Breast Augmentation

We would like to provide some basic information regarding breast augmentation. However, the best way to get specific information is to have a personal consultation with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons. Please call (800)505-3627 for a consultation. Office hours are Mon., Wed. and Fri. from 1:30-5PM

Breast Augmentation technically known as augmentation mammaplasty, is a surgical procedure to enhance the size and shape of a woman's breast. It is for any woman who feels her breast size is too small, has lost breast volume after pregnancy, or to correct a difference in size.

The best candidates for breast augmentation

Types of implants

All surgery carries some uncertainty and risk

The Consultation

Preparing for your surgery

The surgery

After your surgery

Getting back to normal

Your new look

The best candidates for breast augmentation
Breast augmentation can enhance your appearance and your self-confidence. Before you decide to have surgery, think carefully about your expectations and discuss them with members of our medical team. The best candidates for breast augmentation are women who are looking for a change in their appearance. If you're physically healthy, psychologically stable, and realistic in your expectations, you may be a good candidate.

Types of implants
A breast implant is a silicone shell filled with either silicone gel or a salt-water solution known as saline.

Because of concerns that there is insufficient information demonstrating the safety of silicone gel-filled breast implants, the Food & Drug Administration has determined that gel-filled implants, at the present time, should be available only to women participating in approved studies. Some women requiring replacement of their implants may also be eligible to participate in the study.

Saline filled implants continue to be available to breast augmentation patients on an unrestricted basis, pending further FDA review. You should ask your doctor more about the specifics of the FDA decisions.

All surgery carries some uncertainty and risk
Despite reports in the lay pres, there is no evidence that breast implants cause breast cancer. It is important to continue with monthly self -breast exam and regularly scheduled mammograms when you reach the age of 40. When you request a routine mammogram, be sure to go to a radiology center where technicians are experienced in the special techniques required to get a reliable x-ray of a breast with an implant. Additional views will be required.

Modern surgical techniques have minimized complications but they include bleeding, infection, hardening and implant deflation. Implant deflation occurs because of a failure the valve or a wear wrinkle…should it occur, the saline in the implant will be resorbed harmlessly by your body. The major implant companies guarantee the implant and will cover the costs of replacement. Other concerns are nipple/areolar sensitivity (normal postoperatively close to 100% of the time) and the ability to nurse…definitely possible.

While the majority of women do not experience these complications, you should discuss each of them with your physician to make sure you understand the risks and consequences of breast augmentation.

The Consultation
A personal consultation is the first step for every patient considering breast augmentation. During this meeting one of our board-certified plastic surgeons will assess your physical and emotional health and discuss your specific goals for surgery.

You should arrive at the consultation prepared to provide complete information:

• Previous surgeries
• Past and current medical conditions
• Medications you are taking, including Aspirin, herbal remedies and nutritional supplements
  Allergies
• Family history of breast cancer. Self Breast exams on a monthly basis
• Smoking history, if any

During the consultation a breast exam will be performed, the doctor will explain which surgical technique will be best suited for you to give you the most natural result. If your breasts are sagging, the doctor may also recommend a breast lift, which would be explained.

Preparing for your surgery
When the date for your procedure has been set, we will provide you with specific instructions for the days immediately before and after surgery. A number of points may be covered, including:

• Avoiding certain medications that may complicate surgery or recovery. Such as Aspirin, and Aspirin type products, Vitamin E and Gingko
• Stopping smoking for a period of time (2 weeks) before and after surgery
• Arranging for help and special care following surgery

The Surgery
The surgery will be performed in our office based surgical suite. We use a local anesthetic with intravenous sedation (twilight sleep) for patients undergoing breast augmentation. Our medical staff will monitor your physical status throughout the surgery and during your recovery. The procedure generally takes 1-2 hours and then we care for you in the recovery room for at least one hour before you are discharged.

The incision is usually made in the lower portion of the areola (the dark skin surrounding the nipple). Every effort will be make to assure that the incision is placed so resulting scars will be as inconspicuous as possible. Working through the incision, the surgeon will lift your skin and breast tissue to create a pocket, either directly behind the breast tissue or underneath your chest wall muscle (the pectoral muscle). The implants are then centered beneath your nipples.

Some surgeons believe that putting the implants behind your chest muscle may reduce the potential for capsular contracture. This placement may also interfere less with breast examination by mammogram than if the implant is placed directly behind the breast tissue. Placement behind the muscle however, may be more painful for few days after the surgery than placement directly under the breast tissue.

Be sure to ask about minimal incision breat surgery techniques.

After your surgery
You will be cared for in the recovery room for at least one-hour after surgery. You may experience some discomfort, ice packs to the chest and the pain medication prescribed will lessen the discomfort. There will be gauze sponges covering the incisions, a bra and breast strap will be in place. You are to wear the bra and strap night and day for the first week. The discomfort in your chest will diminish; the 1st 2-3 days are the most uncomfortable. Ice for 24-36 hours and resting with 3-4 pillows behind your back will help.

Getting back to normal
You should be able to return to work within a 5-7 days, depending on the level of activity required for your job. Please follow our advice on when to begin exercises and normal activities. Your breasts will probably be sensitive to direct stimulation for two to three weeks, so you should avoid much physical contact.

You scars will be firm and pink for at least six weeks. Vitamin E massaged into the healed incision improves the quality of the scar. After several months your scars will begin to fade, although they will never disappear completely.

Your new look
For many women, the result of breast augmentation can be satisfying, even exhilarating, as they learn to appreciate their fuller appearance. Regular examinations by your plastic surgeon and routine mammograms for those in the appropriate age groups at prescribed intervals will help assure that any complications, if they occur, can be detected early and treated.

To schedule your consultation, click here or call (800)505-3627.