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Breast Augmentation
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Breast size is important to many women for a variety of reasons. If you are dissatisfied with your breast size, augmentation surgery is a choice to consider. Breast augmentation can:

  • Increase fullness and projection of your breasts
  • Improve the balance of your figure
  • Enhance your self-image and self confidence

Also known as augmentation mammaplasty, the procedure involves using implants to fulfill your desire for fuller breasts or to restore breast volume lost after weight reduction or pregnancy. Implants also may be used to reconstruct a breast after mastectomy or injury.

Procedural steps: Common incision locations include the breast crease, in the underarm, or around the areola (pigmented skin surrounding the nipple).

Placement of implants beneath the chest wall muscle or directly behind breast tissue using pre-filled implants or implants filled during surgery creates desired volume.

Generally performed as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia with sedation; general anesthesia may be recommended.

Your results: Immediate. Swelling should subside in 2-4 weeks. Incision lines will continue to flatten and fade for up to 1 year.

Implants may need to be replaced: It’s important to know that breast implants are not designed to last a lifetime. You should plan for an annual examination by your plastic surgeon to see if the implants need to be replaced.

Implant choice

Breast size and shape are important, so be honest and open about your expectations when talking with your surgeon.

Implant type and size will be determined not just on your desired increase in size but more importantly on your breast anatomy, skin elasticity and body type.

Options for Breast Implants

Saline implants are filled with sterile salt water. They can be filled with varying amounts of saline which can affect the shape, firmness and feel of the breast. Should the implant shell leak, a saline implant will collapse and the saline will be absorbed and naturally expelled by the body.

Silicone implants are filled with an elastic gel. The gel feels and moves much like natural breast tissue. If the implant leaks, the gel may remain within the implant shell, or may escape into the breast implant pocket.

A leaking implant filled with silicone gel may not collapse. If you choose these implants, you may need to visit your plastic surgeon regularly to make sure the implants are functioning properly. An ultrasound or MRI screening can assess the condition of breast implants.

Implant manufacturers occasionally introduce new styles and types of implants, so there may be additional options available.


 


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