Breast Augmentation Surgery

Breast Augmentation, or more commonly known as Breast Enlargement, is a plastic surgery procedure where breast implants are used to enhance the size and shape of a woman’s breast creating a desired appearance. Women who desire larger or fuller breasts usually choose to go through with the breast augmentation procedure. Breasts that never developed to a desirable size appear disproportionate to the rest of the body, creating a figure imbalance. Women who feel as if their breasts are unusually shaped, unequally developed, or have lost volume and shape after pregnancy would benefit from a breast augmentation surgery.

I. What is involved in a Breast Augmentation Surgery?

Breast Augmentation surgery is usually performed as an outpatient procedure, allowing you to go home within hours of the operation (which normally takes one to three hours, depending on the breast implant method and technique you choose). Normally, breast augmentations are performed using a local anesthetic along with a light sedative to make you feel more relaxed during the surgery; general anesthesia may also be used upon request.

There are three different ways in which a breast augmentation procedure is performed:
1) Inframammary : making the incision below the breast, where it meets the chest wall;
2) Periareolar : making the incision just below the dark skin of the Areola;
3) Auxiliary : hiding the incision under the armpit.

II. Preparations and Precautions for a Breast Augmentation Surgery

During your initial consultation, your surgeon will discuss the changes that you would like to make to your appearance and explain the different options available to you, including the incision type, and the location and type of the breast implant.
Prior to your augmentation procedure, the surgeon will perform a complete health history and physical exam and provide you with specific instructions to assist you in preparing for your surgery.

Immediately following your breast augmentation surgical procedure, your surgeon will place you in a surgical bra which you will be required to wear continuously for approximately two days. He will also want to examine you at regular intervals during the first 90 days following your breast enlargement. Sometime after the third day, your surgeon will remove any bandages and check your incision area; expect some bruising and swelling on your breasts for about two weeks.

Undergoing any surgical procedure will inevitably involve different risks and complications. The most common of these related to breast augmentation and breast implants is called Capsular Contraction. Here, a “capsule” forms around one or both implants, compressing them and making them round and firm. Although this may sound enticing to some, the capsule can cause the breast to become unnaturally firm, misshapen or uncomfortable.
The opposite of capsular contraction can also occur when breast implants are in a satisfactory position but several months later there is a spontaneous expansion of the capsule. This is known as an inferior and lateral migration of the breast implants. If this happens, the patient will require closure of the breast pocket to reposition the implant.

III. What Results can I expect after my Breast Augmentation?

Your breasts will appear firmer and fuller immediately following your enlargement procedure. However, your breasts may not attain their final feel or shape for three to four months. In general, most women are very pleased with the results of their breast augmentations.