BREAST AUGMENTATION

The Basics of Breast Augmentation

Breast Augmentation or augmentation mammaplasty is an aesthetic and cosmetic plastic surgery done to enlarge small, hypoplastic, and underdeveloped breasts. Breast Augmentation is also performed to balance asymmetric breasts secondary to post mastectomy reconstruction, and provide breast volume to women who have given birth. The operation is usually performed when the breast reaches its mature and final size after puberty at approximately 18 y/o. There are instances however when it can be done earlier such as when one is dealing with congenital breast hypoplasia. This is done with utmost patient confidence.

A patient interested in Breast Augmentation must have a comprehensive consultation with a certified cosmetic plastic surgeon. This is the first step one should do if you are entertaining thoughts of having a Breast Augmentation or augmentation mammaplasty. One should always remember though that a good outcome is basically the reasonable and realistic improvement of one’s features and never the unachievable and impossible "perfection". This is particularly true if the procedure is being done for reconstructive purposes like after a mastectomy. All patients are thoroughly screened for emotional stability. Having a "new" look from a Breast Augmentation will never guarantee a glamorous and exciting life. The procedure will just enhance your appearance and potentially give you that push in self-confidence. Realistically, this is what Breast Augmentation can achieve for you. There are no guarantees. How you cope with the positive physical gains of an augmentation mammaplasty is actually up to each patient. It should be kept in mind that the primary objective of Breast Augmentation is for breasts to look fuller and more natural in appearance.

The Breast Augmentation Procedure

A simple Breast Augmentation takes approximately an hour or two. It may take longer to complete if combined with other cosmetic plastic surgery procedures. The procedure may be safely done in an outpatient setting or in a hospital basis under general anesthesia. Once under general anesthesia one will be sleeping soundly all throughout surgery. Local anesthesia may be infiltrated around the breasts in addition to general anesthesia.

There are several incisions, which could be utilized by your plastic surgeon in his approach for placing the breast implant. The inframammary approach makes use of an incision just below the inframammary fold wherein the lower part of the breast connects with the chest. A periareolar approach is placed around the inferior border of the areola. On the other hand, the transaxillary approach utilizes an incision in the armpit. Each technique has its own advantages and potential downside.

Generally, the plastic surgeon lifts the breast tissue up together with the muscle to create a pocket for the implant. At times, he may prefer creating a pocket without lifting the muscle. This is called the sub-glandular or sub-pectoral/sub-muscular placement of implants. There are numerous factors that come into play in deciding which technique to use. Your plastic surgeon will discuss everything with you.

Wound closures are always carefully and meticulously performed by your cosmetic plastic surgeon. Scars are natural consequences of any incision or surgery. Your cosmetic plastic surgeon will try his best to keep them well concealed and hardly noticeable as possible. Following surgery, dressings will be applied over the wounds while bandages have to be maintained over the superior pole of the breasts to hold them in place and prevent migration of the implants.

The Risks on Breast Augmentation

All surgeries have potential risks, which all patients should be aware of. Bleeding, infection, paresthesias, and healing problems are possible though relatively not so common. It is prudent to always inform your plastic surgeon of any bothersome and persistent concerns. Swelling and bruising/skin discolorations are common and expected and usually resolve in a week or two. Bruisings are expected and go away in one or two weeks. A sense of numbness and tightness may be present which eventually improves and subsides. Post Breast Augmentation patients are instructed rest for at least a day and are ordered to avoid any exertions. A sports bra shall replace the bandages in a few days while sutures will be out after a week. Most patients do return to work after approximately two weeks. Optimal results are seen after about three months.

All potential plastic surgery patients are strongly encouraged to consult with a certified cosmetic plastic surgeon. Everyone has to be properly and thoroughly informed regarding the procedures they would like to have. Adequate knowledge, skill, and care will be exercised by your certified cosmetic plastic surgeon prior, during, and after surgery.