Why consider Breast Augmentation?
One of the most common surgical procedures performed today, breast augmentation surgery or augmentation mammoplasty may be a viable option for women who want to enlarge their breasts for a more proportional silhouette, to restore shape after breastfeeding or to balance breasts that might differ in size and shape. Either saline or silicone implants can be used. The implants come in different projection options.
What gives the breast its shape?
As shown below, the anatomy of the breast consists of milk ducts, glands, blood vessels, and nerves that are surrrounded by fatty tissue. Glandular tissue is firm and gives the breast its shape. The fatty tissue in the breast gives the breast its soft feel. The chest muscle (the pectoralis major muscle) is located underneath all this breast tissue.
How Breast Augmentation is performed
The breast augmentation surgery lasts about an hour and a half under general anesthesia. Incisions to insert the breast implants can be made around the lower edge of the areola or in the crease underneath the breasts. After the incision, the physician creates a pocket in which to insert the implant, which can be behind the breast tissue or under the pectoral muscle. It is important to understand the advantages and disadvantages of the implant's placement. The incision size for gel breast augmentation will be larger than the incision size of a saline breast augmentation. There are three common incision sites which include, around the nipple (periareolar), within the breast fold (inframammary) and under the arm (axillary).
Preparation Before Breast Augmentation Surgery
Prior to your breast augmentation surgery, try to relax and be prepared. Here are a few helpful tips:
- Remember to follow your preoperative instructions especially those regarding eating and drinking.
- Avoid aspirin and aspirin like products, read the "medications to avoid before and after surgery" section in your surgery booklet as a reminder.
- Ask a friend or relative to take you to and from surgery, as well as help you for up to 48 hours following surgery. In the days following your breast augmentation surgery it is best to limit physical activity-especially if it places strain on your incision.
- Fill any prescriptions even if you will not need the medicine until after the procedure.
- Wear loose-fitting pants and a top that opens in the front/zips to wear after surgery.
- Prepare a relaxing environment for recovery by taking care of household chores.
- Have a great companion such as your favorite magazines, a book to read or favorite movies ready to watch.
- Shower before/the night before your surgey appointment.
- Do not wear makeup, hairspray, deodorant or dark nail polish.
- If your normally wear contact lenses, put on your eyeglasses instead. Bring your contact lenses and eyeglass case with you if you feel you may want to wear your contact lenses after surgery.
- Do not wear jewelry.
- You may want to sleep on your couch or recliner following surgery, or have your pillows propped and ready when you arrive home.
- Confirm that someone is staying with you after surgery.
- Get plenty of rest the day before and remember to relax!
- Most importantly, keep your follow up vistits.
Side Effects and Risks
Common side effects of breast augmentation include temporary soreness, swelling, change in nipple sensation and bruising. The breasts may also be sensitive to stimulation for a few weeks.
The risks associated with breast augmentation surgery include a lack of implant permanence that requires surgical removal or replacement of the implants, deflation, scar tissue around the implant that can make the breast feel ripply, tight or hard, an increase or decrease in sensitivity of the nipples and breast skin.
Healing Process
Following breast augmentation, patients can return home the same day as the surgery but will likely feel sore and tired for the next several days, with the greatest discomfort in the first 24 to 72 hours. Strenuous activity should be avoided for 4-6 weeks but patients can resume light activity after a week and return to work within a few days to a week. Patients may be instructed to wear a postoperative bra or compression garment.
Scheduling Your Breast Augmentation Consultation
Please call Profiles Cosmetic Surgery in Tucson, Arizona at (520) 888-4540 for more information on breast augmentation or to schedule a consultation.
Patient results may vary