BREAST ENLARGEMENT (AUGMENTATION) |
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A surgical procedure used to enhance breast size by one or more bra cups What is breast augmentation? Breast enlargement (breast augmentation) is a surgical procedure to enhance the size and shape of a woman's breasts by placing implants either behind the breast tissue or under the breast muscle.
How is it done?Breast augmentation enhances the size and shape of the breasts through the placement of implants. Implants are made of biocompatible material and have a smooth, textured silicone shell or a polyurethane coated shell. The shell shape can be based on either round or anatomical styles. The implants are filled with silicone gel. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONSWhat happens during a consultation for breast enlargement?During a consultation for breast enlargement, your medical history will be evaluated and the details of the procedure discussed. Dr. Bezic will discuss certain choices that will need to be made such as the size and shape of the implant as well as the incision and implant placements. You will be able to view before and after photographs of our previous breast enlargement patients. Preoperative instructions will be given to you once you decide to go ahead with the breast enlargement surgery. Where is the breast enlargement procedure performed?The breast enlargement surgery is performed in a surgical centre on an outpatient basis. What form of anesthesia is the breast enlargement procedure performed with?The breast enlargement procedure is most often performed with the use of general anesthesia.How is the breast enlargement procedure performed?Incisions are first made which may be located under the breast, in the armpit, or around the nipple. The breast implant is then inserted through the incision and may be located wither under the breast tissue (sub glandular) or under the muscle (sub muscular). Once positioned, the incisions are then closed. How long is the surgery for breast enlargement?Breast enlargement usually takes one to two hours to complete. Where are the incisions made for breast enlargement?There are several possible locations for breast enlargement incisions including under the breast, in the armpit, or around the nipple. Will breast enlargement leave scars?Breast enlargement will result in scars. However, the incisions and resulting scars tend to be well concealed either under the breast, in the armpit, or around the nipple and they will generally fade with time. Will I experience much pain after my breast enlargement surgery?Patients can expect some pain and tightness in the breast area for the first day or two after surgery. This can be controlled with medication. What can I expect of the recovery after breast enlargement?Any pain that patients experience during the first day or two after surgery can be controlled with medication. Patients can expect the breast to be somewhat swollen during recovery, though the actual shape and size will be apparent within a few weeks. Some asymmetry may result, though most breasts are naturally asymmetrical to some degree. A bra will need to be worn at all times except when showering for two weeks after surgery. Heavy lifting will need to be avoided for two to three weeks. When can I return to work after undergoing breast enlargement?Patients are often able to return to work within a few days after Breast enlargement surgery. When can I exercise after undergoing breast enlargement?Moderate exercise, including walking or riding a stationary bike, can be resumed after the first week. More strenuous exercise like jogging or aerobics will need to be postponed for three to four weeks. Do breast implants have an expiration date once they have been placed, meaning is there a fixed time when they need to be changed or replaced?No, if your body shape is stable and there are no problems with the implants, there is no fixed time frame for when they need to be replaced. However, if your body changes with age or pregnancy, or your tastes change, or you develop problems with the implants they might have to be changed at some point in the future. How can I prevent breast implants going “hard”?This is a condition called "capsular contracture” which is a contraction of the natural internal scar tissue that surrounds the implant. It is a small risk, but one that must be considered. Should capsular contracture occur and bring discomfort or distortion to the breast(s), a surgical procedure can be performed to correct the situation. In some cases, the implants must be replaced or removed altogether. Following pre and post- operative instructions can also help reduce your risk as will the use of polyurethane coasted implants. Will a breast implant lift my breasts up?An implant will expand the size and alter the shape of a breast. The shape of some implants can mediate mild breast sag, but will not change the position of the nipple or counteract significant droop. Please see the section under breast lift (Mastopexy). Can I breastfeed after breast augmentation surgery?In most cases, women can successfully breast-feed following breast augmentation. However, a small percentage might experience some difficulty. Will breast implants prevent me from getting screening mammograms?No. You can still get mammograms following breast augmentation. However, the mammogram will need to be performed in a slightly different manner than for people without breast implants. You might need to have the procedure performed using different techniques. Most radiology centres are familiar with how to perform mammograms in people who have had breast augmentations but you should confirm this prior to having it done. |