Despite the controversy that surrounded breast augmentation in the early 1990’s, breast augmentation has become very popular. Women choosing to have breast enlargement experience a high degree of personal satisfaction and fulfillment. Breast augmentation is not only about changing the way you look but about how you feel about yourself and your body. Reasons, why people chose to have breast augmentation, include:
- The desire to simply enlarge the size and projection of the breasts
- To enlarge the breasts to make the body more proportional
- To correct the form and size breasts of breasts following breastfeeding
- To improve the balance between breasts of different sizes
Breast augmentation is usually performed under a light general anesthesia on an outpatient basis. The procedure usually lasts from 1 to 1 1/2 hours and patients leave the private operating facility with only a light bandage on each breast. A swift and uneventful recovery following breast augmentation allows most patients to return to work within a few days following surgery.
What can breast enlargement do for me?
Every woman who considers breast augmentation has her own personal reasons. Most common of these is to simply feel better about themselves and stimulate a renewed sense of femininity and personal satisfaction. These feelings are experienced daily soon after breast enlargement. They begin in the morning when looking in the bathroom mirror and continue each time they see how much better they feel in clothes or a bathing suit.
How are the breasts enlarged?
Breast augmentation is performed through small incisions on the breast. After making a space or “pocket” an implant filled with either silicone or saline water is inserted. The implant not only increases the size or volume of the breast but also helps improve its aesthetic form and projection as well.
Where is the procedure performed?
Breast augmentations are performed in one of two local accredited private operating facilities.
How long does the procedure take?
In most cases, this procedure takes 1 to 1 ½ hour. After a short stay in the recovery room, patients return home the same day.
What kind of anesthesia will be required?
General anesthesia is the preferred method of anesthesia.
Where will the incision be located?
Patients will have a choice as to where their incisions will be located.
Inframmary – This is by far the most popular incision and is located at the crease under the breast. It is generally 3 to 4 cm in length and is rarely visible in the standing position following augmentation.
Peri-areolar – This incision is located at the outer margin of the areola and is thought by some to be the most concealed of the three choices. As compared to the other incisions, this placement is more often associated with problems breastfeeding.
Transaxillary – This incision is located in the armpit area. Placing implants through this incision is a little more difficult, especially when using silicone implants. Most implant inserted through this incision are saline filled.
Where will the implants be placed within the breast?
Patients once again have choices to make. There are two spaces where the implants can be placed – beneath the breast tissue (subglandular) or beneath the major chest muscle, the pectoralis major (submuscular).
Subglandular – This is the most common location, requiring less dissection as compared to the submuscular placement resulting in less postoperative discomfort and a quicker recovery. Breasts augmentation in this fashion tend to be more mobile and natural.
Submuscular – This technique requires slightly more extensive surgery than the subglandular method and is often used in patients with very thin soft tissues or small amounts of breast tissue. The submuscular placement is slightly more painful and the return to normal function a little longer.
The decision to place the implant in these two areas is made with careful consideration of many factors such as the quality of the patient’s soft tissues and fat, the size and form of the breasts, level of activity and several others. These will all be discussed during your office consultation.
What will my breasts feel like after surgery?
After the breasts are enlarged, some patients will feel the skin is slightly firmer or tighter. This is normal and will return to normal once the breasts have adapted to their new size.
When can I resume my normal activities?
Most patients can return to light activity and work within a few days following surgery. Return to normal physical activity, including sports, is permitted after 4 weeks.
Are there any risks to breast augmentation?
Generally, breast augmentation is a very safe and reliable procedure. During your office consultation, Dr. Zelt will discuss with you the associated risks and complications. Fortunately, most are very uncommon and the vast majority of patients enjoy an uneventful surgery and recovery period.
What type of implants do you use?
Allergan is the exclusive supplier of the breast implants used in our office.
If you have any further questions about breast augmentation or wish to make an appointment for consultation please contact our office.