What is breast augmentation?

Breast augmentation is a procedure in which your breasts are enlarged with some material. Breast implants are typically used and consist of either saline or silicone gel. Rarely, fat grafting has been used as a method of augmentation. The breast implants are placed either above or below the pectoralis muscle in your chest. I place most implants under the muscle. Many different incisions may be used to place the implant, depending on the patient, the surgeon, and the goals of the operation.

How should one prepare for breast augmentation surgery?

The first step is to carefully evaluate your goals. You should then meet with a Board-Certified plastic surgeon to discuss your specific situation, goals, and expectations. The surgery is almost always done as an outpatient and most patients return to work within 7 to 10 days. You will need someone to take you to and from the surgery center and keep an eye on you for the first 24 hours.

How is breast augmentation surgery performed?

We ask our patients to come into our private AAAASF Certified surgery facility about one hour before the procedure. You will meet and be evaluated by our Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist and an IV will be started. The surgeon will then meet with you again, answer any questions, obtain pre-operative photographs, and make any necessary markings. The procedure itself takes about one hour. You will be "asleep" for the operation. A small incision is made just above the fold under your breast, around the base of the nipple, or through your armpit through which a space is made for the implant. There are benefits and drawbacks to each of the different incisions. I then generally place the implant under the pectoralis muscle, evaluate the position of the implants, and close the incisions. Most patients then recover for about one hour and then go home with a responsible friend or family member.