About Breast Augmentation

Breast Augmentation Consultation

Breast augmentation enhances the size and shape of a woman’s breasts commonly for the purposes of:

-Enlarging breast size for women that feel their breasts are too small

-Balancing out uneven breast sizes

-Correcting breast reduction after significant weight loss or pregnancy

-Reconstructive technique

The motivations for getting a breast augmentation can vary, but it is important to discuss your intentions and goals you wish to achieve through breast augmentation. Women who are unrealistic about the outcome of a breast augmentation procedure will generally not be happy with the results of a breast augmentation. A breast augmentation candidate should understand that the surgical procedure can improve appearance, as well as confidence, but the surgery is not a means of reaching perfection. A knowledgeable board certified surgeon will be able to identify if the breast augmentation candidate can benefit from the surgical enhancement after an initial consultation.

The acceptance people have towards plastic surgery and breast augmentation has shifted over the years as more and more people describe desiring plastic surgery procedures in order to feel young inside and outside

The breast augmentation surgeon will perform a complete examination on the candidate’s breasts and will sometimes take photographs for the medical record. While the surgeon is considering the current size and shape, quality of skin, and placement of the nipple and areolas of the candidate’s breasts, it can be determined if the desired breast size and appearance the individual wishes to achieve is attainable through a breast augmentation. The more specific the candidate is with the surgeon the more likely the individual will have results that meet their satisfaction.

Complete medical history will be reviewed and discussed because the risks involved with breast augmentation can be significantly higher and cause an increased chance of complication due to certain individual factors. Individuals with a higher risk for breast cancer especially are recommended taking mammograms prior to breast augmentation, as well as provide the results of any past mammograms. This information is extremely important to provide due to the increased difficulty in taking and reading mammograms after a breast augmentation.

Preparation for Breast Augmentation

Before the breast augmentation surgery takes place there will be certain pre-surgery precautions and procedures that must be followed as instructed by the surgeon. Any smokers will be asked to temporarily stop smoking before surgery and avoiding any anti-inflammatory drugs before surgery as to avoid increased bleeding. Smoking has been associated to longer recovery time and an increased chance of pulmonary difficulties during plastic surgery procedures.

Based on your health conditions, including any preexisting problems or the risk for problems, the board certified plastic surgeon would properly instruct each individual on how to prepare for breast augmentation. The preoperative instructions are extremely important to follow if the patient wishes to maximize the results of their breast augmentation as well as to avoid any complications. In some instances the breast augmentation surgery will be cancelled or pushed back if the surgeon finds the patient did not follow precautionary measures that could increase their risks for problems.

Medication is administered in order to better accommodate the comfort of the patient during and after the breast augmentation procedure. Anesthesia is used in most instances of breast augmentation procedures. A ride to and from the breast augmentation should be arranged prior to the surgical procedure.

Breast Augmentation Surgery

Breast augmentation is an outpatient procedure that is usually performed under a general anesthesia. A breast augmentation is performed with a saline filled implant with a silicone shell that is placed under the breast, which increases the breast size. In the past, silicone gel-filled implants were used for breast augmentation, but the FDA restricted this type of implant in 1992 to perform further studies on the safety.

The introduction of saline filled implants allowed for a smaller incision, often less than just one inch underneath the breast and above the crease where it is well hidden. Some breast augmentation incisions are made by the lower edge of the areola, and incisions made within the armpit leaves no visible scars. After the incisions are made the breast augmentation surgeon is able to create a pocket, either on top of the pectoral muscle or beneath them, and insert the implant.

After the breast augmentation has been completed, the patient will be taken into the recovery area and continue to be monitored. The breasts will be wrapped in a dressing that will not be removed for a few days. Most patients will be able to return home after a few hours following the breast augmentation. With continual research being performed to further improve breast augmentation the introduction of different types of implant material has the possibility of becoming available in the future. For women interested in receiving more information on breast augmentations, click here.

After Breast Augmentation

Following a breast augmentation the plastic surgeon will give each individual patient instruction as appropriate. There will be initial swelling and discoloration after breast augmentation that will disappear quickly and over time. Fatigue and discomfort should be expected after the breast augmentation but will subside. Most patients will not be able to shower for between 3-7 days after breast augmentation, and returning to work can probably be done within a few days to a week.

Each patient’s recovery time and response to breast augmentation differs and the speed each individual resumes a normal schedule will vary. Stitches are removed from the breast augmentation incision around a week. Strenuous and vigorous activities should be avoided for about two to three weeks. Extreme care with the breast area should be taken for at least a month following breast augmentation.

Most breast augmentation patients will find they are happy with the results of their procedure that took the time to do their homework, discuss in depth the goals they wished to attain, and chose a qualified and experienced board certified plastic surgeon. The results of a breast augmentation should last a long time, though deflation can occur as a risk associated to breast augmentation. Women sometimes choose to get a breast lift or adjust the size of their implant, but for the most part breast augmentation is a fairly permanent procedure. Periodic checkups and routine mammograms should be taken following a breast augmentation.