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 Breast augmentation or breast enlargement is a plastic surgery procedure designed to give women larger, more symmetrical breasts or to reconstruct damaged breasts. The current procedures are less invasive and offer better surgical results.
First, an incision is made under the arm, around the nipple, or below the breast. Next, a saline-filled or silicone gel-filled implant is carefully inserted beneath breast tissue or pectoral muscles. The incisions are then stitched closed. Breast augmentation takes one and one-half to three hours and is performed on an outpatient basis. The patient is usually required to return to our office for a follow-up visit the morning after surgery. Breasts normally heal within a month to six weeks.
Who is a candidate for breast augmentation?
Women who choose to have breast augmentation surgery do so to improve their self-image. Some feel dissatisfied because their breasts never develop to a size to meet their expectations. Others wish to bring balance to a breast that is somewhat smaller than the other. Often, women want this procedure to restore their natural breast volume, which may have decreased as a result of pregnancy, weight loss or aging.
Good candidates for breast augmentation include those who are bothered by the feeling that their breasts are too small. Breast augmentation should only be considered when breast development is complete. The patient must be emotionally mature and understand her own motivations for wanting this procedure. Realistic expectations are also important and one must understand that the procedure can bring improvement but not perfection.
What types of breast implants are available?
There are different shapes available and different implant surfaces available. Primarily, there is a round shape and there is the so-called anatomical shape. These may be covered with a smooth silicone surface or a textured surface. Which implant is right depends on the patient's individual needs and surgeon preferences, and implant size and shape. Depending on the desired shape, the patient and the surgeon may choose a round or contoured implant. Generally, the larger the cup size, the larger the breast implant the surgeon will consider.
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