Boost Your Confidence With the Help of Breast Augmentation
Breast enlargement, or augmentation mammoplasty, enhances the body contour of a woman who is unhappy with her small breast size. Other purposes of this procedure include:
- To correct reduction in breast volume after pregnancy.
- To balance a difference in breast size.
- As a reconstructive technique following breast reconstruction due to cancer.
Augmentation mammoplasty is done on an outpatient basis in our surgical center, usually under general anesthesia. If you are a breast cancer patient, you may anticipate this surgery to be done in a hospital, where you will be required to stay at least overnight. An implant (prosthesis) is placed through an incision, under the breast tissue or under the muscle. The incision can be made under the breast, around the nipple or under the arm. A breast implant is composed of an outer silicone shell filled with saline or silicone. The outer surface may be smooth or textured, and implants come in various shapes (from round to teardrop) to meet the individual woman’s needs and desire.
When the implant is placed sub muscularly under the breast, there is a lower chance of contracture (contracture is the formation of firm scar tissue around the implant), and mammography is more reliable. There is also less risk of visible or palpable implant edges.
Determining Implant Size
The shape of your augmented breasts depends on the implant. Implants may be round or teardrop-shaped (anatomical). The choice depends on the look you want to achieve: Anatomical implants produce a gentle slope, resulting in a fuller upper area, whereas round implants create a round curve in the upper part of the breast. Another factor to consider prior to surgery is breast width, which determines the amount of “cleavage” between your breasts and the outer curves, which you may want to balance with your hips.
Realistic expectations of this procedure are important. Women often think of breast size in terms of bra cup size. If you are currently a size “A” and wish to be a size “C”, there must be adequate existing breast tissue coverage; otherwise you will be warned of visible or palpable implant edges and other possible risks.
Post Operative Care
You must have someone drive you home and stay with you for 24 hours after surgery. You will experience some pain the first day or two that is easily controlled with pain medication. Some tightness in the breast area is also normal as your body adjusts to the implants. You will need to bring a sports bra that closes in the front to fit your new breast size.
You can move about freely after surgery. Wear a bra at all times (except when showering) during the first 2 weeks following surgery. Avoid moderate to heavy lifting for 3-4 weeks. Moderate exercise such as walking or stationary biking is allowed after the first week. Vigorous exercise such as jogging or aerobics may be resumed at 4-6 weeks. You will most likely be able to return to work within a few days, depending upon your work requirement and lifting amount, but you will need to avoid any strenuous activity for at least two weeks.
During recovery, the breasts will be somewhat swollen. Within a few weeks, the actual shape and size will be evident. You may notice some asymmetry; however most breasts are naturally somewhat asymmetrical.
Possible Complications
Delayed wound healing may occur in persons with diabetes, history of radiation, autoimmune disease or a history of smoking. Other complications include capsular contracture, bleeding, infection, or irregularity of the skin. It is important to have a thorough medical evaluation beforehand to address these potential risks. You also need to know that even a small hole in an implant can cause the saline to leak out, resulting in a "flat” implant and necessitating surgical replacement. This is completely avoidable, however, by taking proper precautions.
Breast implants are not permanent and will need to be replaced at least once in your lifetime.
*”Breast implants do not impair breast health. Careful review of scientific research conducted by independent groups such as the Institute of Medicine has found no proven link between breast implants and autoimmune or other systemic diseases.” From the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), 2008.
Pregnancy, weight loss or menopause may influence the appearance of your augmented breasts over the course of your lifetime.