Augmentation Mammoplasty

Augmentation Mammoplasty or breast augmentation, is a surgical procedure that involves the enhancement of the size and shape of a woman's breasts. Women undergo this procedure for several reasons. Some want to correct breast reduction that occurred after pregnancy, others use it as reconstructive procedure following breast surgery, some use it in order to balance different sized breasts and some simply want to enhance their natural body contours.

The Procedure

Augmentation Mammoplasty starts with an incision. The surgeon will make the incision either in the crease under the breast, under the armpit, or around the areola. Once the incision is made, the skin will be lifted away from the breast tissue. An implant will then be placed in the pocket that is created by the lifting of the skin. Once the implant is in place, the surgeon will close the incision with sutures.

When the implants are placed in the breast, they are put in one of two places, either directly under the breast tissue or under the chest muscle. The decision of where to put the implant is based on the anatomy of the breasts, susceptibility to pain, exercise activities and interference with mammograms. Those patients who participate in contact sports are more likely to have the implant placed under the chest muscle in order to allow for extra protection.

Will It Hurt?

Augmentation Mammoplasty can be painful because the procedure stretches the tissue of the breasts. It is most painful in those women who have never had children and in those women who have the implant placed underneath the chest muscle. The pain will be the most severe within the first two days after the surgery and it will lessen with each day that passes. Most women will feel tired, stiff and sore after their surgery, but pain medication as well as rest and relaxation can help with this.

Are There Any Risks?

There are two common risks associated with breast implants, the first is infection. Some women react to the silicone implants. If this occurs, the implant will be removed and the patient will be placed on antibiotics. The second risk is implant rupture, deflation or leakage. There are several different types of implants, but the one used by nearly all breast augmentation procedures are saline breast implants. These are made of a silicone rubber sack that is filled with saline solution. These implants are safest to use because if the implants leak or burst, the saline will be harmlessly absorbed into the body. There are other minor risks associated with this procedure so it is important to discuss all possible outcomes with your surgeon before the procedure is performed.

What Will My Results Be?

Your breasts will be wrapped for several days in order to support and protect their shape. Tubes may also be inserted for the first few days to drain all excess fluid. Patients should limit their movement for the first 3 to 5 days. Extending the arms above the armpit could cause tears in the healing breast and chest tissue, which will slow the healing process. Patients who avoid stretching and unnecessary physical exertion for the first few weeks will heal faster.

The gauze wrap will be removed about 5 days after the procedure but a supportive bra may be worn in order for the breasts to keep their shape. Sutures will come out anywhere from 7 to 10 days after the surgery. Swelling may continue even after the stitches are removed, but it will subside within the first month. Swelling may not completely subside for several months. The scars will remain pink for several weeks but then they will start to fade. It could take many months for the scars to fade to white and only then will you see your full results. After several months patients will finally be able to see their long term results. Patients find themselves happy with their results whether it is increased breast size or balanced body proportions. This procedure can greatly increase self esteem and cause women to live happier lives.

Costs

Augmentation Mammoplasty can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $6,000 depending on the area in which you live and the doctor that performs the procedure. The results of this surgery only last for the life of the implant. If the implant deflates, leaks, or bursts it will have to be removed and then re-inserted at a later date. This procedure can be difficult to endure for some, but the results can provide women with evenly proportioned bodies and happier lives.