Breast augmentation is one of the most well-known and popular plastic surgery procedures today. Also called augmentation mammoplasty, breast augmentation is performed to enhance the shape or size of the breast. This is accomplished by either using synthetic breast implants, made of saline or silicone, or transferring fat from other parts of the body to the breasts.
There are many reasons why breast augmentation is requested. Among the more common reasons are to increase the size of naturally small breasts and restore volume after pregnancy. Some patients request breast augmentation for symmetry after mastectomy due to breast cancer while others are interested in correcting asymmetric or oddly shaped breasts.
Who is a Good Candidate?
If you are in overall good health and are interested in enhancing the beauty and fullness of your breasts, then you may a be a good candidate for breast augmentation. After an initial evaluation and discussion of your desires and expectations, Dr. Silver will help determine the best option for you.
If you are interested in elevating breasts that are sagging significantly, a breast lift in addition to a breast augmentation may be considered. Breast lifts can be done at the same time as the breast augmentation.
The Procedure
After a thorough discussion of your options, desired outcome, and expectations, you and Dr. Silver will determine the best way to undergo your breast augmentation surgery. Several steps are involved in the planning portion of this procedure including pictures, sizing, and often a mammogram.
Breast augmentation is typically performed under general anesthesia. The procedure is carried out in a surgical center or at the hospital in order to provide optimal safety and comfort.
When performed by an expert like Dr. Silver, incisions are small and leave minor scars. There are various options for where the incisions will be made, and these can be discussed with Dr. Silver during the planning stage for the procedure. If implants are being used, they may be placed either under the chest muscle (a submuscular placement) or over the muscle but under the breast tissue (known as a submammary/subglandular placement). Choosing the right method depends on various things including the type of implant, the size of the implant, and your body type.
The Results and Recovery
Breast augmentation results are noticeable immediately. Swelling from the surgery will be present for a few days but can be reduced by supporting the breast with an elastic bandage or support bra.
Rest and avoidance of strenuous activity will be recommended for a few weeks, be sure to follow your surgeon’s recommendations carefully. Pain from the procedure should resolve within the first week, but soreness can persist for several weeks. Do not resume exercise or other physical activities until instructed by Dr. Silver.
Regular follow-ups will be scheduled to monitor healing and progress. Incision lines will take a while to fade depending on your skin tone, genetics, tobacco use and overall health. For optimal results, be sure to follow Dr. Silver’s post-op instructions and keep all follow-up visits.
Overall benefits of breast augmentation include:
- Larger more aesthetically pleasing breasts
- Enhanced fullness and profile of the breasts
- Improved self-confidence and sensuality
- Restoration following trauma or mastectomy
- Balanced overall body contour
The benefits from breast augmentation can last years, but if implants are used, they may need to be replaced after 10-15 yrs. If you have silicone implants, you may need imaging to determine if your implant is leaking. Dr. Silver will be able to give you a good idea of when you can expect to replace your implants.
Once your breasts become a part of you, their appearance can change in response to natural events in life such as aging, weight changes, hormonal fluctuation, and gravity. Breast lifts or implant exchanges may be considered to help offset some of these changes and maintain a more appealing youthful appearance.
If you are interested in learning more about breast augmentation and what options exist for you, contact our office today for a detailed evaluation and discussion of your options.