Is a Breast Augmentation Right for Me?

 

 

 

Also known as augmentation mammoplasty, breast augmentation surgery

involves using implants to fulfill your desire for fuller breasts or to restore

breast volume lost after weight reduction or pregnancy.  Implants also may be

used to reconstruct a breast after mastectomy or injury.

 

If you are dissatisfied with your breast size, breast augmentation surgery (either

breast enhancement or breast enlargement) is a choice to consider. Breast

augmentation can:

 

• Increase fullness and projection of your breasts
• Improve the balance of your figure
• Enhance your self-image and self-confidence

 

What it won't do

 

Breast lifting can often be done at the same time as your augmentation or may

require a separate operation.  Dr. Duncan Miles will assist you in making this

decision.  Breast augmentation does not correct severely drooping breasts.  

If you want your breasts to look fuller and to be lifted due to sagging, a breast

lift may be required in conjunction with breast augmentation.

 

Is it right for me?

 

Breast augmentation may be a good option for you if:

• You are physically healthy
• You have realistic expectations
• Your breasts are fully developed
• You are bothered by the feeling that your breasts are too small
• You are dissatisfied with your breasts losing shape and volume after
• pregnancy, weight loss, or with aging
• Your breasts vary in size or shape
• One or both breasts failed to develop normally

 

 

Preparing for breast augmentation surgery 

 

Prior to breast surgery, Dr. Duncan Miles may ask you to:

• Get lab testing or a medical evaluation
• Take certain medications or adjust your current medications
• Get a baseline mammogram before surgery and another one after surgery to help detect any future changes in your breast tissue
• Stop smoking well in advance of your breast augmentation surgery
• Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding

 

Breast implant risks and safety information

 

The success and safety of your breast augmentation procedure depends very much on your being completely candid with Dr. Duncan Miles during your consultation.  By being actively involved your consultation about breast augmentation, problems, concerns and questions you may have can be addressed by Dr. Duncan Miles Plastic Surgeon.  You'll be asked a number of questions about your health, desires and lifestyle.

• Why you want breast augmentation surgery, your expectations and desired outcome
• Medical conditions, drug allergies and medical treatments
• Use of current medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco and drugs
• Previous surgeries
• Family history of breast cancer and results of any mammograms or previous biopsies

 

The risks of breast implants and complications after breast augmentation include:

• Unfavorable scarring
• Bleeding (hematoma)
• Infection
• Poor healing of incisions
• Changes in nipple or breast sensation, may be temporary or permanent
• Capsular contracture, which is the formation of firm scar tissue around the implant
• Implant leakage or rupture
• Wrinkling of the skin over the implant
• Anesthesia risks
• Fluid accumulation
• Blood clots
• Pain, which may persist
• Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications
• Possibility of revisional surgery

 

Although there potentially may be complications with breast implants, they do not impair breast health.  Careful review of scientific research conducted by independent groups such as the Institute of Medicine has found no proven link between breast implants and autoimmune or other systemic diseases.

 

What Happens During Breast Augmentation Surgery?

 

Step 1 - Anesthesia

Medications are administered for your comfort during breast augmentation surgery. The choices include intravenous sedation and general anesthesia.  Dr. Duncan Miles will recommend the best choice for you.

 

Step 2 - The incision

Incisions are made in inconspicuous areas to minimize visible scarring.  Dr. Duncan Miles plastic will discuss which incision options are appropriate for your desired outcome. Incision options include: Inframammary incision, Transaxillary incision and Periareolar incision

 

Incisions vary based on the type of implant, degree of enlargement desired, your particular anatomy, and Dr. Duncan Miles preference.

 

Incisions vary based on the type of implant, degree of enlargement desired, your particular anatomy, and Dr. Duncan Miles preference.

 

Step 3 - Implant choice: Silicone breast implants or saline breast implants

Breast size and shape are important, so be honest and open about your expectations when talking with Dr. Duncan Miles.

Implant type and size will be determined not just on your desired increase in size but more importantly on your breast anatomy, skin elasticity and body type.

 

Options for Breast Implants

 

Saline breast implants are filled with sterile salt water. They can be filled with varying amounts of saline which can affect the shape, firmness and feel of the breast. Should the implant shell leak, a saline breast implant will collapse and the saline will be absorbed and naturally expelled by the body.  Currently Saline breast implants are FDA-approved for augmentation in women 18 years of age and older.

 

Silicone breast implants are filled with an elastic gel.  The gel feels and moves much like natural breast tissue.  If the implant leaks, the gel may remain within the implant shell, or may escape into the breast implant pocket.  Currently, silicone breast implants are FDA-approved for augmentation in women 22 years of age and older.

A leaking implant filled with silicone gel may not collapse.  If you choose these implants, you may need to visit your plastic surgeon regularly to make sure the implants are functioning properly.  An ultrasound or MRI screening can assess the condition of breast implants.

Implant manufacturers occasionally introduce new styles and types of implants, so there may be additional options available.  Saline or silicone implants may be recommended at a younger age if used for reconstruction purposes.

 

Step 4 - Inserting and placing the breast implant

 

 

 

 

 

After the incision is made, a breast implant is inserted into a pocket either:

• Under the pectoral muscle (a submuscular placement), or
• Directly behind the breast tissue, over the pectoral muscle (a submammary/ subglandular placement)

The method for inserting and positioning implants depends on the type of implant, degree of enlargement desired, your body type, and your surgeon’s recommendations.

 

Step 5 - Closing the incisions

Incisions are closed with layered sutures in the breast tissue and with sutures, skin adhesive or surgical tape to close the skin. Over time the incision lines will fade.