What is Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation is a very popular and common procedure that can increase your breast size by one or more cup sizes. By surgically inserting breast implants beneath the breast tissue or the chest muscle, women can achieve larger, shapelier breasts. This type of breast enhancement is sometimes performed in conjunction with a breast lift. Breast implants are commonly filled with silicone gel or saline. Both have been shown to be equally safe by the FDA. For some women, breast augmentation is an excellent way to enhance self-image and self-confidence.
Quick Facts
- LENGTH: 1.5 to 2 hours
- ANESTHESIA: General – Outpatient Surgery
- SIDE EFFECTS: Temporary soreness, swelling, change in nipple sensation, bruising. Breast sensitive to stimulation for a few weeks.
- RISK: Infection. Asymmetry. Tightening & hardening of scar tissue around the implant (“capsular contracture”), or rupture of implant; either may require surgery to release the scar tissue, to remove or replace the implant. Increase or decrease in sensitivity of nipples or breast skin, occasionally permanent.
- RECOVERY: Tasks of daily living may be resumed immediately. Back to non-strenuous work (no lifting greater than 10 lbs) in 3 to 5 days. No strong pushing, pulling or repetitive upper body movements for 4 – 5 weeks.
- EXERCISE: Resume low impact activities at 2 – 3 weeks (1/3 duration of exercise, repetitions, amount of weight and pulse rate). Moderate impact activity @ 4 – 6 weeks. Full intensity including high impact (running, horse back riding, high impact aerobics) @ 6 weeks.
- PHYSICAL CONTACT with Breast: 3 to 4 weeks.
- FADING & SCAR IMPROVEMENT: 6 to 12 months
- SWELLING: Moderate/Significant 4 weeks, Subtle/Mild 2 to 3 months, all of which are dependent upon extent of procedure(s).
- DURATION OF RESULTS: Variable. Implants may require removal or replacement at some time in the future. Time frame usually years or decades!
- OFFICE VISITs: 1st post op visit at 5 to 7 days / 2nd Visit 21 days / Anticipated # of visits: 4 to 5 the first 3 months then yearly.
- GARMENT WORN: Support as needed 6 weeks
- PAIN MEDS: Ibuprofen muscle relaxer or Narcotics as needed
Advantages of Silicone Gel Implants
Silicone gel implants are unique in that they closely resemble the feel of genuine breast tissue. While squishy in texture, it also has firm qualities to resemble a semisolid feel. One of the biggest advantages of sillicone gel implants is that they are significantly less likely to create a rippling appearance in the skin, creating a more even breast complexion.
Advantages of Fat Transfer
Fat transfer implantation allows for a natural means of augmenting the breasts. During this procedure, no foreign materials are used, only fatty tissue from other parts of the body. Perhaps the biggest advantage of a fat transfer implantation is the more natural-looking results along with slimmer contours in parts where fat is harvested for the procedure.