Breast enlargement with saline breast implants or silicone breast implants is performed on women who experience dissatisfaction with the size, shape and fullness of their breasts.
The breasts may have lost fullness over time, or they may have always been underdeveloped. Breast augmentation surgery involves placement of a natural-feeling synthetic implant in the tissue beneath the breast.
Breast Augmentation Consultation: the first step
During your consultation, Dr. Branman will evaluate your health, your skin tone, body type and the condition of your breasts to determine the most beneficial option for you. You can also discuss the options available regarding breast implant size, breast implant type, breast implant texture, and breast implant shape. Dr. Branman is experienced with both silicone gel and saline implants, so he can explain the advantages and disadvantages of each. If Dr. Branman recommends a specific implant, he will discuss with you the reasons for that choice and the results that can be expected in regard to size and breast appearance.
See Little Rock breast augmentation before and after photos
Breast Augmentation Surgery
Breast augmentation is usually performed under a general anesthesia on an outpatient basis at a Surgery Center or a Hospital. Several different methods are used for placement of the breast implants.
An incision can be made in....
- the crease of the lower part of the breast
- along the lower half of the dark skin around the nipple
- in the armpit
- through the belly button in TUBA (transumbilical breast augmentation)
All of these methods are designed to result in minimal scarring so that the incisions are not easily detected. Working through the incision, your surgeon will lift your breast tissue and skin to create a pocket, either directly behind the breast tissue or underneath your chest wall muscle (the pectoral muscle). The implants are then centered beneath your nipples and adjusted to ideal size and symmetry before the incision is sutured closed.
The method of inserting and positioning your implant will depend on your anatomy and your surgeon's recommendation. Placement behind the muscle however, may be more painful for a few days after surgery than placement directly under the breast tissue. The surgery takes approximately one hour to perform.
After Breast Augmentation
A surgical dressing is usually placed to protect the incisions. Some swelling, bruising and minor discomfort may be experienced for several days after the surgery. Discomfort can be easily controlled with pain medication. Within several days, the gauze dressings, if you have them, will be removed, and you may be given a surgical bra. Your stitches will come out in a week to 10 days, but the swelling in your breasts may take three to five weeks to disappear You may also experience a burning sensation in your nipples for about two weeks, but this will subside as bruising fades.
Getting Back To Normal
You should be able to return to work within a few days, depending on the level of activity required for your job. Your breast surgeon will advise you when to begin exercises and normal activities. Your breasts will probably be sensitive to direct stimulation for two to three weeks, so you should avoid much physical contact. After that, breast contact is fine once your breasts are no longer sore, usually three to four weeks after surgery.
Breast augmentation scars will be firm and pink for at least six weeks. Then they may remain the same size for several months, or even appear to widen. After several months, your scars will begin to fade, although they will never disappear completely. Routine mammograms should be continued after breast augmentation for women who are in the appropriate age group, although the mammographic technician should use a special technique to assure that you get a reliable reading, as discussed earlier.
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