Procedure description: Breast augmentation consists of making a small incision in the skin, creating a pocket under the breast tissue or under the chest muscle area, and placing a breast implant filled with either saline or silicone into the pocket.
An incision may be made in any one of the following places: the crease below the breast, around the areola, under the armpit, or, very rarely, through the navel.
Breast implants can be placed either under the chest muscle or directly under the breast tissue. Placement considerations include the anatomy of your breasts, soreness after surgery, exercise activities (upper body strength and conditioning sports, such as weightlifting, tennis, volleyball and others) and interference with mammograms.
Length of Procedure: Breast augmentation surgery usually takes about 45 to 90 minutes to complete. The length of the procedure varies according to the technique used, the placement of the implants, the patient’s anatomy and type of anesthesia used.
Recovery: Most breast augmentation surgery is performed in a surgical suite as an outpatient procedure and patients are generally able to return home within a few hours of the surgery. Your scars will be pink for several weeks. After several months, they will begin to fade. Most likely, you will be able to resume calm, quiet work within a few days of your surgery. You should still avoid physical exertion for a minimum of 3 weeks. After several days, the gauze dressing will be removed. You may be required to wear a support bra to help your breasts form and maintain a pleasing, balanced shape. The stitches will come out within a week to 10 days, but swelling may continue, gradually subsiding over several weeks. You will probably be able to resume exercise and normal physical activities within a month or two, when the soreness has subsided.
Risks: The most common complications associated with this procedure include infection, bleeding, and scarring. Other, less common complications include skin death; hematoma (collection of blood), seroma (fluid buildup). If hematoma occurs, evacuation via a second surgery may be required. Other potential risks include implant rupture, deflation or leakage; capsular contracture; calcium deposits; changes in nipple or breast sensation; interference with mammogram readings; and shifting of the implant.
Results: The results may not look exactly like “natural” larger breasts. With breast implants, breasts tend to be a bit more round and less saggy than natural breasts of the same size. Most women find these differences to be an improvement. Breast augmentation makes the breasts larger for the life of the implant. Remember, also that larger breasts sag faster than smaller breasts, and augmented breasts may do this as well depending on the site of implant placement and the size of the implant. It is possible that you may require surgery in later years to correct sagging if you choose to have large implants—especially, those on top of the muscle. Gravity, unfortunately has no exceptions.
Estimated Cost: Average total cost is $5000 to $7000.
