What is breast augmentation?

Breast augmentation is a cosmetic procedure that involves using breast implants or fat transfer to increase the size of the breasts or to better shape them. It can also restore volume lost after pregnancy or weight loss, achieve a more rounded shape, or correct asymmetry.

Implants

Breast implants can be placed above (subglandular / subfascial) or below (subpectoral) the chest’s pectoralis muscle. The pectoralis is the large muscle seen in body builders, on top of which sits the breast tissue. In general, our surgeons will place the implants partially below the muscle.

The two types of breast implants currently used in the United States consist of a silicone shell with either a saline (saltwater) or silicone fill. Both implant types are safe and have their respective advantages. It is important to discuss with our surgeons what your cosmetic goals are, as they may affect the choice of implant used.

Incision location

• Available locations for incision placement are:
  • hidden in the fold underneath the breast (inframammary)
  • the most common approach used
  • not visible in a sitting or standing position
  • offering ideal visibility for the procedure
• along the outer edge of the areola (periareolar)
  • ideal for patients who have a large-sized areolar diameter
  • usually with a difficult-to-detect scar
• in the arm pit (transaxillary) or through the belly button (transumbilical)
  • the incisions are smaller and located away from the breast tissue
  • these approaches are less seldom used in breast augmentation
  • more difficult to create a precisely defined pocket for the implant
  • generally limited to the use of saline breast implants

Who is a candidate for breast augmentation?

Using the latest surgical techniques, our procedures include reconstructive surgery for women looking to recover from the impacts of pregnancy in addition to the enhancement of naturally smaller breasts. We also lovingly work with breast cancer survivors to help rebuild the shape and look of their breasts.

You may be a good candidate for breast augmentation if:

• You’re physically healthy and not pregnant or breastfeeding.
• You have realistic expectations about the results of surgery.
• Your breasts are fully developed.
• You’re bothered by the feeling that your breasts are too small.
• You’re dissatisfied with the shape or volume of your breasts after pregnancy, weight loss or aging.
• One or both of your breasts failed to develop normally or are elongated.
• You’d like a more balanced and youthful body shape.

You may not be a good candidate for breast augmentation if you have:

• Uncontrolled diabetes or other chronic health conditions.
• A tendency to develop thick scar tissue (capsular contracture).
• A poor self-image or unrealistic surgical expectations.

If you are considering breast augmentation, it is important to talk to your doctor about your individual candidacy for the procedure.

What to expect with breast augmentation

Before breast augmentation surgery, your surgeon may require that you:

• get a blood test
• take certain medications or adjust your current medications
• stop smoking and avoid use of recreational drugs, avoid taking aspirin and certain anti-inflammatory drugs as they can increase bleeding

During your breast augmentation procedure, you should expect to:

• receive anesthesia for comfort during the surgery (intravenous sedation or general anesthesia)
• have incisions made in inconspicuous areas to minimize visible scarring (peri-areolar, inframammary fold or axillary)
• have a breast implant inserted either under the pectoral muscle or behind the breast tissue, over the pectoral muscle
• have incisions closed with sutures and skin adhesive or surgical tape
• be in surgery for one to three hours

After your breast augmentation, you can expect to:

• experience some pain, swelling and bruising around your breasts
• wear a surgical bra or breast binder around the clock to support the breasts and reduce swelling
• cleanse the incision sites and apply ointment, in some cases
• avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting for several weeks
• attend follow-up appointments with your surgeon to monitor healing and progress
• manage any discomfort with pain medication as prescribed by your doctor
• be aware of the risk of capsular contracture, a condition in which scar tissue around the implant hardens and causes the breast to feel firm or painful (can be treated with additional surgery)
• see final results no sooner than a few months after surgery as the implants may sit high on your chest at first and take time to drop / settle in

Benefits of breast augmentation

• A perkier, more youthful appearance. Breast implants can help to correct sagging breasts or make small breasts fuller to help you feel more attractive.
• Improved symmetry. If your breasts are asymmetrical, breast augmentation can help to create a more balanced and pleasing appearance.
• Enhanced self-esteem. Many women who undergo breast augmentation report feeling more confident and self-assured after their surgery. This is because they feel better about the way they look and are more comfortable in their own skin.