What actually happens during breast augmentation surgery?

During breast augmentation surgery, breast implants are inserted into a pocket behind the breast tissues, positioned beneath the nipples and the incision closed with stitches. The surgery is usually performed on an outpatient basis and takes one to two hours to complete. Patients are usually given general anesthesia, which allows them to sleep throughout the entire procedure. The risks and possible complications include those associated with any surgical procedure as well as risks specific to surgery using breast implants. For much more information about incision types, implant placement, anesthesia, and risks and possible complications, see our section on breast augmentation surgery information.