Breast augmentation (technically termed augmentation mammoplasty), is a surgical procedure to enhance the size and shape of a woman’s breasts. Breast augmentation is ideal to enhance a woman’s contours and add proportional balance to her Figure.
Is this procedure right for you?
Patients who increase their breast size often find that it improves their self-esteem and confidence. This procedure is effective to correct an imbalance in breast size or to restore volume after pregnancy. Patients should be mentally and physically healthy and have realistic expectations for the outcome of the surgery.
What type of implant will be used?
All breast implants have a silicone shell, and they can be filled with either saline (salt water) or silicone gel. Both types of implants are FDA approved and safe for use in the United States. Saline and silicone implants can also be come coated and are then called textured. Textured implants have recently been shown to cause a rare type of tumor. Miami Lakes Plastic Surgery does not use textured implants.
What does breast augmentation entail?
A saline implant will be inserted uninflated through a small (less than one inch) incision, placed by the surgeon behind the pectoral muscle or breast tissue, and filled with saline once in place. Silicone implants are pre-filled and are inserted with the help of a special disposable device that helps maintain the integrity of the implant and also keep a small incision. Alternatively, the incision can be done in the armpit or belly button, and endoscopic equipment used to place the implant. In both cases, the incision is closed with small sutures and is nearly invisible after it’s healed.
What risks are involved?
Complications of this procedure include bleeding, resulting in swelling and discomfort; capsular contracture, which happens when the scar tissue surrounding the implant hardens or tightens, causing the breast to feel hard; and oversensitivity or undersensitivity of the nipple, which usually subsides but may be permanent in some patients. There is no effect on the patient’s ability to nurse or become pregnant.
Sometimes an implant may leak or break. Saline is absorbed by the body and poses no risk, but leaking silicone gel may cause new scarring inside the breast and may not be conducive to complete removal. If you notice a change in the shape or firmness of your breast after this procedure, contact your surgeon, who may need to schedule a follow-up surgery to replace the implant.
Can I have a mammogram with a breast implant?
Mammograms can be performed on women with breast implants, but special techniques are required to get an accurate x-ray of the breast, including additional views. You may want to opt for ultrasound examination instead for breast cancer screening. Breast implants are not known to affect the risk of cancer.
Where will the surgery take place?
Breast augmentation can be done in a hospital but is generally performed in our office or an outpatient surgery center.
What should I expect from the post-surgery recovery period?
While you will be able to resume many activities of home life after a day or two, you should not engage in strenuous activity for at least two weeks after surgery. Stitches will be removed within a week. Most patients return to work after a few days but should restrict arm movement for two to three weeks. Swelling and bruising will dissipate within about a month.
