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Candidates:
Women who feel that her breasts are too small, when clothes fit well around the
hips but are too large around the bust line. This can be due to the fact that,
the breasts have not developed properly, or evenly, leaving one breast smaller
than the other or that the original shape and volume may have been lost due to
weight loss, childbirth or aging.
Objective:
To enhance the size of the breasts using either silicone gel
or saline implants.
Incisions and technique:
There are several choices either an incision of
one to two inches underneath the breast along the fold, a half moon following
the lower edge of the areola, or an incision within the armpit. Whether the
implant will be placed on top of or underneath the chest muscle will depend on
each case and on the type of implant chosen. After the incision a pocket is made
into which the implant will be inserted, either behind the breast or under the
pectoral muscle. If the breasts are flaccid a breast lift may be recommended in
conjunction with the augmentation.
Operating Time:
1 to 1 and half hours.
Anesthesia:
Local anesthesia with sedation is preferred, general
anesthesia can also be used.
In/Outpatient:
Usually performed on an outpatient basis.
Recovery period:
There will be temporary soreness and sensitivity,
swelling, a change in nipple sensation and possibly bruising for two to three
weeks.
Recovery Time:
A return to work, if not physically strenuous, is possible
in a few days. The scar will fade after several months but can be up to a year
or more in some cases. Dressings will be changed over several days immediately
post operatively. Showering is permitted between three and seven days following
surgery, and stitches are removed after 7 days. A support bra is worn for a
month, driving is permitted after two weeks and exercise after two to three
weeks.
Risks:
Nipple or breast sensation may change, usually
temporarily. Surgical removal and replacement of the implants may be required to
treat capsular contracture, which can provoke breast hardness.
Details:
A computer consultation helps tremendously when choosing the
appropriate new breast size and shape. The patients' image can be seen with
various breast sizes and the location of the incision is chosen.
Duration of the Results:
Results are variable but usually long-lasting,
however implants may require removal or replacement. Mammograms are routinely
prescribed annually after the age of 40. Significant weight loss can affect the
result. Pregnancy and breast-feeding can alter breast size in an unpredictable
way, although breast implants do not affect pregnancy or the ability to
breast-feed. If, with aging, the appearance of the breasts change, it is
possible to undergo a breast lift to improve contour.
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