Breast augmentation (Implants & Enlargement)

Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure to enhance the size and shape of a woman's breast. Maybe performed to enhance the body contour of a woman who feels her breasts are too small, to correct a reduction in breast volume, to balance a difference in breast size, or to reconstruct a breast after breast surgery. This procedure involves insertion of implants to increase breast size and to provide fuller breasts.

Breast augmentation is a surgery designed to enlarge the breasts. This breast enlargement surgery is frequently sought by women who are unhappy with the small size of their breasts, sometimes after pregnancy or weight loss.

If you're considering breast augmentation with breast implants, the following information will provide you with a good introduction to the procedure. For more detailed information about how this procedure may help you, we recommend that you consult a plastic surgeon who is board certified or has completed a residency program that includes instruction in this procedure.

What are some of the most common benefits of breast augmentation?

Breast augmentation is usually quite successful at making the breasts larger and fuller. The results may not look exactly like “natural” larger breasts; with breast implants, breasts tend to be a bit more round and less saggy than natural breasts of the same size. Most women find these differences to be an improvement.

What will happen at the initial consultation?

During the consultation, you and your surgeon will discuss the changes that you would like to make in your appearance. Because breast enlargment is a highly personal decision, you’ll want to take time to discuss all of your concerns and desires, including how large you want your breasts to be.

Show your doctor pictures of breast sizes you like. He will be able to determine which size breast implants will achieve your preferred size. He will also explain the different options available to you, including incision type, location of the implant, type of breast implant, and whether a breast lift might also be beneficial.

Your doctor should also explain the anesthesia he will be using during your procedure. You should tell him about any medications you currently are taking, and any health conditions you have. Be sure to ask all the questions you have about the surgery.

Learning everything you can about your options, risks and benefits is the key to making an informed decision.

How is breast augmentation done?

Breast augmentation consists of making an incision, lifting the breast tissue, creating a pocket in the chest/breast area, and placing an envelope containing a soft, natural feeling implant material underneath (breast implant).

An incision may be made in any one of the following places : the crease below the breast, around the areola, under the armpit, or, very rarely, through the navel.

The breast implants can be placed either under the chest muscle or directly under the breasts. Placement considerations include the anatomy of your breasts, soreness after surgery, exercise activities (upper body strength and conditioning sports such as weightlifting, tennis, volleyball and others) and interference with mammograms.

Most likely, the anesthesia you receive will be general.

How long does breast augmentation surgery take?

Breast augmentation surgery usually takes about one to three hours to complete. The length of the procedure varies according to the technique used, the placement of the implants, the patient’s anatomy, and type of anesthesia used.

Do I have to stay in the hospital?

Probably not.You’ll be able to return to the hotel within a few hours of the surgery.

How much pain is there?

Breast augmentation stretches the tissues, and can be painful. This is especially true when the implants are placed under the muscle and in young women who have never had children. The pain is greatest within the first 48 hours, but improves with each day and is somewhat relieved by pain medications.. In spite of the initial discomfort, most women report that they are very satisfied with the results of their breast enlargment surgery.

When you wake up you will feel tired, sore, and stiff. It is important to take the medication prescribed to you by your doctor.

Your surgeon may prescribe an antibiotic and an anti-inflammatory medication to be taken after the surgery.

What can I expect after breast augmentation?

Your breasts will be wrapped with gauze bandage as well as a tighter bandage for protection and support afer breast augmentation surgery.

It is important to take the medication prescribed to you by your doctor.

What is the recovery period like?

Your scars will be pink for several weeks. After several months they will begin to fade. It is critical that you review post-procedure care with your doctor. Following his instructions carefully will help ensure you have a speedy, healthy recovery. Also keep in mind that :
Rest is important to the healing process, so do it as much as possible following your procedure. Drink plenty of fluids, and be sure to take the doctor's prescribed medications.
For at least 3-5 days, you should try to keep arm extension to a minimal. Elbows should not be raised higher than the armpit. The tissues will heal more quickly if you avoid stretching and separating muscle/tissue surrounding the breast implants.
Most likely, you will be able to resume calm, quiet work within a few days of your surgery. You should still avoid physical exertion for several weeks, depending on the advice of your doctor.
After several days, the gauze dressing will be removed. You may be required to wear a support bra to help your breasts form and maintain a pleasing, balanced shape. You may or may not be able to shower, depending on where your stitches are.
The stitches will come out within a week to ten days, but swelling may continue, gradually subsiding over several weeks. With the swelling, your breasts may seem hard and unnatural, but eventually they should soften to a more natural feel.
You will probably be able to resume exercise and normal physical activities within a month or two, when the soreness has subsided. Recovery varies from patient to patient and depends upon the technique, type of implant, and site of placement that the doctor uses, as well as the level of activities in your daily routine. Ask your doctor for more specific information.

How long do the results last?

Breast augmentation makes the breasts larger for the life of the implant. Remember, also that larger breasts sag faster than smaller breasts, and augmented breasts do this as well. It is possible that you may require surgery in later years to correct sagging if you choose to have large implants.

Ideal candidate :

In general, the best candidates for breast augmentation are :

• 18 years of age or older
  
• Not currently pregnant or nursing
  
• In good physical health
  
• Psychologically stable
  
• Wanting to improve their appearance
  
• Realistic in their expectations
  
• Having this surgery for the first time
  
• The above is only a partial list of the criteria that your surgeon will consider in determining whether or not this procedure is appropriate for you. Be sure to ask your surgeon if he considers you an ideal candidate for breast augmentation.
  

Possible complications :

Some of the more common possible complications include postoperative infection, hematoma (a blood clot in the breast tissue requiring evacuation of the blood clot during a subsequent surgical procedure); implant rupture, deflation or leakage; capsular contracture, calcium deposits, changes in nipple or breast sensation, interference with mammogram readings, shifting of the implant.

Risks :

There are several concerns regarding breast augmentation : the surgery itself, the implants, breast cancer, and the risk of anesthesia. The risks involved with breast augmentation have received a lot of attention, but neither breast cancer nor arthritis have been shown to be caused by breast implants. All operations carry some risk and the possibility of complications can include (but are not limited to) infection, unsatisfactory results, excessive bleeding, adverse reaction to anesthesia, and the need for second or sometimes third procedures.

Other side effects specific to breast augmentation include :

• capsular contracture : occurs when the scar or area around the implant begins to tighten, causing the breast to feel hard.
  
• nipple sensitivity or loss in sensitivity : usually disappears after several weeks, but for some this is permanent.
  
• rippling : indentations on the breast, often caused when the implant moves.
  
• rupture : when the breast implants tear and/or leak. This may require a second operation to replace the implant.
  
• symptoms of immune system disorders: some women have reported having symptoms such as joint pain swelling, fever, fatigue, or breast pain. Although research has not found conclusive evidence correlating breast implants with these symptoms, further studies have been requested by the FDA.
  
• Many times patients will not be aware of complications until days or months after the procedure has been performed.

Breast Augmentation Costs :

check prices

Be sure to :

• Tell your doctor about any allergies you have (to foods, drugs, environmental elements)
  
• Tell your doctor about all medications, herbal supplements or natural supplements you are taking (both prescription and non-prescription)
  
• Carefully follow any instructions your surgeon gives you regarding eating and drinking, smoking, and vitamins.
  
• Avoid aspirin and aspirin-containing medicines for two weeks prior to surgery.
  
• Arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery.
  
• Try to schedule surgery at a time other than your menstrual period.