A silicone breast implant. (Photograph by Peter A. Simon. Phototake. Reproduced by permission.)

During a breast implant procedure, a local injection of anesthetic is administered at many points around the breast (A). An incision is made under the areola (B). The surgeon uses his fingers to create a pocket for the implant (C). The implant is placed under the pectoralis muscle of the chest (D), and is inflated to full size with saline injections (E). (Illustration by GGS Inc.)