Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation— also known as augmentation mammoplasty— is surgery to increase breast size. It involves placing breast implants under breast tissue or chest muscles. For some women, breast augmentation is a way to feel more confident. For others, it's part of rebuilding the breast for various conditions. If you're considering breast augmentation, talk to a plastic surgeon. Make sure you understand what surgery involves, including possible risks, complications and follow-up care.

WHAT IS BREAST AUGMENTATION?

Breast Augmentation, sometimes referred to as a "breast aug" or "boob job" by patients, involves using breast implants or fat transfer to increase the size of your breasts. This procedure can also restore breast volume lost after weight reduction or pregnancy, achieve a more rounded breast shape or improve natural breast size asymmetry. Breast augmentation is also referred to as augmentation mammoplasty. When fat from another part of the patient's body is used to create the improved breast volume, the procedure is referred to as fat transfer breast augmentation.

WHO IS IT FOR?

1. Chronic back, neck and shoulder pain that requires pain medications

HOW IS IT PERFORMED?

If you elect to have breast augmentation surgery, you’re most likely to have it done in an outpatient surgical center or similar facility. Most of the time, people are able to go home the same day as the procedure. The procedure will most likely be performed under general anesthesia so you don’t feel any pain. Follow your surgeon’s instructions to prepare in the 24 hours before your procedure.

Your surgeon will place your breast implants using one of three types of incisions:

inframammary (beneath your breast)
axillary (in the underarm)
periareolar (in the tissue surrounding your nipples)

Your surgeon will then create a pocket by separating the tissue of your breast from your chest muscles and tissue. Your implants will be placed inside these pockets and centered inside your breasts. If you’ve opted for saline implants, your surgeon will fill them with sterile saline solution once the shell has been placed successfully. If you choose silicone, they’ll already be filled. After your surgeon has placed your implants successfully, they’ll close your incisions with stitches, and then bandage them securely with surgical tape and surgical glue. You’ll be monitored in recovery, and then released to go home once the anesthesia wears off enough.

WHAT POSTOPERATIVE CARE IS REQUIRED?

Small thin tubes are placed for about 2-3 days to drain out any accumulated blood. Stitches are removed after 8-10 days. Medications are given. There may be swelling, discomfort, bruising initially.

A support bra is recommended for continuous use for about 6 weeks.

RISK AND COMPLICATIONS

A common risk with breast augmentation surgery is the need for follow-up surgical procedures to correct any complications that may arise. Some people also later desire a different size implant or a lift as their skin stretches over time.

Other risks and side effects include:

1. bleeding and bruising
2. pain in your breasts
3. infection at the surgical site or surrounding the implant
4. capsular contracture, or the formation of scar tissue inside the breast (this can cause your implants to become misshapen, displaced, painful or more visible)
5. rupture or leaking of the implant
6. alteration of the feeling in your breasts (often temporary following surgery)
7. “rippling” of the skin over where the implant is placed, often beneath the breast
8. incorrect placement or movement of the implant
9. buildup of fluid around the implant
10. difficulty healing at the incision site
11. discharge from the breast or at the incision site
12. severe scarring of the skin
13. severe nighttime sweating

RESULTS

The results of breast reduction surgery will be long-lasting. A breast reduction can make breasts smaller and firmer. The new breast size helps relieve the pain and physical limitations experienced prior to breast reduction. A better-proportioned figure will likely enhance self-image and boost self-confidence.