What is breast enlargement surgery?
Breast augmentation, or augmentation mammoplasty, is a procedure to reshape the breast in order to make it larger. The procedure can also be performed to reconstruct the breast following breast surgery.
Possible complications associated with breast augmentation surgery
Possible complications associated with breast augmentation surgery may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Infection is most common within a week after surgery. The infection can be treated with antibiotics or, in severe cases, the implant is removed for several months until the infection is gone before a new implant is inserted.
Oversensitive, undersensitive, or numb nipples
Oversensitivity, undersensitivity, and/or small patches of numbness near the incisions may occur in some patients. The symptoms usually disappear with time, but may be permanent in some patients.
A breast implant is a silicone shell filled with either silicone gel or saline:
The leak or rupture of a gel-filled implant can cause one of two things: if the shell breaks but the scar capsule around the implant does not, changes may not be detected; if the scar also breaks or tears, especially following extreme pressure, the silicone gel implant may move into surrounding tissue. The gel may collect in the breast and cause a new scar to form around it, or it may migrate to another area of the body. The shape or firmness of the breast may change. A second operation and replacement of the leaking implant may be necessary.
Implants are envelopes filled with liquid that are implanted into the breast tissue, and are used to form the shape of the breast. Implants may be filled with saline or silicone gel. Each type of implant has advantages and disadvantages. Your physician will discuss the types of implants with you and seek your input about the type of implant to be used.
There is no evidence that fertility, pregnancy, or the ability to nurse will be affected by breast implants. However, if you have nursed a baby within the year before breast augmentation, you may produce milk for a few days after surgery. This may cause some discomfort, but can be treated with medication prescribed by your physician.
About the procedure
Although each procedure varies, generally, breast augmentation surgeries follow this process:
Location options may include:
Anesthetic options may include:
Average length of procedure:
Location of incision:
The method of inserting and positioning the implant depends on the patient's anatomy and the surgeon's recommendation. The incision can be made:
Working through the incision, the surgeon lifts the breast tissue and skin to create a pocket, either directly behind the breast tissue or underneath the pectoral muscle in the chest wall. The implants are centered beneath the nipples.
When the dressings are removed, the patient may be given a surgical bra. Stitches will be removed in a week or so.