Most women with small or underdeveloped breasts who wish to enhance their appearance may choose to have a procedure called breast augmentation mammoplasty.

 Breast Implants

A fuller and more aesthetically pleasing body contour can be safely achieved through the placement of breast implants directly under the breast tissue or beneath the chest wall muscle. Implants for breast augmentation procedures are filled with either saline (salt-water) or silicone gel, both of which are approved for use by the FDA. During your complimentary consultation, a doctor will discuss which option is better for you.

Breast Augmentation Surgery

Small incisions are made so that the implant can be inserted. These small incisions may be made in the crease under the breast or under the aerola. You can also choose to hide the incision in the axilla (armpit) or in the umbilicus (belly button). View a 3D animation of of the breast augmentation procedure. This breast augmentation technique does not result in any visible scarring; however, this technique is not recommended for all patients. Your doctor will discuss which method of insertion best compliments your goals and your body type.

Once the incision is made, the implant is then inserted. If you chose to have a breast augmentation with saline implants, the implant is then filled with saline to achieve the desired size and shape of the breast. Breast augmentation surgery can be performed as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia and takes approximately 1-2 hours to complete. After your procedure, most patients can return to work within 5-6 days following surgery.

Breast Augmentation Recovery

There are no sutures that need to be removed. Absorbable sutures and a special tape are used. Your surgeon may recommend a surgical support bra. Exercise and other strenuous activities may be resumed in about one month. You will be given massaging instructions to help keep the implant soft and to prevent contracture.

Breast Implant Pain

You can ask for "pain free" breast augmentation. A pump will be inserted by the doctor the day of surgery for 2 days to control the pain.

Who are the Best Prospects for Breast Augmentation Surgery?

Learn more about breast Augmentation

You can boost your self-confidence by enhancing your appearance through a breast augmentation. Women with small or under-developed breasts are the best candidates for this procedure. Breast augmentation patients should be in good health and have reasonable expectations for the outcome of their surgery. Although breast augmentation can make you feel more confident and improve the contours of your body, it will not necessarily change the way people treat you. It is important to discuss your expectations about your breast augmentation procedure with your doctor at your consultation.

Women who want to improve their breasts but don't expect them to look perfect are the best prospects for breast augmentation surgery. You are a strong candidate for breast augmentation if your health is good and your expectations for the surgery are not unrealistic.

What Types of Breast Implants are Available?

Mammary Implants

There are currently two types of breast implants available for breast augmentation: saline or silicone gel filled. Both types come within a silicone shell. Both types of implants have been approved for use by the FDA. After extensive studies relating to human health conditions, it has been found that there is no solid evidence linking breast implants, silicone or saline, to any cancer, systemic or neurological diseases.

Are There Any Risks Associated with Breast Augmentation Surgery?

A breast augmentation is a fairly simple surgery. However, every surgery has its own set of complications and risks.

Capsular contracture is the most common complication of a breast augmentation. This condition occurs from a tightening of a capsule or scar around the implant. A capsular contracture results in the breast feeling hard. There are several treatment options for this condition, including scoring or removing the scar tissue, and removing and replacing the implant.

Like all surgeries, pain and swelling can result from excessive bleeding after the surgery. If the bleeding cannot be stopped, an additional surgery may be necessary to take care of the bleeding and get rid of the blood that has amassed.

In a small percentage of cases, an infection develops around the implant. This normally takes place within a week of the surgery, but can happen at any time. For some women, the treatment involves letting the infection clear by taking out the implant for several months and then replacing it with a new one.

Oversensitivity, under-sensitivity or numbness of the nipple after surgery are all sensations that have been reported by women. Small areas of numbness near the incision sites are also common. Although these sensations normally fade with time, there is the possibility of them being permanent.

Breast implants have not been proven to impact pregnancy, fertility or the ability to nurse. Nevertheless, there is the possibility that you will produce milk for several days after your procedure if you have nursed during the year prior to your surgery. If this condition results in discomfort, a doctor can treat it with a prescription medication.

Two results can occur from a break in a gel-filled implant. If the scar capsule remains intact but the shell breaks, you may not notice a change has taken place. If the scar does tear or break (which can happen after a situation that causes extreme pressure), the surrounding tissue may be exposed to silicone gel. The silicone gel can enter other areas of the body or stay within the breast and result in the formation of a new scar. This can cause the firmness or shape of the breast to change. Either type of break can result in the need for an additional operation and a new implant to replace the one that is leaking. Sometimes, it is not always possible to get rid of all the silicone gel in the breast tissue after a rupture.

