Breast Augmentation

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 the difference in the size of the breasts.
• As a reconstructive technique following breast surgery.

By inserting an implant behind each breast, surgeons are able to increase a woman's bust line by one or more bra cup sizes. The best candidates for Breast Augmentation are women who are looking for improvement, not perfection, in the way they look. If you are physically healthy and realistic in your expectations, you may be a good candidate.

A breast implant is a silicone shell filled with either silicone gel or a salt-water solution known as saline. Because of concerns that there is insufficient information demonstrating the safety of silicone gel-filled breast implants, the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has determined that new gel-filled implants, at the present time, should be available only to women participating in approved studies. Some women requiring replacement of the implants may also be eligible to participate in the study. Saline-filled implants continue to be available to Breast Augmentation patients on an unrestricted basis, pending further FDA review. You should ask your doctor more about the specifics of the FDA decisions.

In your initial consultation, your surgeon 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, your doctor may also recommend a Breast Lift.

Be sure to discuss your expectations with your surgeon. He or she should be equally candid with you, describing your alternatives and the risks and limitations of each. And, be sure to tell your surgeon if you smoke, and if you're taking any medications, vitamins, or other drugs.

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 axilla. 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.

The surgery usually takes one to two hours to complete. Stitches are used to close the incisions, which may also be taped for greater support. A gauze bandage may be applied over your breasts to help with healing. 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.

For many women, the result of Breast Augmentation can be very satisfying, even exhilarating, as they learn to appreciate their fuller appearance.