If you're considering breast
augmentation...
Breast augmentation, technically known
as augmentation mammoplasty, is a
surgical procedure to enhance the size
and shape of a woman's breast for a
number of reasons:
- Enhance the body contour of a
woman who, for personal reasons,
feels her breast size is too small.
- Correct a reduction in breast
volume after pregnancy.
- Balance a difference in breast
size.
- Reconstructive technique
following breast surgery.
By inserting an implant behind each
breast, surgeons are able to increase a
woman's bustline by one or more bra cup
sizes. If you're considering breast
augmentation, this will give you a basic
understanding of the procedure--when it
can help, how it's performed, and what
results you can expect. It can't answer
all of your questions, since a lot
depends on your individual
circumstances. Please ask your surgeon
if there is anything you don't
understand about the procedure.
About The Surgery
The method of inserting and positioning
your implant will depend on your anatomy
and your surgeon's recommendation. The
incision can be made either in the
crease where the breast meets the chest,
around the areola (the dark skin
surrounding the nipple), or in the
armpit. Every effort will be made to
assure that the incision is placed so
resulting scars will be as inconspicuous
as possible.
Working through the incision, the
surgeon will lift your breast tissue and
skin to create a pocket, either directly
behind the breast tissue or underneath
your chest wall muscle (the pectoral
muscle). The implants are then centered
beneath your nipples.
Some surgeons believe that putting the
implants behind your chest muscle may
reduce the potential for capsular
contracture. Drainage tubes may be used
for several days following the surgery.
This placement may also interfere less
with breast examination by mammogram
than if the implant is placed directly
behind the breast tissue. Placement
behind the muscle however, may be more
painful for a few days after surgery
than placement directly under the breast
tissue.
You'll want to discuss the pros and cons
of these alternatives with your doctor
before surgery to make sure you fully
understand the implications of the
procedure he or she recommends for you.
The surgery usually takes one to two
hours to complete. Stitches are used to
close the incisions, which may also be
taped for greater support. A gauze
bandage may be applied over your breasts
to help with healing.
