Breast augmentation, also referred to as augmentation mammaplasty is a procedure that involves using implants to fulfill your desire for fuller breasts or to restore breast volume. Also known as augmentation mammaplasty, the procedure involves using implants to fulfill your desire for fuller breasts or to restore breast volume lost after weight reduction or pregnancy.

Breast augmentation can:

• Increase fullness and projection of your breasts.
• Improve the balance of your figure.
• Enhance your self-image and self-confidence.

Implants also may be used to reconstruct a breast after mastectomy or injury.

Breast augmentation won’t:

•  Correct severely drooping breasts. A breast lift may be required to lift sagging breasts.

Breast lifting can often be done at the same time as your augmentation or may require a separate operation. Your plastic surgeon will assist you in making this decision.

Is it right for me?

Breast augmentation is a highly individualized procedure, and you should do it for yourself, not to fulfill someone else’s desires or to try to fit any sort of ideal image.

Breast augmentation may be a good option for you if:

• You are physically healthy.
• You have realistic expectations.
• Your breasts are fully developed.
• You are bothered by the feeling that your breasts are too small.
• You are dissatisfied with your breasts losing shape and volume after pregnancy, weight loss, or with aging.
• Your breasts vary in size or shape.
• One or both breasts failed to develop normally.

Your consultation is your time to ask the doctor about the procedure you’re considering, how he thinks it will work for you and any concerns you may have.

Questions to Consider:

• What is the simplest and safest surgery to help me achieve my goals?
• Are other options available?
• What results can I expect, and how long do the typical results last?
• Where will scars be located, and how noticeable will they be?
• Will scars fade over time, and how long will this take?

Your surgeon will:

• Assess your overall health, considering any pre-existing health conditions or risk factors.
• Thoroughly examine and measure your breasts, considering size, shape, skin quality, and the placement of nipples and areolas.
• Capture photos for reference.
• Discuss about your options.
• Provide recommendations for a tailored course of treatment.
• Discuss potential outcomes, risks, and any complications associated with breast augmentation.

After your consultation with the physician, you will meet with the practice manager to discuss procedure costs.

The effectiveness and safety of your breast augmentation revision hinge on your open and honest communication during the consultation. Expect questions about your health, goals, and lifestyle, and feel free to openly express any emotions, whether it’s excitement or preoperative stress. Your plastic surgeon is here to address your concerns and ensure you feel confident and comfortable throughout the process.

There are several things to do prior to your procedure that will make your recovery as smooth as possible and ease your pre-procedure anxiety.

Your Pre-Op Checklist:

• Make sure you have arranged for someone to drive you to surgery and stay with you for a few nights.
• Consult with your surgeon and adhere to their instructions.
• Take prescribed medications or modify current medication as directed.
• Complete necessary lab tests within 30 days of your procedure.
• Cease smoking, alcohol consumption, and drug use.
• Refrain from taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, or herbal supplements to mitigate potential bleeding.

Day of Surgery:

• Be on time for your scheduled surgery appointment.
• Bring a companion aged 18 or older.
• Refrain from eating or drinking after midnight prior to your surgery.
• Use antibacterial soap for a thorough body wash before the procedure.
• Opt for loose, comfortable clothing that is easy to put on and remove on the day of your surgery.

Above all, adhering to your surgeon’s pre-surgery recommendations is key to a successful and swift recovery.

Anesthesia Options:

Choose from intravenous sedation or general anesthesia for comfort during surgery, recommended by your doctor.

Incision Placement:

Discuss with your plastic surgeon the inconspicuous placement of incisions, tailored to your desired outcome and anatomy to minimize visible scarring.

Personalized Implant Selection:

Engage in open discussions about breast size, shape, and individual factors to determine the ideal implant type and size based on your expectations, breast anatomy, skin elasticity, and body type.

Options for breast Implants:

Saline and silicone breast implants are two distinct options for breast augmentation, each with its own set of characteristics:

Saline Breast Implants:
Composition: Filled with sterile salt water (saline).
Shell: Made of silicone elastomer.
Adjustability: Saline implants can be adjusted after surgery, allowing for fine-tuning of size.
Incision Size: Typically require smaller incisions as they are filled after placement.
Feel: Generally firmer and may not feel as natural as silicone implants.
Rupture Detection: Easier to detect ruptures, as the saline is harmlessly absorbed by the body.

Silicone Breast Implants:
Composition: Filled with silicone gel, which mimics the feel of natural breast tissue.
Shell: Made of silicone elastomer.
Adjustability: Pre-filled and cannot be adjusted after surgery.
Incision Size: Generally, require larger incisions due to being pre-filled.
Feel: Often considered more natural in terms of look and feel.
Rupture Detection: Silent ruptures are possible, requiring regular monitoring through imaging.

Ultimately, the choice between saline and silicone breast implants depends on individual preferences, body type, and desired outcomes. Consult with your plastic surgeon to determine the most suitable option for your unique needs and goals.

Saline and silicone breast implants are two distinct options for breast augmentation, each with its own set of characteristics:

Saline Breast Implants:
Composition: Filled with sterile salt water (saline).
Shell: Made of silicone elastomer.
Adjustability: Saline implants can be adjusted after surgery, allowing for fine-tuning of size.
Incision Size: Typically require smaller incisions as they are filled after placement.
Feel: Generally firmer and may not feel as natural as silicone implants.
Rupture Detection: Easier to detect ruptures, as the saline is harmlessly absorbed by the body.

Silicone Breast Implants:
Composition: Filled with silicone gel, which mimics the feel of natural breast tissue.
Shell: Made of silicone elastomer.
Adjustability: Pre-filled and cannot be adjusted after surgery.
Incision Size: Generally, require larger incisions due to being pre-filled.
Feel: Often considered more natural in terms of look and feel.
Rupture Detection: Silent ruptures are possible, requiring regular monitoring through imaging.
Ultimately, the choice between saline and silicone breast implants depends on individual preferences, body type, and desired outcomes. Consult with your plastic surgeon to determine the most suitable option for your unique needs and goals.

Recovery durations after Breast Augmentations vary for each patient (days to months).

Following your breast augmentation procedure, dressings or bandages will be applied to the incisions. To minimize swelling and provide support during the healing process, an elastic bandage or support bra is recommended. 

You will receive detailed instructions covering:

• Proper care for your breasts post-surgery
• Medications for healing and infection prevention
• Specific signs to monitor at the surgical site and for overall health
• Follow-up schedule with your plastic surgeon

Ensure you address specific queries about your individual recovery:

• Post-surgery destination
• Prescribed medications
• Duration of dressings/bandages and removal timeline.
• Are the stitches scheduled for removal, and if so, when is the expected timeframe? 
• When can I safely resume normal activities and exercise? 
• What is the recommended timing for my follow-up care appointment?

Your plastic surgeon and/or their team will provide detailed explanations of surgery-associated

risks. Consent forms will be signed to ensure your full comprehension of the procedure and potential complications.

Some Risks Involved:

• Unfavorable scarring
•  Bleeding (hematoma)
•  Infection
•  Incision healing challenges
•  Changes in nipple or breast sensation (may be temporary or long-lasting)
• Capsular contracture (formation of scar tissue around the implant)
•  Implant leakage or rupture

Breast Health Clarification:

Breast implants do not compromise breast health. Scientific research, including independent studies by entities such as the Institute of Medicine, has found no proven link between breast implants and autoimmune or systemic diseases.