Breast augmentation, technically known as augmentation mammoplasty, is a surgical breast enlargement procedure. Breast augmentation and breast implant surgery are two names for what is essentially the same. These cosmetic surgeries involve placing silicone or saline implants into the breast in order to enhance size, shape and volume of breasts.
You are a good candidate for Breast Augmentation if
- You are physically healthy and you aren’t pregnant or breastfeeding
- Your breasts are fully developed
- You are dissatisfied with your breasts losing shape and volume after pregnancy, weight loss or with aging
- You are unhappy with the upper part of your breast appearing « empty »
- Your breasts are asymmetrical
- One or both breasts failed to develop normally or have an elongated shape
Consultation
The consultation is the time to ask your plastic surgeon questions.
During your breast augmentation consultation be prepared that your surgeon will:
- Examine and measure your breasts, including detailed measurements of their size and shape, skin quality and placement of your nipples and areolas.
- Take photographs
- Discuss Family history of breast cancer and results of any mammograms or previous biopsies
Procedure
Your surgery will be done under general anesthesia in a hospital, from which you will be discharged the same day or the next day at most. The incision can be made either in the crease where the breast meets the chest or around the areola (the dark skin surrounding the nipple). Working through the incision, the surgeon will lift your breast tissue and skin to create a pocket, behind the breast tissue OR BEHIND THE PECTORALIS MUSCLE OR DUAL PLAN. The implants are then centered beneath your nipples.
Risks
Is it Safe?
Every surgical procedure has advantages, disadvantages, and risks. No surgical procedure is 100% safe. Plastic Surgeon will provide detailed written information at the time of consultation to help in this regard.
Other important considerations:
- Breast implants are not guaranteed to last a lifetime and future surgery may be required to replace one or both implants
- Pregnancy, weight loss and menopause may influence the appearance of augmented breasts over the course of your lifetime
- Breast augmentation requires regular examinations of your breasts' health and to evaluate the condition of your breast implants
- An uncommon problem, capsular contracture, occurs if the scar or capsule around the implant begins to tighten. Capsular contracture can be treated in several ways.
Is it painful?
Breast Augmentation is performed under general anesthesia. Patients may experience mild discomfort after the surgery that is treated with analgesics.
Recovery
During your breast augmentation recovery, your breasts will be wrapped in gauze dressings and an elastic bandage or support bra will minimize swelling and support the breasts as they heal.
Immediately after surgery, you will be taken into a recovery area for close monitoring. You may be permitted to go home when you are stable for discharge, typically after an hour or so.
Before leaving, you will be given specific postoperative instructions for your breast implant recovery and a follow-up appointment with your plastic surgeon. You may also receive medications or a prescription, but many plastic surgeons prescribe postoperative medications in advance. Your prescribed medications may include pain pills and an antibiotic to prevent infection. SPECIAL BRA IS REQUIRED FOR MINIMUM ONE MONTH
You’ll be up and around in 24 to 48 hours. You should be able to return to work within a few days, depending on the level of activity required for your job.
Results
The end result depends on many factors, including the size, shape and material you choose for your implants as well as your overall body shape. However, the general end result of breast augmentation is perkier, fuller breasts that are more symmetrical and appealing.
Most women report that their clothing and bras fit better, and many feel a lasting boost to their self-confidence. While a breast augmentation yields larger breasts right away, the final results may take a few weeks as the swelling subsides and the skin stretches. To achieve optimal breast augmentation results, follow your surgeon’s post-operative instructions and return for follow-up visits.
Things to keep in mind
What Breast Augmentation cannot do?
Breast augmentation does not correct severely drooping breasts. A breast lift may be required along with a breast augmentation for sagging breasts to look fuller and lifted. Breast lifting can often be done at the same time as your augmentation or may require a separate operation.
Will your breast implants last a lifetime?
On average, today’s implants are designed to last more than a decade, with the chance of rupture increasing by 1% each year. So, the older your implants are, the greater your risk of rupture or other complications. In many cases, breast implants can remain in good shape for 20 years or more. Every patient is different, and the life of your implants will depend on your body and how you take care of your implants. Proper care for your breast implants can help to improve their longevity, and this care begins during your breast augmentation recovery.