Choosing the Right Approach to Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation is one of the most commonly performed operations by cosmetic surgeons today. In 2005, 364,610 breast augmentation procedures were performed in the United States. While this surgery is extremely common, it is also very complex. Therefore, it is important to know all the facts before opting for surgery. Also, it is important to go to an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon.

Breast augmentation is a procedure that involves placing a breast implant either behind the breast tissue or above the breast muscle. There are two types of implants: silicone and saline. Your doctor will discuss which of these is the best option for you. The goal of this operation is to enlarge your breasts to a size that you feel comfortable with, while maintaining as natural an appearance as possible.

It is important to understand that breast augmentation won’t fix drooping breasts. In order to reverse the effects of sagging, you need to undergo a breast lift as well. Both of these procedures can usually be completed at the same time.

Are You a Candidate for Breast Augmentation?

Women generally choose to get implants because:

· They have small breasts

· They have asymmetrical breasts – both in size and shape

· They need to reconstruct their breasts after a mastectomy due to breast cancer

· Breasts have lost their firmness due to aging

· Breasts experienced drooping or sagging after pregnancy and breast feeding

The best candidates for breast augmentation are women who are in excellent health and those who have realistic expectations for the outcome. This procedure is intended to enhance your appearance, not completely change your body type.

Surgical Procedure

On your first visit, your surgeon should talk about your goals and expectations as well as the desired shape and size you are hoping to achieve. Based on this discussion, your surgeon can more effectively recommend the proper type of implant, incision location, and placement of the implant for you.

The incision can be made in one of four places:

· Under the breast

· Around the nipple

· In the arm pit

· In the navel area

The implant can be placed in one of three locations:

· Above the pectoral muscles

· Partially behind the muscles

· Completely behind the muscles

The location of the incision and implant placement is based on many factors, including the size and shape of the implant, your body frame, the amount of breast tissue you have, and your desired scar location.

After surgery, your breasts will be bruised, sore, and swollen, and you will experience some pain. Most likely, you will need to wear a surgical bra for a few days.

It is important to avoid heavy lifting after surgery. This can cause complications with the healing process. You will probably be able to go back to work after a week of rest. However, it will take a few more weeks before you can resume your full regimen of physical activity.

You may experience a loss of sensation in your nipples at first, but you will eventually regain full sensation once you have completely healed. There will be permanent scars, but since this operation is designed to enhance your appearance, these scars are typically discretely located.

Complications

As with all major surgery, there are risks to the procedure. Some common complications include:

Infection

· Bottoming out – the implant is too low in the breast tissue, forcing the nipple to point upwards. This can be corrected with additional surgery.

· Symmastia – the breasts appear to be too close together. This can also be corrected with additional surgery.

· Capsular contraction – your body creates a capsule around the implant and the capsule contracts around it, compressing the implant and making it look distorted. You will require additional surgery to correct this problem as well.