Face/Neck Lift Questions

Breast Augmentation, technically known as augmentation mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure intended to enhance the size and shape of a woman’s breast.

By inserting a breast implant behind each breast, surgeons are able to increase a woman’s bustline by one or more bra cup sizes. Breast augmentation surgery is one of the most in-demand aesthetic procedures performed in the United States. Because a woman’s breasts — natural or surgically modified — are an integral part of her physical and emotional identity, it’s important to point out what breast augmentation can and cannot do. Some women approach this surgery unrealistically, thinking that a bigger, more shapely bustline will change their lives in extraordinary ways. The procedure can give you greater self-confidence, which in turn may change the way that people respond to you.

Patients undergoing a facial rejuvenation surgery must give up smoking one month prior to surgery. Smoking inhibits blood flow to the skin and can seriously interfere with the healing process and may increase risk of infection.

The surgery will be performed at Renewal Surgery Center, which is a licensed and certified facility. The surgery itself takes just over an hour. Absorbable sutures are used to close the incisions and may also be taped for greater support. A bandage may be applied over your breasts to help keep the implants settled.

You’re likely to feel tired and sore for a few days following your surgery, but you’ll be up and about in 24 to 48 hours. Most of your discomfort can be controlled by medication. You will be given detailed instructions in caring for your incisions and when to remove your bandages. As you begin the healing process, you will experience different sensations as your nerves heal. Everyone heals differently and some patients do not experience any of these symptoms at all. Remember that you will have surgery on two breasts and each one will heal differently than the other.

Most patients are able to return to work in a week, depending on the level of activity required for your job. You may begin driving once you are off your pain medication for at least 24 hours. Follow your doctor’s advice on when to begin exercises and normal activities.

Your scars will be firm and pink for at least six weeks. After several months, your scars will begin to fade. Although they will never disappear completely, the final appearance of the scar is usually a thin pencil line that hides in the breast fold or around the areola.

As with any operation, there are risks associated with this procedure. Fortunately, complications are very uncommon.

Capsular contracture occurs if the scar or capsule around the implant becomes thickened and tightens around the implant. This can cause the implant to feel hard or to become misshapen. This can be treated by removal or scoring of the scar tissue. This occurs in less than 5% of cosmetic breast augmentation patients.

As with any surgical procedure, excessive bleeding can occur following a breast augmentation procedure and may cause unusual swelling and pain. If excessive bleeding occurs, another operation may be needed to control the bleeding and remove the accumulated blood. This is a very rare complication.

Post-operative infection is uncommon, but possible. We reduce this to a minimum by giving intravenous antibiotics during the procedure. Most infections are mild and resolve without incident. If a serious infection develops, the implant will probably need to be removed. The implant can then be replaced with a new implant several weeks later.

Nerves that supply skin or nipple sensation may be cut or damaged while the pocket or space for the implant is being created. If sensory loss occurs, the nerves slowly recover over a period of 1-2 years in about 85% of cases.

With saline implants, if for any reason the valve or implant covering fails, the saline will leak and be excreted into your body. This causes no medical harm, as the saline fluid in the implant is the same fluid used in intravenous injections. The implant will need to be replaced in a secondary procedure.

With gel implants, the gel is a solid. If the shell tears, the gel will stay in the pocket and will not leak outside of the implant pocket. The breast may become firmer, more tender, or assume a different shape if a gel implant fails. The implant would need to be replaced. The implant manufacturer guarantees the implants and would provide a new implant for you and often will cover some of the expenses of the replacement surgery.

If you have been thinking about breast augmentation cosmetic surgery for the last couple of years, you know it is a very difficult decision to make. There are many questions you have about the surgery, the implants and recovery. A consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon is your first step to learn more about this surgery and about the physician performing it. However, you are ready to see the doctor NOW, and you do not want to wait 4-8 weeks for a consultation. Unfortunately, there are times it can take that long for your appointment. As a convenience to our patients, you can now meet with our Patient Advocate for your first consultation. This complimentary consultation is very informative and you will learn so much about the complete process. This is truly a one-on-one educational experience from someone who has been through the process herself. She can share her personal experience as well as give good concise information on the procedure.

Yes, a breast augmentation can be a great way to fix all of these issues. There are definitely ways to change your breast shape without going extremely large with your implant. Schedule a consultation with a highly trained and experienced surgeon to ensure the best results.