Breast Augmentation

Breast size and shape are important to every woman. Plastic surgery is an ideal way to bring the breasts in line with the rest of the body-- whether that involves augmentation, reduction, lifting or reconstruction after mastectomy. Because breasts are composed of soft tissue, they can be shaped to be more anatomically natural. After breast surgery, many women find they are more confident and comfortable with their bodies.

Breast Augmentation:
Augmentation mammaplasty consists of placing a saline- or silicone-filled implant under the breast tissue or pectoral muscle to make it appear larger. The breast tissue itself is usually left undisturbed to function normally.

Procedure:
This operation is performed on an outpatient basis under a general anesthetic. Incisions may be placed in the crease under the breast or at the lower border of the areola. These variations, as well as placement above or under the pectoral muscle, will be explained to you.

The size of the implant selected to augment the breast depends on the wishes of the patient and the ability of the tissues to accept the implant while still appearing natural. Most patients are not interested in extremes-- they just want to look normal.

Recovery:
The post-operative discomfort in this operation is directly related to the amount of stretch necessary for the tissues to accommodate the implant. Oral muscle relaxants and analgesics are used to relieve pain.

It usually takes six weeks for the breasts to settle into their new form. Most patients can return to work in four to five days-- if their responsibilities do not require heavy lifting.

Breast Augmentation - Before

Breast Augmentation - After

The Implant Phenomenon:
Although breast augmentation is a relatively safe and simple procedure, there is one issue we must contend with. The body naturally tends to surround any foreign material (in this case, a breast implant) with a fibrous tissue covering. This is similar to the way an oyster forms a pearl around a grain of sand.

This encapsulating tissue sometimes tends to contract around the implant causing a tight feeling. This phenomenon is still not completely understood. But we have found by placing the implant as far under the skin as possible (under the pectoral muscle) has tended to reduce this contraction. If an uncomfortable capsular contracture occurs, it may need to be released surgically.

Risks:
Complications include the usual surgical risks: bleeding, infection and poor wound healing. There has been controversy concerning the immunological aspects of breast implants. So far, medical science has not been able to scientifically substantiate that breast implants cause any immunological changes.

However, women with a family history of immune disorders, such as Lupus Erythematosis, Scleroderma and Rheumatoid Arthritis, are advised to carefully weigh the benefits versus the risks of this procedure. Brest implants are a reversible operation and the implants can be removed, if desired.

Breast Cancer Detection:
In more than 40 years of use, breast implants have not been known to cause breast cancer in women. However, depending on circumstances of their placement and fibrous tissue contracture, detection of breast cancer may be more difficult. Placing the implant under the pectoral muscle makes this less of a problem.

So women who have had breast augmentation and are having a mammogram should inform the technician. This way, appropriate views are obtained to circumvent this difficulty.

Large, heavy, sagging breasts can be uncomfortable and disabling.

This is not usually a cosmetic procedure and is sometimes covered by insurance, provided you meet their breast volume guidelines.

Breast Reduction

Breast Reduction - Before

Breast Reduction - After

Procedure:

This is a major surgical operation sometimes requiring overnight hospital care. The sagging nipple/areola complex is lifted to the normal position and the excessive breast tissue surgically removed.

Recovery:
The stitches are removed in two weeks and most patients return to normal activity within three weeks.

Fear of losing a breast may transcend the fear of breast cancer itself. The awareness of reconstruction services may influence women who, fearful of losing a breast, might delay seeking medical attention when they first detect a lump in their breast. The following techniques are available:

Breast Reconstruction After Mastectomy