What is breast augmentation?

Breast augmentation is literally the process of increasing the breast size. This is usually done with implants; either Saline or Silicone.

How should one prepare for breast augmentation surgery?

One should visit a board-certified plastic surgeon. In that initial consultation, you should go over what your wishes are for size, projection, type of implant, incision site and placement of implant above or below the muscle. A frequent complaint I hear from many women is that they felt that their plastic surgeon wasn t listening to what they wanted, especially when it came to size. I always have the patients bring in pictures before their operations of what they want to look like and what they don't want to look like. We select the implant together ahead of time, so there are no surprises. If you feel as if your wishes are being ignored; go see a plastic surgeon that will listen to you.

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

Breast implants are not a lifetime device. If you are getting breast augmentation surgery, you should keep it in your mind that you will need another surgery in your lifetime. The most common longer-term complications are capsular contracture and rupture.

How can I find a qualified board certified plastic surgeon?

You can go to the American Board of Plastic Surgery website at www.abplsurg.org. Another great referral site is the American Society of Plastic Surgery at www.plasticsurgery.org. Make sure the doctor you are going to is board certified in plastic surgery. There are many other permutations that are not plastic surgery.

How is breast augmentation surgery performed?

It is performed under general anesthesia with the patient asleep. The implant can be inserted either above or below the pectoralis muscle. This can be done either with an incision around the areola or just above the inframammary crease. Some doctors insert them through the belly button (umbilicus) or the axilla (under arm). I don t do that as I find the placement is less precise. Once the implant is placed (either saline or silicone), the incisions are closed and a dressing and comfort bra is placed. The entire procedure for a first-time augmentation should take between 1-2 hours.