About Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation, also known as augmentation mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to improve the size and shape of woman's breast. A woman may desire this procedure for several reasons:

 · To enhance the body shape and contour of a woman who feels that her breasts are too small
 · To correct a reduction in breast size, as often occurs after pregnancy
 · To correct any differences in size between the breasts of a woman
 · The procedure involves placing a saline implant behind each breast in order to increase a woman's breast size by one or two cup sizes.

Is breast augmentation for you?

Breast augmentation can enhance your appearance, and by doing so, improve your self-confidence and can have a very positive effect on your life. Thus, if you are physically healthy and are looking for an improvement in your appearance, breast augmentation may be for you.

Breast Augmentation Possible risks or side effects

Breast augmentation has been done extensively and is now a relatively straightforward procedure. Although as with any type of surgery it does carry some uncertainty most of the problems are minor and easily treated.

The most common problem occurs if the scar tissue around the implant starts to tighten, causing the implant to feel hard to the touch. This is known as capsular contracture and can be treated by removal of the scar tissue or replacement of the implant. Other less common side effects include: excessive bleeding, infection, and numbness or tingling in the breasts. The latest technology in breast augmentation ensures that such side-effects are kept to a minimum. There is no evidence that breast implants will affect fertility, pregnancy, your ability to nurse or cause breast cancer.

A common concern among women considering breast augmentation is the possibility of the implant breaking. Rupture or leak of the implant can occur as a result of an injury, or less commonly, after normal compression and movement of your breast. If a saline-filled implant were to break, the implant will deflate in a few hours and the salt water will be harmlessly absorbed by your body.

Again it is important to be aware of the possibility of these side-effects and to discuss them with your physician to make sure you understand them. However, the majority of women do not experience any of these complications and go on to have positive and rewarding experiences.

Breast Augmentation Planning and preparing for the surgery

Before the day of your procedure, you will have a consultation with your surgeon who will evaluate your general health and explain which surgical techniques are most appropriate for you, based on your body characteristics. During this evaluation, your doctor may also recommend a breast lift to address any sagging of your breasts. It is during this initial consultation that you should discuss your expectations with your surgeon. Your surgeon will discuss with you the risks and alternatives to each procedure you are considering. He or she will explain the type of anesthesia that will be us during the surgery and answer any questions you may have about the type of facility where the surgery will be performed, and the costs involved. Breast augmentation can be performed either with a general anesthetic - whereby you will sleep through the entire operation - or local anesthetic combined with a sedative to make you drowsy but awake during the surgery.

Before your surgery, your surgeon will give you strict instructions that you are to follow with respect to eating, drinking, smoking and taking medications. Your surgeon will also explain the need to arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery and to help you out for a few days.

Breast Augmentation Surgery

The procedure itself can be performed in the surgeon's office facility, a surgery center, or a hospital outpatient facility. After administration of the anesthetics the doctor can proceed with the surgery. The initial incision is usually made in one of three possible places:

1. the crease where the breast meets the chest
2. around the areola (the dark skin surrounding the nipple)
3. in the armpit

Which of the three locations your surgeon uses depends upon your anatomy and on minimizing any resulting scars.
After the incision is made, the surgeon will elevate the breast tissue in order to form a pocket where the implant can be placed. The pocket is made either directly behind the breast tissue or underneath the chest wall muscles (the pectoral muscles). Some surgeons believe that placing the implants behind your pectoral muscles may reduce the potential for capsular contracture after the surgery and interfere less with breast examination by mammogram than if the implant is placed directly behind the breast tissue. Placement behind the pectorals however, can be more painful for a few days after surgery than placement directly behind the breast tissue. You should discuss these alternatives with your surgeon and decide together which placement is right for you.
Upon insertion of the implants, the surgeon will ensure that the implants are properly centered beneath your nipples. The incisions are closed off with stitches and may also be taped with gauze bandage for greater support. The entire procedure usually takes one or two hours.

After Breast Augmentation Surgery

Most people feel slightly tired and sore for a few days following the surgery; however most of your discomfort should be gone by one to two days. You may experience a burning sensation in your nipples for about two weeks, but this will subside as bruising fades. Also, your doctor may be able to prescribe you with medication to control pain that lingers for more than a couple of days.

After a couple of days, your doctor will make an appointment for you to have your gauze dressings removed. At this point you may be given a surgical bra to wear as directed by your physician. One to two weeks after your surgery your stitches will be removed. After this, the swelling in your breasts will begin to disappear. Your breasts should be at their proper size by three to five weeks.

Returning to Normal Activities after Breast Augmentation

Depending on the level of activity required for your work, you should be able to return within a few days of your surgery. However, since your breasts will probably be extra sensitive to direct stimulation for two to three weeks, you should avoid much physical contact and exercise at first. After that, exercise and breast contact is fine as long as your breasts are no longer sore.

Although your scars will never disappear completely, you will notice that they will begin to fade after a few months. At the beginning they may be firm and pink but will fade soon after.
If you are in the age group for whom routine mammograms are done, you should continue with these even after breast augmentation. The only difference is that the technician may have to use a different technique to ensure a reliable reading is received. Maintaining regular examinations by your surgeon as well as continuing with your routine mammograms will ensure that any potential complications can be detected and treated early.

The New You

It is important to remember that your decision to have this procedure is a personal one; one that not everyone will agree with. The most important thing is that it is what you need to help you meet your goals. You will probably find that you feel very satisfied and exhilarated with your new fuller appearance. If you feel better about how you look, and you probably will, then your surgery was a success.

Cosmetic Plastic Surgery - Consultation Information

home | about us | consultations | procedures | results | pricing | contact us

Copyright © 2003 Cosmetic Plastic Surgery - All Rights Reserved.