What is breast augmentation?

Breast enlargement, or augmentation mammaplasty, is a cosmetic surgery procedure in which breast implants are placed behind or in front of the chest muscle to increase breast size. The breast implants are filled with saline, a salt-water solution in the same concentration found in the body, or silicone gel.

How is breast augmentation surgery performed?

In the hospital before surgery, I mark the incision site, take pictures for your private records only, and review your medications and diet after surgery. You'll meet the anesthesiologist. Your significant other can be with you until you are transferred to the operating room. For saline implants: After you receive general anesthesia (you will be completely asleep), I make an incision that is slightly longer than one inch under your breast near the crease. I prefer to make a space, or pocket, behind the muscle that matches my preoperative markings. Your breast tissue is not touched during this process. I then place the empty implant in the pocket and fill it with saline through a closed sterile filling system. By starting with an empty breast implant, I can make the smallest possible incision. That incision is closed with three strong layers of dissolvable stitches, which do not have to be removed. Patients generally lose less than a teaspoon of blood during the operation, which takes less than one hour. For silicone gel implants, the incision is approximately two inches and the implants are pre- filled.

What are the possible immediate post-operative effects of breast augmentation surgery?

During the first three days, women who have had children report that the discomfort feels like when their breasts were fully engorged with milk after childbirth. Women who have not had children describe the feeling as some tightness, burning or pressure. I prescribe medications that will make this recovery period manageable. Three-quarters of my patients report no nausea and vomiting from the day of surgery on; the rest report minimal symptoms. Patients are back to work in an office setting in about 5 days.

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

Many women report an increased sense of self-confidence and feeling better about how they fit in their clothes. The most common things that could change the final result are the same things that can change your breasts before implant surgery, and that's weight change and pregnancy.

How can I find a qualified board certified plastic surgeon?

You can contact the American Osteopathic Association or the American Medical Association for a list of board-certified plastic surgeons.