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Breast Augmentation (Mammoplasty)

Breast augmentation, a known as augmentation mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure in which saline or silicone implants filled with either silicone gel or saline is placed in a woman’s breast to enhance its shape, size and look. There are many reasons why someone may want to undergo a breast augmentation. Some common reasons are to:

  • Enhance the breast size and shape to improve self image
  • Correct reduction in breast volume after pregnancy
  • Balance different size breasts
  • Use as a reconstructive technique following any type of breast surgery

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

The information presented below is only for informational purposes. Your surgeon will talk to you about details regarding your specific procedure.

Who is a candidate for Breast Augmentation?

The best candidates for breast augmentation are those who are unsatisfied by the look and size of their breasts. Like all other surgeries, the patient must be emotionally and mentally stable to and completely comprehend the reasons for wanting this procedure.

How is the procedure performed?

Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure that is performed by making an incision under the breast, lifting breast tissue, creating a pocket and then placing implant material underneath. An incision can be made in any one of the following places: crease below breast, around areola, under armpit or sometimes through the navel. Breast implants can be placed either under chest muscles or directly under the bust. In most cases you will receive general or local anesthesia along with a sedative and depending on the extent of the procedure, breast augmentation surgery can last anywhere from 1.5 – 2 hours.

What results can I expect?

Results differ from person to person, however in general undergoing a breast augmentation will result in fuller breasts. This procedure can also help with reducing the sagginess (somewhat) and increased firmness of the breasts.

Can implants lift sagging breasts?

Although implants do not lift up a sagging breast, they do help mildly sagging breasts appear less saggy. They do this in three ways:

  1. Implants take up some of the slack in loosened skin thereby increasing the volume and decreasing the saggy look.
  2. Implants, to a certain extent, rotate the lower portion of the breast upward, making the breasts appear less saggy.
  3. For moderate or severe sag, a lifting procedure or a lifting procedure with implants is usually performed.

How long will recovery take?

Patients normally will require complete rest for several days following breast augmentation surgery. Normal activities can be resumed in 2-3 weeks although strenuous activities and exercise should be avoided for at least 6-8 weeks. Most patients can return to work anywhere between 1-4 weeks depending on your recovery.

Will the procedure leave any scars?

Most surgeons will use advanced surgical techniques that are designed to minimize scarring. While some scarring can be expected, they are usually just a few inches long and are located in a such a position that they are bare noticeable. Eventually with time, the scars will fade.

What are the side effects of breast augmentation?

Side effects of this procedure might vary from person to person, however you may have some bruising and swelling of the breasts. After the surgery, dressing is applied firmly to the breasts, which will help reduce the pain and swelling post-op. Swelling, bruising and tightness of the breasts are common after the surgery and usually subside in a week or two. Most patients experience some pain which can be relieved with medication.

Some rare side effects or complications of the procedure include scar tissue, infection, rejection, rupture or changes in the sensation of the skin and the nipple.

Information about Breast Implants*

The selection of the type of implants used is totally that of the surgeon and is based on factors such as patients’ physical structure, site of incision, chosen placement of implant (in front or behind the muscle) and whether the surgery is for cosmetic or reconstructive purposes. Mammary implantation is an elective procedure. Your decision whether or not you should have breast implants is very important.

All breast implants currently available have an outer silicone shell and all silicone surfaces shed minute particles. Implant shapes are either "round" in profile and base, or oval shaped with an anatomical contour and the shells have either smooth or textured outer surfaces. Filling materials available are:

  • Standard Cohesive silicone gel - very compatible to the shell, acts as a lubricant to inhibit shell creasing and fatigue. A soft, solid, highly elastic material with the approximate specific gravity and feel of normal breast fat. Silicone materials have "memory", i.e. the shell and gel components of an implant can be stretched and they will return to their normal state when relaxed.
  • Firm Cohesive silicone gel - made to a solid consistency which retains its cured shape and does not move its form within the shell. These features are responsible for a more defined breast shape and a firmer feel to the breast. A larger incision is also necessary to prevent any damage occurring to the implant during surgical placement (operation). It has been reported that undue and excessive force can distort the shape of such implants during the operative procedure.
  • Saline solution (salt & water of a similar concentration to that found normally in body tissue). The salt solution prevents the water base from passing through the silicone shell, as silicone is permeable. The salt content does have abrasive properties, heightening the risk of shell fatigue.
  • Polyvinyl pyrolidine (PVP). Innocuous substance with high water content, similar to saline for feel, and has been reported to lose volume over a period of time due to high water content. Does not lubricate inner shell.
  • Hydrogel can be made to varying consistencies and stability can vary. Can lose or increase volume over a period of time.

As with any surgery there can be risks related to the operation, these generalized potential complications should be explained to you by your surgeon and anesthetist. A prior medical assessment should be carried out to ensure that you are a suitable candidate for implant surgery but unwanted side effects can occur, even when the operation is successful.

* Source: http://www.nagor.com/itsyfr.htm