What is Breast Augmentation?

Breast Augmentation or breast implant surgery is also known as augmentation mammaplasty. It involves using implants to fulfill the desire for fuller breasts or to restore breast volume after childbirth or significant weight loss. Implants may also be used for breast reconstruction after a mastectomy.

Breast implants will not correct severely sagging or drooping breasts which is best corrected with breast lift surgery. At the digression of your plastic surgeon, breast lift surgery can be performed in conjunction with breast augmentation.

Evaluation by your plastic surgeon

When choosing a plastic surgeon it is best to find a cosmetic surgeon who is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). American Board of Plastic Surgery certification indicates that your cosmetic surgeon has graduated from an accredited medical school, completed surgical training and residency from an accredited program, and passed comprehensive written and oral exams.

The breast augmentation procedure begins with a consultation with your plastic surgeon. It is important to discuss openly and honestly your desires and expectation from breast implant surgery with your plastic surgeon. Plastic surgeons are highly skilled at evaluating each unique situation and educating patients on their options and realistic expectations from a breast augmentation surgery.

The plastic surgeon will examine your breasts and may take detailed measurements of shape, size, nipple placement, and skin quality. Based on your examination, the cosmetic surgeon will discuss your options and probable outcomes from your breast implant surgery. It is important to discuss your desired expectations with the plastic surgeon to ensure that your expectations are attainable.

Surgery and post-surgery expectations

The breast augmentation surgery can last up to several hours and your plastic surgeon may elect to perform your breast implant surgery at their accredited office-based surgical facility, an ambulatory surgical facility, or a hospital. Anesthesia decisions will be based on the requirements of your specific procedure, considerations of patient, and surgeon preference.

Incisions for implant placement are made in inconspicuous areas either under the breast, around the nipple, or under the armpit. The location is determined by the type and size of your breast implants as well as your particular anatomy. Either saline or silicone gel implants may be used depending on personal preference and physician advice. Both types of implants are considered safe; however, check-ups may be more frequent and testing more comprehensive with silicone breast implants to ensure their structural integrity.

Upon release from breast implant surgery, detailed instruction will be provided to optimize your healing process. The post-surgical period is typically 24 to 48 hours followed by several additional days of reduced activity. Healing will continue over the next several weeks and months as swelling subsides and incision lines continue to dissipate.