Breast Augmentation

“For some, more bustline becomes more self confidence.”

Breast augmentation, technically known as augmentation mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure to enhance the size and shape of breasts for women who feels their breast size is too small, want to increase fullness after pregnancy, want to obtain uniform breasts or want reconstructive breast surgery.

Breast augmentation can enhance your appearance and your self-confidence. For many women, the result of breast augmentation can be exhilarating, as they learn to appreciate their fuller appearance. Your decision to have breast augmentation is a highly personal one that not everyone will understand. The important thing is how you feel about it. If you've met your goals, then your surgery is a success.

Types of implants include a silicone shell filled with either silicone gel or a salt-water solution known as saline. Saline-filled implants continue to be available to breast augmentation patients on an unrestricted basis.

Silicone gel-filled breast implants, at the present time, are restricted by the FDA. They are is available only to women participating in approved studies and some women requiring replacement of implants.

Augmentation Mammaplasty Basics

Procedure:
Enhance the size of breasts using inflatable implants filled with saline.

Length:
1 to 2 hours.

Anesthesia:
Local with sedation, or general. Dr. Guy prefers general anesthesia.

In/Outpatient:
Usually outpatient.

Side Effects:
Temporary soreness, swelling, change in nipple sensation, bruising. Breast sensitive to stimulation for a few weeks.

Risks:
Lack of implant permanence -- surgical removal or replacement of the implants may be required to treat problems, including: deflation; the formation of scar tissue around the implant (capsular contracture), which may cause the breast to feel tight or hard; bleeding or infection. Increase or decrease in sensitivity of nipples or breast skin, occasionally permanent. Mammography requires a special technique.

Recovery:
Back to work: a few days.
Physical contact with breasts: 2 to 4 weeks.
Fading of scars: several months to a year or more.

Duration of Results:
Variable. Implants may require removal or replacement.

Consultation & Preparation

In your initial consultation, Dr. Guy will evaluate your health and explain which surgical techniques are most appropriate for you, based on the condition of your breasts and skin tone. If your breasts are sagging, Dr. Guy may also recommend a breast lift.

Be sure to discuss your expectations frankly with Dr. Guy. She should be equally frank with you, describing your alternatives and the risks and limitations of each. You may want to ask Dr. Guy for a copy of the manufacturer's insert that comes with the implant she will use -- just so you are fully informed about it. And, be sure to tell Dr. Guy if you smoke, and if you're taking any medications, vitamins, or other drugs.

Dr. Guy will give you instructions to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking, not smoking, and taking or avoiding certain vitamins and medications.

Breast augmentation can be performed with a general anesthesia, so you'll sleep through the entire operation. Some surgeons may use a local anesthesia, combined with a sedative to make you drowsy, so you'll be relaxed but awake, and may feel
some discomfort.

While making preparations, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery and to help you out for a few days, if needed.

The Plastic Surgery

The method of inserting and positioning your implant will depend on your anatomy and Dr. Guy's recommendation. The incision can be made either in the crease where the breast meets the chest, around the areola (the dark skin surrounding the nipple), or in the armpit. Every effort will be made to assure that the incision is placed so resulting scars will be as inconspicuous as possible.

Working through the incision, Dr. Guy 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 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.

Recovery & Results

You're likely to feel tired and sore for a few days following your surgery, but you'll be up and around in 24 to 48 hours. Most of your discomfort can be controlled by medication prescribed by Dr. Guy.

The day after surgery, the gauze dressings will be removed, and you may be given a surgical bra. You should wear it as directed by Dr. Guy. You may also experience a burning sensation in your nipples for about two weeks, but this will subside as bruising fades. Implant massages may be started on the 3rd or 4th day post operative. Dr. Guy or her staff will instruct you on how to perform the massage.

You should be able to return to work in a few days depending on the level of activity required for your job. Your stitches will come out in a week to 10 days, but the swelling in your breasts may take three to fsix weeks to disappear.

Follow Dr. Guy's advice on when to begin exercises and normal activities. Your breasts will probably be sensitive to direct stimulation for two to three weeks, so you should avoid much physical contact. After that, breast contact is fine once your breasts are no longer sore, usually two to four weeks after surgery.

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. After several months, your scars will begin to fade, although they will never disappear completely.

Regular examination by Dr. Guy and routine mammograms for those in the appropriate age groups at prescribed intervals will help assure that any complications, if they occur, can be detected early and treated.