Am I a Good Candidate for Breast Augmentation?

If you’re not confident about your appearance and have been feeling this way for a while, then this surgery is probably right for you. The fact that you’ve read this far is also another good sign that you’re ready, we strongly encourage patients to be informed and we are always available to answer any questions. Schedule an appointment with a cosmetic surgeon to have all your questions thoroughly answered.

What Risks Are Associated With Breast Augmentation Surgery?

The most common problem, capsular contracture, occurs if the scar or capsule around the implant begins to tighten. This squeezing of the soft implant can cause the breast to feel hard. Capsular contracture can be treated in several ways, and sometimes requires either removal or “scoring” of the scar tissue, or perhaps removal or replacement of the implant.

As with any surgical procedure, excessive bleeding following the operation may cause some swelling and pain. If excessive bleeding continues, another operation may be needed to control the bleeding and remove the accumulated blood.

A small percentage of women develop an infection around an implant. This may occur at any time but is most often seen within a week after surgery. In some cases, the implant may need to be removed for several months until the infection clears. A new implant can then be inserted.

These surgical procedures will be performed on an out-patient basis, in the hospital, or in an ambulatory surgery center under general anesthesia or IV sedation.

Is Nipple Sensitivity Affected By Breast Augmentation?

Some women report that their nipples become oversensitive, undersensitive, or even numb. You may also notice small patches of numbness near your incisions. These symptoms usually disappear with time, but may be permanent in some patients.

Are Breast Augmentation Scars Visible?

Following breast augmentation surgery, your 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.

How Is the Breast Augmentation Procedure Done?

Breast augmentation is usually done under general anesthesia on an out-patient basis at a surgery center or a hospital. Several different methods are used for placement of the 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 or in the armpit, or through the belly button known as a 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. The implants are then 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.

What Is the Recovery Process Like?

You should be able to return to work within a few days, depending on the level of activity required for your job.

We 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.

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.