Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation (mammoplasty) is a procedure that can be performed for a number of reasons including enlarging small breasts, underdeveloped breasts or breasts that have been decreased in size after a woman has had children, or as a reconstructive means for women who have had breast surgery.

before the breast augmentation surgery
Not all bodies are the same. For this reason, it is very hard to give an evaluation or cost of the breast augmentation procedure without first seeing you in person. Several techniques for your breast augmentation are available and based on the condition of your breasts, skin tone, and lifestyle, the doctor can suggest the most appropriate one.

It is important for you doctor to have a clear understanding of your goals for the breast augmentation procedure. After understanding your hopes, the doctor can determine if the procedure can help meet your expectations.

Be prepared to discuss the following topics with the doctor:

1. Size of the Implant
2. Shape of the Implant (round or teardrop)
3. Incision Placement (where the breast meets the chest, the areola (the dark skin surrounding the nipple), the armpit))
4. Location of the Implant (above or below the muscle) Prior to the surgery, the physician should provide a list of guidelines to prepare you for your breast augmentation surgery.

the breast augmentation surgery
Determining the answers to the topics above will dictate how your breast augmentation surgery will be performed. Your surgeon will work with you to determine which of these options is right for you, based on your anatomy and expectations.

Your surgeon will make every effort to ensure 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.

The breast augmentation surgery usually takes one to two hours to complete. Stitches are used to close the incisions, which may also be taped for greater support. A gauze bandage may be applied over your breasts to help with healing.

after the breast augmentation surgery
After the breast augmentation surgery, your breasts will be high on the chest, firm, and swollen. Over time (generally a month), these symptoms will begin to disappear. You should begin to see the final results wihtin 2-4 months.

Follow your surgeon's advice on when to begin work, exercises, and normal activities. You can reduce any post-operation risk of complication by closely following your surgeon’s instructions.

Your scars will be firm and pink for at least six weeks. Then they may remain the same size for several months, or even appear to widen. This is normal. After several months, your scars will begin to fade. Although they will never disappear completely, they should fade to closely match the tone of the rest of your skin color.

Breast augmentation is relatively straightforward. But as with any operation, there are risks associated with surgery and specific complications associated with this procedure. Make sure to discuss this with your physician.

The information presented on this site is intended to be used for informational use only, it is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice. If you are planning on having a procedure performed or if there is anything you don't understand about your procedure, please consult a physician.

If you would like to schedule a consultation with one of our board certified plastic surgeons click here or call (800) 505-3627.