Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure that uses either breast implants or fat (specifically called fat transfer breast augmentation) to improve the overall balance, symmetry and fullness of breasts. Breast augmentation surgery is commonly sought by women for cosmetic reasons, but may also be needed after traumatic incidences or accidents.

The most common situations in which women seek breast augmentation surgery is to restore the volume of breast after a pregnancy or dramatic weight loss. In addition to being called breast augmentation, the surgical procedure in a clinical setting is more commonly referred to as augmentation mammaplasty.

Preparing for Breast Augmentation Surgery

Breast augmentation can be conducted in a variety of professional seytings, such as hospital or ambulatory surgical center. If breast augmentation surgery is performed in an outpatient setting (which is often very common,) it is highly recommended to have a support partner both during and after the surgery for at least a day or two, or until you are completely stable.

When preparing yourself for breast augmentation surgery, there are a number of considerations that you need to take. For example, your plastic surgeon may ask that you discontinue taking certain medications (depending on what they are.) Other preliminary measures include not taking aspirin or drugs for anti-inflammation, as well as to temporarily stop smoking. Your plastic surgeon will help you during the process.

Typical Process of Breast Augmentation

Although each case of breast augmentation is unique, there is often a standard process conducted by most plastic surgeons. Below is a general outline of the breast augmentation process.

Preliminary Breast Augmentation Surgery

After a thorough analysis has been done by the plastic surgeon, the next preliminary phase of breast augmentation surgery is to have the patient take medication to ensure patients' comfort. The two most common medications include intravenous sedation and a general anesthesia. The choice will depend on the patient's unique situation and the surgeons recommendation.

Surgical Incision

The surgical incision is perhaps the most important part of the breast augmentation procedure. The surgeon will make incisions inconspicuously or in certain areas near the breast that are hardly visible or noticeable. As with almost every case of breast augmentation surgery, incisions will vary depending on the type and extent of the implants, the anatomy of the patient, and the mutual preference between the surgeon and patient.

Insertion of Breast Implants

The next step of breast augmentation surgery is the insertion of breast implants. There are two options for breast implant insertion. The first is sub-muscular insertion, which the breast implant is placed under the pectoral muscles of the chest. The second option is to place the breast implant over the pectoral muscle (which is clinically called sub-glandular placement. Like most cases of breast augmentation, the placement option is determined on the unique situation and preferences of the patient and surgeon.

The Last Stage of Breast Augmentation

After the insertion and placement of the breast implants, the final stage of breast augmentation is to close the incisions. This can be done in a number of ways depending on the nature of the breast implants and the degree of the incision. Among the most common options are to cover the incision with surgical tape, use special skin adhesive to close the incision, or to use sutures. In time, the scars from the breast incisions will diminish.

Breast Augmentation Recovery

Directly after breast augmentation surgery, patients are often taken into designated room or area for recovery. The breasts are wrapped in gauze and often times a support bra is used to support the healing process. In most cases of breast augmentation, patients are permitted to go home within hours after the procedure.

Your plastic surgeon will provide specific instructions for post-surgery care and healing. This often focuses on cleaning the incision site and applying any ointment to help heal the scars. In some situations, medications may be given to minimize pain as well as the risk of infection. Additionally, some patients after breast augmentation surgery will be recommended to wear a special support bra for the first week or two after surgery.

During the first couple weeks of breast augmentation recovery, soreness and swelling is to be expected. A follow-up visit with your plastic surgeon will help you determine when you can resume normal lifestyle activities and behaviors.

For more information or to find plastic surgeons in San Francisco for breast augmentation, visit BayAreaBreastAugmentation.org.

1 comment:

  1. Thanks for posting, definitely going to subscribe! Can you post more information regarding breast augmentation prices and some before and after photos as well? Appreciate this much.

    ReplyDelete