Plastic Surgery
Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation is done by placing a breast implant under the breast tissue or muscle to enhance the shape and size of the breast. It can be done alone or included with a breast lift.
Good candidates for this procedure are women who are unhappy with the shape of their breasts or women who want to enhance their size. After pregnancy, breast feeding, weight fluctuation and age, the breasts lose elasticity and volume. Some women choose to have breast implants simply to have a shapelier figure that may be more in proportion with their body.
This procedure is also used to correct the undesired effects post breast cancer. Implants can significantly increase the self-esteem of patients who have lost one or more breasts or have become misshapen after cancer.
Silicone or Saline
There are two types of implants available: Silicone and Saline. Silicone implants are filled with a silicone gel and Saline implants are filled with salt water. Silicone implants have made a comeback since the FDA concluded that they were safe in 1999. One reason some patients choose silicone is the natural soft feel of the breast. It’s close to the feel of the natural breast. Some surgeons will state that silicone implants are less likely to ripple than saline.
Saline implants are still the most used implants today because of the natural content of salt water. There is less controversy with Saline because of its content. The one perceived disadvantage with saline implants is that they look and feel less natural than silicone but be assured that both saline and silicone implants are safe and have been approved for use by the FDA.
When considering breast augmentation, the best advice we can offer is to talk openly and honestly with your surgeon. Discuss your expectations, then both of you can decided what the best plan of action will be for your individual needs.
The Surgery
Most breast augmentation surgeries will take about an hour. This surgery is primarily an outpatient procedure with general anesthesia. There are three common incision locations: under the fold of the breast, around the areola or in the armpit. This will depend on the type of implant that you choose. Your surgeon will discuss these details with you during your initial consultation.
After Surgery
After surgery you will be able to recover in the comfort of your own home. Most patients return to work and normal daily activities within a week but remember that it will take between three and six months for the implants to relax to give you the kind of natural look that you want. Some things to expect after surgery are swelling, some bruising and tenderness in the area. Because of this most doctors will recommend wearing a sports bra for a few weeks after surgery for added support and comfort. Exercise is permitted after 1 to 2 weeks but only low or non-impact. After 6 weeks you can resume upper body exercise. Before you leave the hospital, your surgeon will go over all post instructions with you and give you details about what to expect during recovery.
Breast augmentation as with most plastic surgery procedures can be a life changing experience and give you a positive self-image and the confidence you need to enjoy an abundant life.