Breast Augmentation View Photos

Breast augmentation, also known as augmentation mammoplasty, is a surgical enhancement procedure to accentuate the size and shape of a woman's breasts.  In 2007, it was the most common cosmetic surgical procedure in the US.  While breast augmentation will make the breasts larger, the surgery will not move the breasts closer together or lift sagging breasts.  In this case, a patient may need a breast lift with augmentation.  Breast augmentation is tremendous help to patients who desire a fuller profile, who have lost breast volume due to pregnancy or nursing, or who have undergone breast reconstruction and want to gain a more natural look again.  Typical cost of the surgery ranges from $5500 to $6500, depending of the implant type.  The safety profile of this procedure has improved immensely in the last few years. 

Reasons for Considering Breast Augmentation:

  • Enhance body shape if breasts are too small.
  • Increase breast volume after pregnancy and nursing.
  • Equalize a difference in breast size (cup size) to gain breast symmetry.
  • Reconstruct breasts following a mastectomy or injury.

General Procedure

Breast augmentation involves making a small incision to insert a breast implant into the breast area in order to enlarge the breast.  The surgery is commonly performed on an outpatient basis at a hospital or state-of-the-art surgical center (Centennial Surgery Center) while the patient is under a general anesthesia.  In some cases, the procedure can be done with sedation.  Dr. V will customize the safest option for you. 

Incision

There are several possible locations for the small incision that will be used for inserting the breast implant.  The most frequent technique utilizes an incision made in the lower portion of the breast (inframammary).  Another technique, though less frequently used, involves making an incision in the armpit (transaxillary).  A third technique makes an incision around the areola (the darker skin surrounding the nipple).  A newer technique uses an incision in the belly button, thus reducing the chance of scarring in the breast area.  Dr. V will guide you in this process and decide the best technique for you.

Implant Placement

During surgery, the breast tissue is raised to create an open pocket under the breast tissue or beneath the chest wall muscle (pectoralis muscle).  Inserting an implant behind each breast can increase a woman's breast size by one or more bra cup sizes.   It is not true that implants should only be placed behind the muscle.  For thin patients, who have minimal amount of breast tissue above the nipple, an implant placed behind the muscle gives a more natural appearance.   In patients with adequate fullness in the upper part of the breast, implants can be placed above the muscle.  There are other factors that should be considered and Dr. V will guide you in coming up with the best result for you. 

Saline or Silicone

In November 2006, the FDA approved the use of Cohesive or Memory Gel (silicone) implants.  These new silicone implants are a special polymer that does not leak like the old style silicone implants.  They remain in a cohesive state and do not leak into the pocket.  After extensive study, these silicone gel implants failed to show any links to connective tissue disease and certain autoimmune diseases.  These implants have a more natural feel and have become very popular today. 

Saline implants have been the mainstay of implants through the previous 14 years, when silicone implants were banned by the FDA.  If these implants leak, the saline is reabsorbed by the body with little consequence.  With correct sizing and dimensions, they also feel and look natural.  Some women feel more comfortable with these implants because of the leak issue.  Both implant  types offer advantages and disadvantages.  Dr. V will find the best answer that is right for you.

How to choose a size?

This is perhaps the most fun part of the procedure.  The goal of the augmentation is to restore volume and projection to the breast.  During a consultation, patients can "try on" different sized implants to see which size will gives the most natural appearance.  Being attentive to a patient's wishes and desires is extremely crucial in finalizing the correct size. 

The patient's height and body shape, along with the pre-surgical dimensions of her breast plays a prominent role in determining the size to acheive a natural look.  Implants come in various dimensions and profiles and implants that are too large can distort the anatomy.  Dr. V will guide you in making the best choice to suite your individual goals.

Post-Surgery Recovery Process (On-Q Pain Pump)

Generally, post-operative instructions call for plenty of rest and limited movement in order to speed up the healing process and recovery time.  At South Shore Plastic Surgery, we use the On-Q pain pump system for post surgery pain relief.  This is a tiny catheter that Dr. V leaves in the pocket after the surgery is finished.  Over the course of the following 3 days after the surgery, the pain pump delivers a numbing medicine directly into the pocket.  This has revolutionized post surgery recovery from breast augmentation!  Ace wrap or a sports bra is applied right after surgery to aid the healing process and to minimize movement of the breasts.  Once the bandages are removed, a specialized cupless sports bra will need to be worn for several weeks.  Patients sometimes report minor pain associated with the surgery after the pain pump is removed.  This pain can be treated effectively with oral medication like tylenol or motrin. While complications are rare, patients can minimize potential problems by carefully following the directions given by Dr. V after surgery.