Breast Augmentation
A breast augmentation is a surgical procedure where an implant is used to increase the shape, contour, and symmetry of the breasts. It has the ability to improve body image while correcting changes from childbirth, breast feeding, aging, and weight loss. Breast augmentation has an incredibly high satisfaction rate and is one of the most common aesthetic surgical procedures.
Treatment Time
2 hours; breast augmentation is completed under general anesthetic and local anesthetic is used to decrease post-operative pain. You go home the same day and do not need to be admitted to hospital.
Incisions
Breast augmentation is completed with a small 4-5cm incision along the lower breast fold, called the inframammary fold. All stitches are absorbable to decrease pain post-operatively.
Benefits
Breast augmentation has a profound effect on self esteem and overall body image. Patients describe feeling better in clothes, looking more feminine, and improved overall body contour and breast shape.
Technique
A small incision is made below the breast and a pocket is developed either above the pectoralis major muscle (subglandular plane) or below the pectoralis muscle (submuscular plane). After using a no touch technique to minimize the risk of infection, the implant is positioned in the pocket. Silicone implants are most commonly used however saline implants can also be used. Local anesthetic is used to decrease the pain after the operation.
Recovery
Incisions are healed after 1 week, while swelling and bruising can take up to 2 weeks. The implants tend to sit high on the chest initially but fall to a natural position over 4-8 weeks.
Risks
The main risks of breast augmentation including bleeding, infection, pain, implant migration, and capsular contracture. Capsular contracture is when scar tissue constricts the implant necessitating more surgery.
Who are the best candidates?
Patients who are otherwise healthy, non smokers, willing to adhere to postoperative protocols, are unhappy with their breasts, and have an idea what their ideal breast would look like.
Adjunct Procedures
Breast augmentation alone can easily be combined with brachioplasty, abdominoplasty, or liposuction. Patients with significant breast droopiness, or ptosis, often require a breast augmentation combined with a breast lift (mastopexy). This operation is longer and has a longer recovery.