Breast Augmentation

What is breast augmentation?

At what age can breast augmentation be considered?

What should be expected during surgery?

What should be expected after the surgery?

What are the long-term results?

What are the risks?

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What is breast augmentation?

Breast augmentation (or Augmentation mammaplasty) is a surgical operation performed to enlarge the breasts for a number of reasons, including:

• To enhance the body contour of a woman, who for personal reasons feels that her breast size is too small.
• To correct a loss in breast volume after pregnancy.
• To balance breast size, when there exists a significant difference between the size of the breasts.
• As a reconstructive technique for various conditions.
• As a replacement to breast implants for medical or cosmetic reasons.

The shape and size of the breasts prior to surgery will influence both the recommended treatment and the final results. If the breasts are not the same size or shape before surgery, it is unlikely that they will be completely symmetrical afterward. Also patients undergoing augmentation mammaplasty surgery must consider the possibility of future revisionary surgery as breast implants cannot be expected to last forever.

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At what age can breast augmentation be considered?

Breast augmentation can be performed at any age following puberty.

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What should be expected during surgery?

The breast augmentation procedure is often performed in an outpatient surgery center. The procedure is accomplished by inserting a breast implant either behind the breast tissue or under the chest muscles. Incisions are made to keep scars as inconspicuous as possible, usually under the breast, around the lower part of the areola, or in the armpit. Skin, breast tissue and muscle are lifted to create a pocket under each breast. The breast implant is then inserted beneath the chest wall muscles. The method of inserting and positioning breast implants will depend on your preferences, your anatomy and your surgeon's recommendation.

You should make arrangements for someone to drive you to the surgery and take you back home.

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What should be expected after surgery?

Following the breast augmentation surgery, there will be a small gauze dressing over the breast incisions. An elastic support bra will be provided which will aid in comfort and support. This should be worn 24 hours a day for the first two weeks. Initial discomfort is controlled with oral pain medication. Pain usually subsides in a day or two leaving a sensation of tenderness and soreness. It is also advised to rest and relax, and to do only quiet activities for the first week.

Patients undergoing breast augmentation will often experience swelling, particularly in the upper areas of the breast from underlying muscle swelling during the first couple of weeks. This gradually improves over approximately six weeks.

Nipple tenderness, shooting pains or numbness early after surgery may be experienced. Again, this will improve over six to eight weeks as the swelling subsides. The scars will be firm and pink for at least six weeks, and will begin to fade and soften over the next several months.

The breast augmentation patient should not be involved in strenuous activities or aerobic exercise for three to four weeks. Heavy lifting is prohibited for at least two weeks.

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What are the long-term results?

Subsequent alterations in breast shape may occur as the result of aging, weight loss or gain, pregnancy, or other circumstances not related to augmentation mammaplasty. Breast sagginess may normally occur.

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What are the risks?

Every surgical procedure involves a certain amount of risk and it is important that you understand the risks involved with augmentation mammaplasty. Additional information concerning breast implants may be obtained from the FDA, package-insert sheets supplied by the implant manufacturer, or other information pamphlets required by individual state laws. Dr. Ress will discuss with you these and other possible risks that you should consider carefully.

Although the majority of women do not experience any complications from this procedure, you should discuss with Dr. Ress to make sure you understand the risks, potential complications, and consequences of breast augmentation.

To schedule a free consultation, call 561-347-1611 or contact us here.

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