There are cases where women have reported symptoms similar to arthritis, scleroderma and other diseases of the immune system. The list of potential symptoms can include breast pain, fatigue, fever, joint pain and swelling. Although the FDA has asked for additional research, no concrete connection between these symptoms (which are known as connective-tissue disorders) and breast implants has been found.

Although breast implants have not been proven to cause breast cancer, they can impact the ability to perform a mammography. It's important to get your routine mammograms done at a facility where the technicians have experience using the techniques required to perform a reliable mammography of an implanted breast. In addition to extra views, an ultrasound examination may be useful to evaluate the implant or detect any lumps in the breast.

Most women do not encounter any complications with their surgery, but it's important to discuss them with your doctor before making your final decision to have the procedure.

How Should I Plan for My Surgery?

Based on your skin tone, the current condition of your breasts and an evaluation of your overall health during your initial consultation, your surgeon will talk to you about the best breast augmentation methods for your specific case. Your surgeon may also suggest a breast lift if your breasts are sagging.

It's important to be honest with your surgeon about your expectations. Your surgeon should offer this same level of honesty by discussing any alternatives, along with their individual limitations and risks. It's a good idea to request and read a copy of the implant manufacturer's insert. While you are talking to your surgeon, be transparent about your consumption of alcohol, cigarettes, drugs, medications and vitamins.

You should also ensure that your surgeon tells you about the location and cost of your surgery, along with the type of anesthesia that will be administered. Because this procedure is not normally classified as a medical necessity, breast augmentation is usually not covered by insurance carriers.

How Should I Prepare for My Surgery?

You will be given guidelines and instructions from your surgeon on what medications and vitamins to take (and avoid), smoking, eating and drinking.

Additionally, you should enlist the help of someone that can take you home from the hospital and provide assistance during the first few days of your recovery.

Where Will My Surgery Take Place?

Depending on the preference of your surgeon, your procedure can take place in a hospital outpatient facility, freestanding surgery center or an office facility. In some cases, you will stay in the hospital for one or two days if the surgery is done at an inpatient facility.

What Types of Anesthesia Will Be Used During My Surgery?

There are two types of anesthesia that can be used during a breast augmentation. The most common is general anesthesia, which will result in you sleeping for the duration of the procedure. The other type is local anesthesia, which is used in conjunction with a sedative. Although this combination will ensure you are relaxed, you will still be awake and could experience some discomfort.

What Takes Place During My Surgery?

The surgeon will use the method of inserting the implant that was previously discussed in your initial consultation. The most common points of incision are the armpit, the areola or the crease on the underside of your breast.

After the incision is made, a pocket will be created under your pectoral muscle or behind your breast tissue, and once each implant has been inserted, the surgeon will make sure that your implants are centered and symmetrical.

Although placement of the implant behind the pectoral muscle will cause more initial pain than placement behind the breast tissue, some surgeons feel that placing the implant behind the pectoral wall decreases the likelihood of capsular contracture and makes it easier for technicians to properly perform mammograms. As previously recommended, it's important to thoroughly discuss all of your options with your surgeon before making a final decision.

In total, your surgery will last for one to two hours. At the end of your surgery, the incisions will be stitched. The stitches may be taped for added support, and the application of gauze bandages over your breasts can also aid the healing process.

What Happens After My Surgery?

Although you will be able to walk around in one to two days after your procedure, you will feel sore and tired for several days. The majority of the unpleasant sensations you experience can be dulled through prescribed medication.

After a few days, your gauze dressings will be replaced with a surgical bra. While you may feel a burning sensation in your nipples for up to two weeks, it is important to consistently follow your surgeon's instructions for wearing the surgical bra.

Even though your stitches will be removed in seven to ten days, it can take up to five weeks for the swelling in your breasts to subside.

When Will I Return to Normal?

Depending on how much movement is required for your job, you should be able to return after a few days of recovery.

It's important to listen to your surgeon's guidelines about how long you should wait to begin your normal activities and exercise. You should avoid excess physical contact for two to three weeks after your procedure, due to the sensitivity that will most likely be caused by direct stimulation of your breasts. Physical contact can normally be resumed in three to four weeks without causing any soreness.

For a minimum of six weeks, your scars will be pink and firm. For the next few months, they may appear to widen, but will most likely remain the same size. Although you will always have your scars, they will significantly fade after several more months.

How Will I Look After My Surgery?

As a result of their fuller appearance, most women feel more satisfied (and possibly ecstatic) with their body after the procedure.

By scheduling regular examinations and mammograms, any complications can be detected and treated as early as possible.

Although not everyone will understand your desire to undergo this procedure, the opinion that matters the most is your own. Your breast augmentation will be considered successful as long as it meets your goals.

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