1. How are the breast implants put in?

Breast implants can be placed using four methods: peri-areolar (making the incision at the edge of areola), inframmamary (the incision is made at the breast fold), trans-axillary (the incision is in the arm-pit area), and TUBA (the incision is made around the belly button and a tunnel is made under the skin towards the breast).


2. What is a "drain" and when is one used?

I have never used a drain for breast augmentation. Drains for breast augmentation were used many years ago, but has fallen out of favor since it has no benefit.


3. What about doing other operations at the same time?

The recommendation by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons is to limit elective out-patient anesthesia time to 6 hours or less. Therefore, other procedures can be combined with breast augmentation as long as the 6 hour limit is kept in mind.


4. Why must I have an adult stay with me the first night?

Any procedure which requires general anesthesia or intravenous sedation will affect the patient' s mental status for 24-48 hours. Therefore, for safety reasons, it is critical an adult accompany the patient the first 48 hours.


5. What measures can be taken to prevent capsular contracture?

We do not know the exact cause of capsular contracture. However, from personal experience, any hematoma (bleeding after surgery), infection (very rare), and not massaging the implants correctly or as instructed may increase the risk of capsular contracture.


6. What is the "Band" or "Strap" that everyone talks about wearing after operation?

I have not used a band or strap for the past 4 years after standard breast augmentation. I have found if the implant pocket is made adequately, there is no need for a band. The strap or band, if used, wraps around the upper portion of the chest, pushing the implants down. The goal is to keep the implants from moving upwards. However, it is very uncomfortable for the patient and can also cause marks in the skin, if wrapped too tight.


7. What is meant by the Rapid Recovery method? How much swelling is there after operation?

I have not heard this term used anywhere. Most likely it is a marketing word used to attract patients.