Bradley P. Bengtson, MD, FACS, Editor

It is an incredible honor and privilege to be asked to be the editor for this issue of Clinics in Plastic Surgery on breast augmentation. It certainly is humbling to be associated with my friends, colleagues, and teachers, Dr Pat Maxwell (October, 1988), Dr John Tebbetts (July, 2001), and Dr Scott Spear (January, 2009), who have previously edited these prior Clinics in Plastic Surgery on this important topic. It has been interesting to review these prior publications and see where we have been, where we are today in 2015, and perhaps take a small glimpse into the future.

Since Dr Spear’s last Clinics in Plastic Surgery publication in 2009 on breast augmentation in which I contributed an article on “Complications, Reoperations, and Revisions in Breast Augmentation,” we have unfortunately made very little headway into reducing complications or the number of breast revision surgeries. In fact, I believe on our current trajectory, within the next 10 years or possibly at the publication of the next breast augmentation issue of Clinics in Plastic Surgery , breast revision surgery may surpass primary augmentation. The technologies and techniques for breast revision are rapidly improving, although revision rates continue to remain high.

There is, however, a great deal about which to be excited and optimistic! There are a number of new products, devices, and techniques that all have the potential to decrease complications and significantly improve patient outcomes. Instead of focusing on standard approaches or classic textbook-related topics, I have decided instead to concentrate articles primarily on new technologies, devices, and approaches that have the potential to truly move the needle and improve patient experiences, improve patient outcomes, and decrease revision rates. Some of these topics we are reviewing that have personally transformed my practice include Standardization of the Bra Cup, Differences Between Saline and Silicone Implants, Improving Patient Education and Selection, Using 3D Imaging in Breast Augmentation Surgery, Delving Into the Etiology and Prevention of Capsular Contracture, Thoughts on Aesthetic Breast Ideals, Use and Patient Selection with Shaped Implants, Use of Fat Transfer in Breast Augmentation and Revision, and many others.

It is also very interesting to speculate on the future of breast augmentation. Will it include 3D Imaging with Holographic Projections or 3D Imaging Simulating Outcomes, Finally the Definitive Etiology and Cure for Capsular Contracture, The True Significance and Etiology of ALCL and Determination of its Clinical Characteristics, The Ideal Internal Support of the Breast, New Implant Devices, Shells, Fills, and Shapes, and Improved Techniques and Technologies that Reduce Complications and Improve Outcomes?

In the meantime, I hope this issue dedicated to breast augmentation is helpful, is thought-provoking, and peaks your interest in areas where these experts are today, and most importantly, helps you improve your individual patient satisfaction and your surgical outcomes.

A special thanks to our authors for their time and expertise in contributing these articles, and to the editors at Elsevier.