1. What type of anesthetic is used for breast augmentation surgery?

While breast augmentation can sometimes be done under local anesthesia with sedation, the most common method is general anesthesia. This allows relaxation for the chest muscles, which are stretched considerably, and for relaxation and comfort of the patient during the procedure.


2. What are the risks associated with breast augmentation?

The most common short term risks are bleeding, infection, and anesthesia risks. The major long-term risks are asymmetry, scar contracture (capsular contracture or hardening) of the breast, rupture of the implant, change in sensation, rippling of the implant. The patient brochure for the implants are available from the manufacturer or from your doctor, which describe all the possible risks. There are silicone gel implants as well as saline filled implants available for augmentation patients. These implant types have different risks. You should discuss the risks in detail with your surgeon.


3. What is the recovery time for breast augmentation?

The recovery time for breast augmentation depends on the size of the implant, the surgical technique and the patient. Most implants are placed underneath the chest muscle. If a large implant is placed under a tight chest muscle, it feel like a thousand pushups in an hour. Most women will have tightness and soreness for 1-2 weeks, which gradually improves.


4. How much does breast augmentation cost?

A general estimate for breast augmentation including surgeon’s fee, implants, anesthesia and hospital/surgical center costs is between $5000-$8000.


5. Who should not have breast enlargement?

Breast enlargement is an elective operation. Anyone who has medical problems which make surgery dangerous should not have breast enlargement. This would include women with heart disease, diabetes, immunocompromised patients, as well as women who are unrealistic about their bodies.


6. Are there any drawbacks to having larger breasts?

Any of the long-term risks can be a drawback to breast augmentation.


7. Are implants safe for a woman with MS (multiple sclerosis)?

Although there is no scientific evidence that implants are unsafe for MS patients, it is known that any kind of stress can trigger MS. Surgery to implant or revise breast implants is a physical stress, which could lead to an exacerbation of MS. I would not recommend elective breast augmentation to an MS patient.