficial, as the surgery is not used to treat or target any medical problem. Augmentation surgeries are oftentimes used in situations where the patient has undergone a trauma or accident that has damaged the structure of their bodies, and the augmentation is used as a reconstruction surgery. The obvious aesthetic appeal of enhancing the features of one's body can be beneficial in boosting self confidence.

Recovery

• The recovery period for an augmentation surgery depends on the person as well as the type of procedure that you undergo. According to Dr. Philip Miller, the breast augmentation will take the longest to heal, and you will need to rest and avoid strenuous activity for up to three weeks after the procedure. Out-patient procedures including a lip injection will heal more quickly and the patient can be up and active again the next day. It is important to plan ahead and arrange someone to help you through the recovery process.

Warnings

• There are risks and dangers associated with any surgery, but it is especially important to consider these when undergoing non-essential procedures such as cosmetic augmentations. There is always a risk of infection immediately following the surgery. According to the Implant Forum, there is also a chance that your body will reject the implant that has been introduced to the body, and in some cases, the surgery must be reversed. It is important to thoroughly research your surgery and select a surgeon who is professional and certified.