Breast Augmentation (Augmentation Mammoplasty)


Overview:

Breast Enlargement (augmentation mammoplasty) creates larger breasts through the placement of breast implants behind your chest muscles. There are many reasons for having breast enlargement. Perhaps you feel that your breasts are too small; your breasts may have lost volume or their youthful shape after pregnancy; or your breasts may be different sizes and you'd like them to be more symmetrical.

Since the early 1960's, more than two million women in the United States have chosen to receive breast implants, each motivated by very personal goals for enhancing their figure. Your surgeon will discuss the implants and incision sites with you to determine the choice that is most appropriate for you.

Breast Enlargement may also give a more youthful appearance to your breasts. But the Breast Enlargement procedure is not designed to correct the appearance of an enlarged dark area around the nipple (areola); or exceptional sagging or highly irregular shapes. Other breast enhancement surgeries, most commonly breast lift surgery, are often performed with breast enlargement to produce the best results.

Recovery:

Your breasts will appear firmer and fuller immediately following your procedure. As with any surgical procedure, some swelling and/or bruising can be anticipated. Your breasts may not attain their final feel or shape for three to four months. Be sure to address any questions or concerns with your surgeon immediately. Your health and happiness are the most important considerations at any time.
When you "awaken" after your procedure, you may be uncomfortable. Your surgeon will give you medication to relieve any discomfort. You will be placed in a surgical bra immediately after your procedure. You will continue to wear this day and night for approximately three weeks. However, you may remove this special bra for showering purposes during those first few days. You will receive specific instructions to follow during your recovery including rest and sleeping positions, raising your arms, bathing and showering techniques.

Your surgeon will want to examine you at regular intervals during the first 90 days following your breast enlargement. You will need your surgical bra to support your breasts until your doctor tells you otherwise. Your breasts may be swollen and bruised for approximately one-two weeks.

In most patients, the scars from the incisions will be pink for about six months and gradually fade thereafter. The scars are usually inconspicuous. Nevertheless, you should know that all scars are permanent and their height, width and final color are not totally predictable.

As with any surgical procedure, small nerves to the skin are interrupted during surgery. If incisions around the nipple are used you may notice the area may feel numb or have less than full feeling. Sensitivity usually returns over several weeks, but some diminished feeling may last indefinitely.

If you sunbathe, or utilize a tanning bed, you must not do so until any numbness of the breast is gone (to avoid burning). After this point, you must protect the incision site with a sunscreen of SPF 15 or more for at least six months.

Possible Complications:

Even though the implant is well tolerated, your body's natural reaction to a foreign material is to surround it with a thin membrane called a "capsule" in order to stay in the desired pocket. The formation of this capsule is not a problem and occurs in every patient. In some cases, for reasons that are as yet not completely understood, this capsule can shrink around one or both implants, compressing the implant and making it round and firm. This is called capsular contracture and can occur in varying degrees. Although some women may consider some firmness desirable, the capsule can cause the breast to become unnaturally firm, misshapen or uncomfortable. Capsular contracture may occur from a few weeks to several years after the initial procedure.

There is no way to predict your body's reaction and if you will develop capsular contracture. Placing the implant under the muscle, in some cases, can reduce the incidence of this condition. If a patient does develop capsular contracture, surgical intervention may be required.

FAQ:

Below you will find a list of frequent questions about Breast Enlargement. If you cannot find the answer you are looking for, please write to cporcaro@picnc.com, be sure to include the procedure name and your question!How is this procedure done?

An incision is made in one of two possible areas--under where the dark skin of the areola meets the light skin of the breast (periareolar) or under the breast where it meets the chest wall (inframammary). During your initial consultation, your surgeon will thoroughly discuss the placement of your incision, the pros and cons for you personally and consider your preferences.

A salt water (saline) filled implant is placed either under or above the chest (pectoral) muscle--depending on your breast tissue, body formation, and amount of sagging (ptosis) of the breast. If the implant is placed under the pectoral muscle, simple movement of the arms automatically moves the implant around in its pocket. In some patients, these muscles are extremely active and can distort the implant so it is important to discuss with your surgeon the right implant placement for you.

Your surgeon's goal is to achieve the most natural appearance possible of the breasts. On rare occasions, during the actual surgery, your surgeon may change the placement of the implant if a more optimum location can be determined. The incision is closed with stitches beneath the skin (subcuticular sutures). The incisions may also be taped for greater support and a gauze bandage applied to help with healing.

Peri-areolar Breast Augmentation

This technique involves making incisions around the areola. This is the dark area surrounding the nipple. Because of the placement of the incisions, most residual scarring is hidden by the naturally dark pigment of the areola. This technique is typically used if a breast lift is being added with the implants.

Infra-mammary Breast Augmentation

This technique involves making a small incision in the infra mammary fold. This is the fold where the bottom of the breast meets the chest. The incision is placed so any residual scarring will be hidden by the fold of the breast.

How do I prepare for my breast enlargement?

During your consultation with the Patient Care Coordinator and the Surgeon you will try on several different sizes of implants that you have discussed with the Dr. Your Surgeon will take into consideration your figure to achieve the best symmetry.

Please understand that the degree of your enlargement may be limited by the amount of tissue you have available to cover the implants. During your preoperative consultation, you will be given specific directions to help you prepare for your procedure. Instructions generally include cautions about taking certain medication and drinking alcohol.

You must stop taking aspirin or aspirin containing medications for ten days prior to your surgery. Do not eat or drink anything eight hours before your procedure and do not smoke five days prior to and two weeks after surgery. If you take daily medication, ask your surgeon if it is safe to take prior to your procedure. If you have any sores on your body, if you have a cold, sore throat or allergic condition, inform your surgeon so you may be examined again prior to your procedure.

How long does the procedure take?

Operating time is generally one to two hours.

What form of anesthesia is used?

Intravenous sedation along with local injection is all that is necessary for this procedure. Your surgeon will discuss this anesthesia with you. It is administered by a nurse anesthetist (CRNA). This will allow you to "sleep" throughout the entire procedure. The CRNA will remain with you throughout the procedure.

Can I return home the same day?

Yes. Breast enlargement is done on an ambulatory basis. However, it is necessary that you have someone to bring you, pick you up after the procedure, take you home, and stay with you for at least 24 hours.

How long before I can return to normal activity?

Most women return to their usual activities in one week. However, you must not lift anything for the first week and do no heavy lifting for three weeks.

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