Breast Augmentation
Breast size and shape seem to be directly associated with our society’s perception of feminine beauty.
What Is Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation – also known as augmentation mammoplasty – is a surgical procedure to increase breast size and enhance shape of woman’s breast. During breast augmentation, breast implants are placed under the breast tissue or chest muscles.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Breast Augmentation Surgery?
The best candidates for breast augmentation are women who are looking for improvement, not perfection, in the way they look.
How Should You Prepare for Breast Augmentation Surgery?
The initial consultation with your surgeon will require your complete medical history, so you will want to be prepared to provide the necessary information. You must be completely open and honest with your surgeon. If there is any medical problem, you will be referred to a specialist.
With all of this information, your surgeon can plan the best procedure for your needs and tell you how to adequately prepare for the procedure by giving you guidelines.
During your consultation, your surgeon will tell you which foods, medications, and vitamins you should avoid for a designated time period before and after your surgery. These include, but are not limited to: aspirin, Vitamins E, ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil), and certain foods or medications that contain salicylate.
If you are a smoker, your surgeon may instruct you to quit the use of nicotine in any form (smoking, patch, or gum) for a certain period of time before and after the surgery. It’s crucial that you follow the instructions very closely as smoking can impede the healing process.
You should arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery and also have someone stay with you the first night at least. You will need to take at least three days off from work, so plan accordingly.
How Is Breast Augmentation Surgery Performed?
Breast augmentations can be performed under local anesthesia with intravenous sedation or general anesthesia and usually takes 2 hours to complete.
The method of inserting and positioning your implant will depend on your preferences, anatomy and your surgeon’s recommendation. However the implant is normally inserted through an incision made in the natural crease beneath the breast. It is also possible to make the incision in the armpit or around the edge of the areola. The incisions are then closed by using fine, dissolving sutures which will also be taped for better support.
What Is Recovery Like After Breast Augmentation Surgery?
You will feel tired and sore for a few days and will have slight swelling and bruising, which is only natural after a surgical procedure. Most of your discomfort will subside with prescription medication.
Following the operation you will have a light dressing in place which will need to be kept dry for 2 weeks. After 2 weeks your dressing will be removed and the wound inspected and lightly cleaned.
This will depend on the individual patient however most patients are able to go back to work after a couple of days. Although you can walk about and do very light activities from the next day, it is advisable not to do anything strenuous for 7-10 days. The average recovery time is between 1-2 weeks.
Will the Results of Breast Augmentation Surgery Be Permanent?
The results of the surgery are visible immediately, though final results will be seen a few weeks after the surgery. Within a year, the incision lines will be practically invisible.
Even though the results are permanent, time, hormonal factors and weight variations may affect the results.
What Are Possible Complications from Breast Augmentation?
When the procedure is performed by a highly qualified cosmetic surgeon complications are rare and usually minor. However, as with any surgery, there are potential complications and risks. Your physician will spend time discussing these with you during your scheduled consultation. Be sure to bring a list of questions or concerns with you. All patients are instructed to discuss the general surgical risks with their surgeon.
Side effects can include soreness and increased sensitivity in the nipple region, bruising, or swelling. You will experience some swelling for a minimum of a few weeks.
Complications can include the formation of scar tissues, also known as capsule contracture; sagging of the implants in the breast, causing your breasts to droop; symmastia, which means the implants trend toward the middle of the chest and can give the appearance of one continuous breast; or even rupture or deflation. Other complications can include hematoma (blood collection in the surgical area), or fluid around the implant, also known as seroma.