Breast Augmentation, Breast Implants,
and Breast Implant Surgery

Newport Beach, California

The female breast lies between the 2nd and the 6th ribs.  The major muscles under the breast gland are the pectoralis and serratus anterior muscle.  The pigmented portion of the breast which surrounds the nipple is called the areola.  The sensation to the nipples comes from nerves arising from the fourth rib space.  The development of the female breast begins during puberty.  The preadolescent breast consists of a small elevated nipple with no elevation of the underlying breast tissue.  Between the ages of  8 and 14, secondary characteristics become apparent.  Breast buds appear, and further enlargement of the breasts and areola follows.  After pregnancies, the areola of the female breast will further enlarge in size.

The breast has three principal components. (1) The glandular tissue is organized into 12 to 20 lobes, each of which terminates into a duct that opens on the surface of the nipple. (2) The glandular tissue is supported by fibrous tissue,  including suspensory ligaments that are connected both to the skin and the tissue underlying the breast. (3) Fat surrounds the breast and predominates both superficially and peripherally.  The proportions of these components vary with age, the general state of nutrition, pregnancy, and other factors.