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Information for plastic surgery procedure:
Breast Augmentation
(Augmentation Mammoplasty)
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What
is this surgery:
Breast
augmentation, technically known as augmentation mammoplasty, is a
surgical procedure to enhance the size and shape of a woman's breast
for a number of reasons: -To enhance the body contour of a woman who,
for personal reasons, feels her breast size is too small. -To correct
a reduction in breast volume after pregnancy. -To balance a difference
in breast size. -As a reconstructive technique following breast
surgery. By inserting an implant behind each breast, a woman's
bustline can be incereased by one or more bra cup sizes.
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Planning your Surgery:
Breast augmentation can enhance your appearance and
your self-confidence, but it won't necessarily change your looks to
match your ideal, or cause other people to treat you differently.
Before you decide to have surgery, think carefully about your
expectations and discuss them with your surgeon. The best candidates
for breast augmentation are women who are looking for improvement, not
perfection, in the way they look. If you're physically healthy and
realistic in your expectations, you may be a good candidate. In your
initial consultation, we 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,
we also may also recommend a breast lift.
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The surgery: The method of inserting and positioning your implant will depend on your anatomy and your surgeon'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, the surgeon 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. Some surgeons believe that putting the implants behind your chest muscle may reduce the potential for capsular contracture. Drainage tubes may be used for several days following the surgery. This placement may also interfere less with breast examination by mammogram than if the implant is placed directly behind the breast tissue. Placement behind the muscle however, may be more painful for a few days after surgery than placement directly under the breast tissue. You'll want to discuss the pros and cons of these alternatives with your doctor before surgery to make sure you fully understand the implications of the procedure he or she recommends for you.
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Anesthesia: 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. |
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After the surgery: |
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Getting back to normal: You should be able to return to work within a few days, depending on the level of activity required for your job. Follow your surgeon'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 three 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. Routine mammograms should be continued after breast augmentation for women who are in the appropriate age group, although the mammographic technician should use a special technique to assure that you get a reliable reading, as discussed earlier. (see All surgery carries some uncertainty and risk.)
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Your new look: For many women, the result of breast augmentation can be satisfying, even exhilarating, as they learn to appreciate their fuller appearance. Regular examination by your plastic surgeon 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. 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. Hospital days: None or one night Appointments for revision included: 3 appointments Days in Costa Rica after the surgery: 7 days
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