Procedure | Surgical
Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation, also known as augmentation mammoplasty. The procedure is done to increase breast size that involves using breast implants to enhance breast appearance. Placing breast implants under the breast tissue or chest muscles. This procedure can also restore breast volume lost after weight reduction or pregnancy, achieve a more rounded breast shape or improve natural breast size asymmetry.
During the consultation, you will discuss with your surgeon on your preferences for the size, feel, and look of your breast. Your surgeon will walk you through and suggest the best type and surgical technique for you.
While preparing, you may be required to:
– Get a blood test
– Take certain medications.
– Stop smoking and alcohol.
– Stop taking recreational drugs, such as cocaine.
– Arrange for someone to drive you to and from surgery and to stay with you for at least the first night following surgery.
Breast augmentation can be done in a surgical center or hospital outpatient facility. After making an incision, the surgeon will separate your breast tissue from the muscles and connective tissue of your chest. The surgeon will insert the implant into this pocket and center it behind your nipple.
Saline implants are inserted empty and then filled with sterile salt water once they’re in place. Silicone implants are pre-filled with silicone gel. Lastly, the surgeon will close the incision.
You’ll probably go home the same day. The procedure rarely requires a hospital stay.
Soreness and swelling are likely for a few weeks after surgery. Bruising is possible, too. Expect scars to fade over time but not disappear completely.
While you’re healing, it might help to wear a compression bandage or sports bra for extra support and positioning of the breast implants.
Avoid strenuous activities — anything that could raise your pulse or blood pressure — for at least two weeks.
The surgery might improve your body image and self-esteem. Implants can last up to about 10 years.
Breasts will still continue to age after augmentation. Weight gain or weight loss might change the way your breasts look, too. If you become dissatisfied with the appearance of your breasts, you may choose to go for a revised surgery.
Breast implants won’t prevent your breasts from sagging. To correct sagging breasts, you might need a breast lift in addition to breast augmentation.
Breast augmentation poses various risks, including:
- Scar tissue that distorts the shape of the breast implant (capsular contracture)
- Breast pain
- Infection
- Changes in nipple and breast sensation
- Implant leakage or rupture.
Correcting some of these complications might require more surgery, either to remove or replace the implants.