Breast Augmentation

For many women, breast size is an important part of feeling good, desirable and normal. Most women compare themselves to a cultural idea of beauty. Having a breast augmentation procedure can greatly improve self-esteem for many women. It can make a woman feel more like the ideal by drastically improving the way she views herself.

Cosmetic breast augmentation

Breast enhancement or augmentation is one of the most frequently performed cosmetic procedures in the United States today. It can dramatically improve the appearance of a woman's breasts. The enhancement procedure is used to enlarge small breasts, underdeveloped breasts, or breasts that have decreased in size after a woman has had children.

Recent studies have supported the safety of saline breast implants. Should a saline implant leak, the salt water is safely reabsorbed by the body as the implant deflates. Most of the implant companies provide replacement warranty.

Is breast augmentation for you?

During your conference with your surgeon, discuss your goals and expectations of the surgery. Your surgeon will assess the nature of your breasts, your expectations, and explain the probable outcome of your procedure.

You may be shown several before and after treatment photographs of patients having similar breasts, and your surgeon will explain the treatment you can expect to receive. You may also try some different size implants on in a bra to give you an idea as to the look you desire. Often a mammogram (X-Ray) will be required pre-operatively.

Your procedure

Breast augmentation is performed on an outpatient basis using a general or local anesthesia. The procedure usually takes about two hours. One of the more frequent techniques used requires an incision under the lower portion of the breast near the chest wall or under the lower portion of the areola (the darker area around your nipple). After the incision is made, a pocket is created under the breast tissue or beneath the chest wall muscle. The implant is securely positioned in the pocket, and small sutures are used to close the incision. When inflatable implants are used, your surgeon can adjust the amount of inflation.

Are breast implants safe?

Yes. There is no evidence that breast implants increase the risk of breast cancer or any other condition. Most women can also safely breast feed after augmentation surgery.

Your new figure

Getting used to a new figure can be a satisfying and even exciting experience as you and those around you learn to appreciate your new, more shapely figure.

To avoid complications and assure your safety, it is imperative that you examine yourself regularly and visit your surgeon for check-ups on a regular basis. Those in the appropriate age groups should continue to have routine mammograms as prescribed.

What is recovery from breast augmentation like?

Rest is recommended for the first few days following surgery. A post-surgical sports bra is usually worn for several weeks. Most discomfort associated with breast surgery can be controlled with oral medication prescribed by your surgeon. Antibiotics may also be prescribed. Most women experience mild swelling, bruising and tenderness. These symptoms should subside in a short time. Your surgeon will advise you on a proper schedule for returning to your normal activities. Most patients are back to work within the first week. Regular physical activity may be resumed in 4 - 6 weeks.

Following your cosmetic breast surgery, you will enjoy a new, more pleasing shape, with more comfortable breasts that are in better proportion to your physique.

This information is intended to supplement, not replace, a consultation with a board certified physician. To find out if you could be a candidate for one of these procedures or to learn more information about these procedures, we invite you to contact one of our doctors for a private consultation.

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