Breast Augmentation

What is Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure to enhance or enlarge natural breast size and shape through use of a saline filled or silicone-gel filled implant. Most often, it is sought by women who, for personal reasons, feel that their breasts are too small. It can also improve the slight drooping that frequently comes as a result of pregnancy, fluctuations in weight, gravity and natural aging. For some women, breast augmentation is requested to correct a noticeable difference in size between the two breasts.

Who can have this procedure?
The procedure can be performed at any time once the breasts have stopped developing. To be sure, the most satisfied breast enlargement patients are those who want the operation for themselves, as a means of achieving a realistic degree of improvement—not perfection—in body contour. All of which can lead to an increased sense of femininity and greater self-confidence.

The Procedure
Breast enlargement takes 1-1/2 hours and is performed on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia. A small incision is made along the crease of each breast, under the arm, or through a space created near the areola, through which a pocket is created behind the chest wall and the implant is placed. As there are several methods of insertion, each offering different advantages to different patients, which are discussed thoroughly during consultation.

A few absorbable sutures are used to anchor the implants in place; after which, thin drain tubes are placed under each breast for several days to remove any excess fluid. The particular size and style of implant used depends on the diameter of the chest, body height and weight, and personal preference.

Recovery
Surface sutures used to close the two-inch incisions come out in the course of two weeks following surgery. A surgical bra must be worn for several weeks to give support and minimize bruising and swelling. During this time the chest may feel heavy and achy; and you may experience oversensitivity, undersensitivity, burning or numbness in one or both nipples. This is typically controlled with cold compresses and pain medication.

It can take a month or more for the chest muscle to relax and the implants to settle into their natural position. Light activity may be resumed in a week or less of surgery; however, strenuous activity involving heavy bending or lifting should be avoided for at least three to six weeks.