Breast Augmentation
Shorter surgery time, faster recovery and less discomfort
Augmentation mammaplasty is a surgical procedure performed to enlarge the breasts for a number of reasons:
- To enhance the body contour of a woman, who for personal reasons feels that her breast size is too small.
- To correct a loss in breast volume after pregnancy.
- To balance breast size, when there exists a significant difference between the size of the breasts.
- To restore breast shape after partial or total loss of the breast(s) for various conditions.
- To replace existing breast implants for cosmetic or reconstructive reasons.
Breast enlargement is accomplished by inserting a breast implant either behind the breast tissue, or partially under the chest muscles. Incisions are made to keep scars as inconspicuous as possible, usually under the breast, around the lower part of the areola, or in the armpit. Breast implants are manufactured in a variety of shapes, sizes, and form. Because each patient is special and different, your surgeon will guide you in deciding what implant type, size and form will be used. Your input will be used to select the surgical approach for inserting and positioning breast implants. The shape and size of the breasts prior to surgery will influence both the recommended treatment and the final results.
Conditions that involve sagging of the breast or diminished skin tone (stretch marks) may require additional surgical procedures (see breast lift topic) to reposition the nipple and areola upward and to remove loose skin.
Conditions that involve sagging of the breast or diminished skin tone (stretch marks) may require additional surgical procedures (see breast lift topic) to reposition the nipple and areola upward and to remove loose skin.
Note: Breast implant surgery is contraindicated in women with untreated breast cancer or pre-malignant breast disorders, active infection anywhere in the body, or individuals who are currently pregnant or nursing. Individuals with a weakened immune system (currently receiving chemotherapy or drugs to suppress the immune system), conditions that interfere with blood clotting or wound healing, or have reduced blood supply to the breast tissue from prior surgery or radiation therapy treatments may be at greater risk for complications and a poor surgical outcome. If the breasts are not the same size or shape before surgery, it is unlikely that they will be completely symmetrical afterward. According to the USFDA, a woman should be at least 18 years of age for cosmetic breast augmentation.
