Breast Enlargement
(Augmentation
Mammoplasty)
For those women who
were born with small breasts or those who lost volume & shape
after pregnancy or weight loss, Breast Enlargement can be a
very rewarding procedure. Many women after breast enlargement
surgery say that they simply feel more curvaceous, a bit more
feminine and more confident than before.
Who is a candidate for breast enlargement?
- Women who simply feel their breasts are too small and want
more proportion to their overall body appearance.
- Women wishing to correct the size, volume and shape of the
breasts following pregnancy or weight loss.
- Women who want to correct or improve uneven breast shape
or size.
- Women who have undergone surgery as a result of breast cancer
and are ready for reconstructive breast surgery to replace what
may have been lost.
What type of implant will be used?
Breast implants come
in a silicone shell filled with either silicone gel or a salt-water
solution known as saline. Patients should weigh
the pros and cons of each implant type, obtain as much factual
information as possible and make an informed decision as to which
type they would prefer to use for breast enlargement.
Saline-filled implants continue to be available
to patients on an unrestricted basis. Silicone implants are approved
by the FDA for use under certain conditions. Talk to your surgeon
in detail about these guidelines and specifics of the FDA decisions
and facts regarding each type of implant available.
Every implant, will eventually leak. Whether
you choose to have saline or silicone implants, a second operation
will be required in the future for replacement. Saline implants
can last between 2 - 10 years, while silicone implants can last
10 - 20 years.
Another common problem is encapsulation or
capsular contracture. This occurs if the shell of scar tissue
or capsule that forms around the implant while healing becomes
firm and tight, causing the breast to feel unnaturally hard.
Surgery may be required to remove this excess scar tissue from
the implant if the tissue does not soften on its own.
Will breast implants affect nipple
sensation?
- Patients should be aware of the fact that any breast surgery
may affect sensation in the nipple. However, a very small percentage
of women are affected with this condition after surgery.
- In study findings, incision areas chosen by the patient,
whether under the breast in the fold, around the top or bottom
of the areola or in the armpit, seem to have no direct impact
on nipple sensation.
- What has been noted in studies is that women who choose to
have larger implants placed in the breasts can lose or have
diminished sensation within the nipple-areola complex due to
the larger pockets in the breast that must be made by the surgeon
to house the implants. Larger breasts can stretch the nerve
fibers that extend from the chest wall to the nipple and as
a result, sensory receptors can decrease with this increased
breast volume.
- It is important for your surgeon to make you aware of the
changes that can occur as a result of breast augmentation. However,
studies have also noted that even women with naturally large
breasts, having no implants at all, can experience loss of nipple
sensation due to the volume affecting and stretching nerve fibers.
How will I look and feel after surgery?
- In the first few days, your breasts will be sore, but discomfort
can be controlled with medication prescribed by your doctor.
- A sports bra will be placed on you to be worn for several
days following surgery.
- Expect a slight burning sensation in your nipples during
the first two weeks. This will subside once the bruising begins
to fade.
- Your breasts will be sensitive for the first two to three
weeks. Physical contact should be avoided until your breasts
are no longer sore, about four weeks.
- Scars will be noticeable for several months, but will eventually
diminish, although not disappear.
When can I return to my everyday
activities?
- Some women are able to return to work within a few days to
a week after surgery. It definitely depends upon what type of
work they perform.
- Within the first week, patients typically feel good enough
to get out but cannot resume regular activities.
- Light activities may be resumed after two weeks.
- After four weeks, patients can usually return to more strenuous
activities like jogging or weight lifting.
How Long Will My Results Last?
Pregnancy, weight loss, and age may affect
the size and shape of your breasts over time.
It is important to understand that implants
do not last forever. Silicone is presently the longest lasting
implant, 10-20 years, whereas Saline has a life expectancy of
2-10 years.
IT IS IMPORTANT TO NOTE
- There are risks associated with any surgical
procedure.
- The specific risks
and suitability of each procedure for a given individual can
only be determined at the time of consultation.
- Minor complications that do not affect
the outcome may occasionally occur.
- Major complications are rare.
Your
plastic surgeon will review any and all risks and benefits with
you during a private consultation.
