Women seek breast augmentation (enlargement) for a variety of reasons. Some women have always desired larger breasts. More clothing style options and a desire to restore breast volume that has been lost due to pregnancy or weight loss are other reasons women seek breast augmentation. Breasts that are proportional to a woman’s body size and shape may lead to improved self-image and self-confidence.
Breasts that are proportional to a woman’s body size and shape may lead to improved self-image and self-confidence.
Breast augmentation is obtained with the use of silicone or saline filled implants (silicone implants were re-approved by the FDA for cosmetic use in the United States in November 2006). During the consultation, you have the opportunity to place different sized implants in your bra and under a shirt. This gives you an idea of what the postoperative size will be. There are a lot of implant options. Our board-certified surgeons will help you pick the type and size that’s best for you.
Breast augmentation is performed under general anesthesia as an outpatient.
Breast augmentation is performed under general anesthesia as an outpatient. The procedure typically takes about two hours. An access incision is made in the breast crease, around the areola or in the underarm. Your surgeon will discuss these options with you during the consultation. Most commonly the implant is placed in a pocket under the chest muscle.
Prior to discharge, you will recover for several hours in the surgical center. During the consultation and preoperative exam, your physician will discuss options for postoperative pain control. Some patients elect to have a pain pump placed during breast augmentation surgery to give a continual flow of a local anesthetic agent to the breasts for up to three days following the surgery. Following surgery, you will need to have a companion drive you home. You will be given an appointment to follow up with the surgeon a week after surgery.
The type of work you do will determine how soon you can return to regular job duties. Your surgeon will help you decide when it is appropriate to return to normal activities, including work.
It is important to understand that breast augmentation implants are long-lasting but not permanent. For this reason, patients need to accept the possibility that they may require additional procedures in the future.
