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Frequent Questions About Breast Augmentation (Augmentation Mammoplasty)
· How is this cosmetic plastic surgery procedure performed? · How do I prepare for my breast enlargement? · What is the difference between silicone and saline breast implants? · How long does the procedure take? · What form of anesthesia is used? · Can I return home the same day? · How long before I can return to normal activity?
How is this cosmetic plastic surgery procedure performed? During your initial consultation, your surgeon will thoroughly discuss the placement of your incision, the pros and cons for you personally and consider your preferences. A salt water (saline) filled implant or a cohesive gel implants ("gummy bear") is placed either under or above the chest (pectoral) muscle--depending on your breast tissue, body formation, and amount of sagging (ptosis) of the breast. If the implant is placed under the pectoral muscle, simple movement of the arms automatically moves the implant around in its pocket. In some breast augmentation patients, these muscles are extremely active and can distort the implant so it is important to discuss with your surgeon the right implant placement for you. During your consultation, you and your surgeon should also discuss the differences between saline and silicone breast implants. Your surgeon's goal is to achieve the most natural breast appearance possible. On rare occasions, during the breast enlargement surgery, your surgeon may change the placement of the implant if a more optimum location can be determined. The incision is closed with stitches beneath the skin (subcuticular sutures). The incisions may also be taped for greater support and a gauze bandage applied to help with healing.
Infra-mammary Breast Augmentation
How do I prepare for my breast enlargement? Please understand that the degree of your breast enlargement may be limited by the amount of tissue you have available to cover the implants. During your preoperative consultation, you will be given specific directions to help you prepare for your procedure. You must stop taking aspirin, aspirin containing medications or diet pills for 2 weeks prior to your surgery. Do not eat or drink anything eight hours before your procedure. If you take daily medication, ask your surgeon if it is safe to take prior to your procedure. If you have any sores on your body, if you have a cold, sore throat or allergic condition, inform your surgeon so you may be examined again prior to your procedure. If you are at or over age 40, an electrocardiogram will be required.
Every women wonders: "What if my implant bursts?" Saline implants are filled with salt water and, if something did go wrong, the salt water solution would be absorbed by your body. Years ago, there was concern that if silicone breast implants leaked, the silicone could harm a woman's health. This is no longer the case. Cohesive gel implants, sometimes called "gummy bear" implants, are made of a solid, flexible gel. If one of them is damaged, no harmful fluids or substances will enter the women's body. The FDA recently cleared cohesive gel implants for general use when it was determined that they were as safe and effective as saline breast implants.
How long does the procedure take? Operating time is generally one to two hours.
What form of anesthesia is used? General anesthesia is used for all surgical procedures and is performed by a Professional M.D. Anesthesiologist.
Can I return home the same day?
Yes. Breast enlargement is done on an ambulatory basis. However, it is
necessary that you have someone to pick you up after the procedure, take
you home, and stay with you for at least 24 hours. 3rd day · 1 week · 1 month · 3 months · 6 months · 1 year
How long before I can return to normal activity? Most women return to their usual activities in one week. However, you must not lift anything for the first two weeks and do no heavy lifting for the first four weeks.
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