What are the possible longer-term, local effects in breast augmentation surgery?

Over the long-term, there is an implant-local breast tissue interaction that can cause thinning of the native breast tissue. Sagging and drooping can occur due to the aging of the elastic fibers and the effects of gravity over the long-term as well.

What is breast augmentation?

This is a surgical procedure to enlarge your breasts. The surgery is typically done under general anesthesia as an outpatient.

How should one prepare for breast augmentation surgery?

The best way to prepare is to ask a lot of questions of the surgeons you are interviewing. Find out how much experience the surgeon has. Find out if he has experience with both saline and silicone implants. Find out if he has experience with contoured as well as round implants. Keep searching until you are absolutely sure you have the right surgeon. There is no reason to settle for someone in whom you do not have 100% confidence. There is a great checklist of questions you can ask at http://www.vcps.com/downloadable_files/Breast_Aug_Cheat_Sheet.pdf

How is breast augmentation surgery performed?

The basic concept behind the surgery is fairly straightforward: An incision is made, space is created underneath the tissues, the implant is inserted, and the incision is sutured up. Of course, there are multiple decisions to be made with respect to where to make the incision, what location to put the implant in relationship to the pectoralis muscle, what type of filler will be used for the implant (saline vs silicone), as well as what size and shape implant should be used. Figuring out many of these details is the basis of your in person consultation with the doctor.

How can I find a qualified board certified plastic surgeon?

You should make sure the doctor is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. The easiest way to determine if a surgeon you are considering is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery is to go to their website and use their surgeon finder. https://www.abplsurg.org/ModDefault.aspx?section=PubFind