Breast Augmentation Procedure

Breast Augmentation, technically known as Augmentation Mammaplasty, is a surgical procedure to enhance the size and shape of a woman's breast.

You may choose to undergo it for a number of reasons:

• To enhance your body contour enlarging your breast size
• To correct a reduction in breast volume after pregnancy
• To balance a difference in your breast size (asymmetry)

How is the Breast Augmentation Surgery performed?

You'll probably wish to discuss the pros and cons of the Breast Augmentation procedure with your surgeon beforehand to make sure you fully understand the implications of the surgery he recommends for you.

The method of inserting and positioning your implant will depend on your anatomy and your breast augmentation plastic surgeon's recommendation. The incision can be made either in the crease where the breast meets the chest, around the areola (the dark skin surrounding the nipple), or in the armpit. Every effort will be made to assure that the incision is placed so resulting scars will be as inconspicuous as possible.

Working through the incision, the surgeon will lift your breast tissue and skin to create a pocket, either directly behind the breast tissue or underneath your chest wall muscle (the pectoral muscle). The implants are then centered beneath your nipples.

Some surgeons believe that putting the implants behind your chest muscle may reduce the potential for capsular contracture. This placement may also interfere less with breast examination by mammogram than if the implant is placed directly behind the breast tissue. Placement behind the muscle however, may be more uncomfortable for a few days after surgery than placement directly under the breast tissue.

What type of implant is used for breast augmentation?

We prefer to use soft breast augmentation cohesive silicone gel implants in our breast augmentation procedures, because of the better shape they provide, unlike saline solution filled implants which, according to our experience, have been demonstrated to lose filling liquid through their valve, causing breast asymmetries and a rippling effect.

The safety of silicone implants has been extensively investigated over the past decade, and much of the controversy that previously appeared in the media has now disappeared. (See report)

How long will the Breast Augmentation surgery take?

Breast augmentation surgery usually takes one to two hours.

How long will my Breast Augmentation recovery take?

Depending on the level of activity required for your job, you should be able to return to work within a few days.

It is best to follow your breast augmentation plastic surgeon's advice on when to begin exercises and normal activities. Your breasts will probably be sensitive to direct stimulation for two to three weeks following your breast augmentation procedure, so you should avoid much physical contact. After that, breast contact is fine once your breasts are no longer sore, usually three to four weeks after surgery.

What am I to expect after my Breast Augmentation surgery?

You're likely to feel tired and a little sore for a few days following your breast augmentation procedure, but you'll be up and about in 24 to 48 hours. Most of your discomfort can be controlled by medication prescribed by your doctor. You may also experience a burning sensation in your nipples for about two weeks, but this will subside as bruising fades.

Your stitches will come out in a week to 10 days, but the swelling in your breasts may take three to five weeks to disappear. After several months, your scars will begin to fade, although they will never disappear completely.