Breast augmentation, also known as augmentation mammoplasty, is a surgical enhancement procedure to accentuate the size and shape of a woman's breasts. While breast augmentation will make the breasts larger, sometimes the surgery will also move the breasts closer together or lift sagging breasts. Breast augmentation is tremendous help to patients who desire a fuller profile, who have lost breast volume due to pregnancy or nursing, or who have undergone breast reconstruction and want to gain a more natural look again.
Reasons for Considering Breast Augmentation:
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Enhance body shape if breasts are too small.
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Increase breast volume after pregnancy and nursing.
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Equalize a difference in breast size (cup size) to gain breast symmetry.
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Reconstruct breasts following a mastectomy or injury.
General Procedure
Breast augmentation involves making a small incision to insert a breast implant into the breast area in order to enlarge the breast. The surgery is commonly performed on an outpatient basis in our office surgical suite or in a day surgery center connected to a hospital. The surgery can be performed under sedation and local anesthesia or under general anesthesia. There are several possible locations for the small incision that will be used for inserting the breast implant. The most frequent technique utilizes an incision made in the lower portion of the breast at the inframammary fold. A second technique makes an incision around the areola (the darker skin surrounding the nipple). Another technique, though less frequently used, involves making an incision in the armpit. A rare technique uses an incision in the belly button, thus reducing the chance of scarring in the breast area. The best technique will be decided together between the patient and the surgeon during the consultation.
During surgery, the breast tissue is raised to create an open pocket under the breast tissue, and sometimes also partially beneath the chest wall muscle (dual plane or subpectoral) Implants typically contain a saline solution (similar to saltwater) or silicone gel. The FDA has released the silicone devices to return to general use among the population, deeming them safe for use. As participants in the manufacturers' studies on safety, we have extensive experience with the newer gel devices. For more information on silicone gel implants, including types, benefit/risk, informed consent, etc., please visit http://www.breastimplantsbymentor.com/. Surgery typically lasts from 1 to 2 hours.
Recovery Process
Generally, post-operative instructions call for slight rest the first day but movement after that in order to speed up the healing process and recovery time. Bandages are applied to the incisions right after surgery to aid the healing process, as well as a sports bra that opens in the front to minimize movement of the breasts. Once the bandages are removed at the one week mark, comfortable bras without an underwire are to be used for the first month. Patients sometimes report minor pain associated with the surgery. This pain can be treated effectively with oral medication. While complications are rare, patients can minimize potential problems by carefully following the directions given by the physician after surgery.
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