General Procedure
Breast augmentation involves making a small incision to insert a breast implant into the breast area in order to enlarge the breast. The surgery is commonly performed on an outpatient basis at a hospital or state-of-the-art surgical unit while the patient is under a general anesthesia and asleep. There are several possible locations for the small incision that will be used for inserting the breast implant. The most frequent technique utilizes an incision made in the lower portion of the breast. Another technique, though less frequently used, involves making an incision in the armpit. A third technique makes an incision around the areola (the darker skin surrounding the nipple). Another technique uses an incision in the belly button, thus reducing the chance of scarring in the breast area. The best technique will be decided together between the patient and Dr. Sacks during the consultation.
During surgery, the breast tissue is raised to create an open pocket under the breast tissue or beneath the chest wall muscle. Inserting an implant behind each breast can increase a woman's breast size by one or more bra cup sizes. Implants typically contain a saline solution (similar to saltwater) although other implants contain silicone gel. In some circumstances, particularly those in which there is breast asymmetry (uneven breast size), an adjustable implant may be used to allow the surgeon to adjust the level of fill to attain breast symmetry and balance. Surgery typically lasts from 1 to 2 hours.
Recovery Process
Generally, post-operative instructions call for plenty of rest and limited movement in order to speed up the healing process and recovery time. A comfortable sports bra is applied right after surgery to aid the healing process and to minimize movement of the breasts. The specialized surgical bra will need to be worn for several weeks. Patients sometimes report minor pain associated with the surgery. This pain can be treated effectively with oral medication. While complications are rare, patients can minimize potential problems by carefully following the directions given by Dr. Sacks after surgery.
Complications of Breast Augmentation (Enlargement)
Pain is usually moderate and helped by prescribed pain medication-take only as directed! The pain will decrease after a few days. Just follow Dr. Sacks directions which will be given to you at your pre-operative visit.
Bruising is usually very mild and also helped by ice packs. It causes the skin to be a little tender until it goes away.
Swelling is usually temporary lasting usually for just a few days and is helped just like pain by applying ice packs
Infection is extremely rare as the patient is started on antibiotics prior to and after the surgery. In the most unusual event of allergy or infection occurring, the antibiotic may need to be changed
Numbness if it occurs at all is almost always temporary but may take months to return to normal
Asymmetry is usually slight as every effort is made to achieve symmetry but may be a reflection of marked preoperative differences.
Incision scar may at first be noticeable but usually fades out settles down to being almost un-noticeable.