Breast Augmentation
Women who have small breasts or whose breasts became smaller after pregnancy may be candidates for breast enlargement through a surgical procedure called breast augmentation. Breast augmentation has been performed safely for more than thirty years. A new generation of silicone gel implants was recently approved by the FDA, so women over the age of 21 now have a choice between silicone and saline breast implants. During your initial consultation we will gladly discuss options available to you. You may view before and after photos of breast augmentation here at our web site, as well as during consultation.
In breast augmentation, the breasts are enlarged by surgically placing an implant behind the breast gland (right illustration) or, in some cases, behind the pectoralis muscle under the breast (left illustration).
The size and shape of the natural breast determine the best placement. At your initial consultation, we discuss placement recommendations with you. A nurse helps you select the size of the implant by placing trial implants in an elastic bra that you wear to see the changes in your appearance. Before breast augmentation, we require you to have a mammogram. Breast augmentation also may be combined with mastopexy to restore breast shape.
After surgery, a soft compressive dressing will be placed around your chest before you awaken from the anesthesia. One or two days later when this dressing is removed, we will give you a soft, elastic postoperative bra to wear continuously for three weeks, except when you bathe. You should avoid impact exercises and athletics for this time period.
A few patients may develop a breast "capsular contracture" which can cause unnatural firmness or alter the shape or position of the breast implant. This is not common but can usually be corrected.
Weight gain or loss, pregnancy and aging can cause changes in the tone and appearance of the skin and muscles of the body, just as they do in the face and neck. A variety of surgical procedures have been developed to improve the body contour.
A great source of additional information and true stories from actual breast augmentation patients is www.implantinfo.com.
