Breast Augmentation
(Augmentation Mammoplasty)
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Quick Facts about Breast Augmentation
Medical Names: Breast Enlargement, Breast Augmentation, Augmentation Mammoplasty
Estimated Cost: $6,000 - $8,000
Type of Anesthesia: Local, General
Total Recovery Time: 3 - 4 weeks, 'down time' 3 - 7 days
Procedure Location: Hospital, Plastic Surgery Center
Practitioner: Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
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Augmentation Mammoplasty, commonly known as breast augmentation or breast enlargement, is a popular surgical procedure that enhances the size and shape of a woman's breast. Breast augmentation surgery has been successful in increasing the overall size of small breasts, correcting a reduction in breast size after a pregnancy, balancing uneven breasts and as a reconstructive procedure following mastectomy and other breast surgeries.
Breast augmentation involves the insertion of an implant either behind the breast tissue or under the pectoral muscle, pushing the breast tissue forward and making the breast appear fuller. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) more than 330,000 women underwent breast augmentation surgery in 2005.
Did You Know?
In 2005, approximately 32,000 women had breast enlargements to successfully repair or replace lost breast mass after mastectomy or lumpectomy surgery.
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THE BREAST AUGMENTATION PROCEDURE
Breast augmentation is performed in a hospital or a plastic surgery center and usually requires a general anesthetic. For some procedures an overnight stay in the hospital is required. The method the surgeon uses to insert and position the implant is based on the woman's anatomy and the method that will produce the least amount of side effects.
The surgeon will make an incision and lift the breast tissue, creating a pocket directly behind the breast tissue or underneath the chest wall muscle. An implant containing a saline solution is inserted, centered and aligned with the nipples. The incision is stitched and a gauze bandage is applied to help with healing. This process is repeated on the other breast. The full surgery takes one to two hours.
After the surgery, the patient will experience mild to moderate discomfort and medication is usually prescribed. Most patients are up and around within one or two days. The bandages are removed within two or three days and a surgical support bra is used to stabilize the breasts, reduce discomfort and ensure that the incisions are not stressed. There may be nipple sensitivity, but this should subside as bruising disappears. Stitches are removed within ten days and swelling can last up to five weeks.
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BREAST AUGMENTATION PROCEDURE OPTIONS
The incision position and the position of the implant will be determined by the surgeon based on the patient's anatomy, health and desired effects. Additionally, the surgeon may recommend a breast lift if there is significant sagging.
Incision Position
Peri-Areolar: In this method, a small incision is made where the darker skin of the areola meets the lighter skin of the breast, allowing the scar to blend well with the natural change of the skin color. This method can reduce the size of the areola and reposition the nipple. The surgeon has the greatest degree of precision due to the close proximity to the treatment site.
Inframammary: As the least invasive of the three incision methods, an incision is made in the crease under the breast. In some cases, following surgery the fold will drop due to the weight of the new implants and the scar may end up above the breast fold. Healing time with this method is quick and side effects are minimal.
Transaxillary: A popular choice for many patients, the incision is made under the arm. The length of the incisions is generally two to three inches in length. Incisions heal well with this method and usually without complications. Shaving and applying deodorant must be avoided for several weeks following surgery.
Position of the Implant
Subglandular: With this method, the implant is inserted over the muscle. For women with a B cup or larger, this is the preferred placement to achieve natural looking breasts. Recovery time is much quicker and swelling is less than with the subpectoral placement method. One drawback to subglandular placement is, in some women, it is easier to see the edges of the implants.
Subpectoral: With this method, implants are inserted under the muscle. In many cases, especially very thin women, this results in a more natural breast curve. However, subpectoral placement does result in swelling that takes longer to subside and the pain level can be higher than subglandular placement.
IS BREAST AUGMENTATION RIGHT FOR YOU?
Ideal Candidate for Breast Augmentation
The ideal candidate is in good physical condition, is mentally stable and has realistic expectations of what can be achieved with breast augmentation. Candidates who would like to enhance the size and shape of their breasts, due to having too small, too large or uneven breasts or after pregnancy, mastectomy and other breast surgeries, can experience excellent results with breast augmentation.
Other Considerations for Breast Augmentation
Other considerations regarding breast enhancements are the health, age and recuperation ability of the patient. At your initial consultation, the surgeon will discuss the options, risks and limitations of each technique and make recommendations based on your choices, expectations and medical history. The surgeon will review your pre-surgery preparation instructions, the procedure process including anesthesia and the expected results and post-surgery instructions for maximum recovery. Make sure you discuss all of your questions and specific health issues with your plastic surgeon.
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BREAST AUGMENTATION PROCEDURE COST
Fees vary from state to state and from one plastic surgeon to another. The cost is based upon the type of surgery needed and the extensiveness of the procedure. Prices range from $6,000 to over $8,000 for breast augmentation and include surgeon, facility and anesthesia fees. Other important factors determining the final cost may include pre-operative lab fees and post-operative expenses such as surgical bras and prescriptions.
Note: A more expensive surgery price does not necessarily ensure a more skilled practitioner. You should ask for referrals and review testimonials before choosing a practitioner.
BREAST AUGMENTATION PROS & CONS
Pros
| Patients benefit from enhanced physical contour and/or fuller appearance |
| Improved evenness and symmetry in breast size and positioning |
| Restoration of breasts after mastectomy and other breast surgeries |
| Immediate results with complete results when all of the swelling disappears
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| Procedure recipients report feeling better, even exhilarated and having increased self-esteem
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Cons
| Loss of feeling or sensitivity in the nipples or breast tissue; which usually subsides with time |
| Differences in size or shapes after the surgery that does not meet the patient's expectations |
| In rare cases, capsular contracture may occur when scar tissue around the implant hardens and begins to apply pressure on the implant; additional surgery will be needed to correct |
| Implant changes over time that may require additional surgery or adjustment over time
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| One week absence from work is required
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ASK A PLASTIC SURGEON ABOUT BREAST AUGMENTATION - FAQ
Are breast implants safe?
There are no documented risks associated with cancer, birth defects or other diseases that can be conclusively related to breast implants. Breast augmentation is a relatively safe procedure. As with any surgery, there are risks and complications associated with this surgery. The surgeon will assess the patient's body, medical history and determine any potential risks or limitations.
Are breast implants permanent?
In general, implants are permanent. There is a risk that an implant can rupture, particularly if the breast is subjected to trauma or injury. Also, implants can change shape and alter the appearance of the breast, which would require surgical repair. Although most women do not experience these complications, you should discuss the risks with your surgeon.
What type of anesthetic is used?
Breast augmentation can be performed with a general anesthesia or a local anesthesia combined with a sedative. This can vary depending upon your surgeon and your requirements.
What is the ideal placement of breast implants?
The patient and the surgeon will decide what is the best placement for the implants. Factors to be considered will be the patient's body size, breast size and expectations and the complexity of the procedure required.
What is the recovery time and common after effects of surgery?
Down time is dependent upon the patient's existing overall health and rate of recuperation. Although most patients are mobile within two days, fatigue is common for several days. Required time off from work or strenuous activity is generally one to three weeks. Pain medication may be prescribed by the plastic surgeon to aid in managing discomfort. Nipple sensitivity and numbness may occur, but usually subside within a week to a month after surgery.
What are standard postoperative instructions?
Gauze bandages are removed after a few days and then a surgical bra is recommended to improve stability and promote optimum healing. For a few weeks, patients should not overexert themselves or lift heavy items. For patients who have had transaxillary incisions, shaving under the arms and applying deodorant should be avoided for two to three weeks.
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