Breast Augmentation

As the name suggests, the goal of breast augmentation surgery – also called augmentation mammoplasty – is to enlarge one (in the case of severe asymmetry) or both breasts.  This can be accomplished with saline or silicone implants; a less common type of breast augmentation uses the woman’s own body fat.  This article will focus on breast enlargement with implants.

What Happens During Augmentation Mammoplasty?

Anesthesia

During your pre-surgical consultations, your surgeon will recommend a type of anesthesia.  Although many will urge IV sedation or general anesthesia, some physicians will consider a type of local anesthesia that allows the patient to be awake and have some say in the final size and placement of the implants.

Incision

Depending on what you have discussed in advance, the surgeon will next make an incision in one of four locations: near the areola (i.e., “periareolar incision”), near the armpit (i.e., “transaxillary incision”), in the crease of the breast (i.e., “inframammary incision”), or by the belly button (i.e., “the TUBA incision”).

Placement of the Implant

If you selected a silicone implant, the surgeon would now insert the implant and place it over (aka, subglandular placement) or under (aka, submuscular placement) the pectoral muscle.  If you chose a saline implant, the surgeon would first place the implant then fill it with saline through a thin tube.

Closing the Incision

After placing the implants, the surgeon will close the incision site with sutures and skin adhesive or tape.

Recovery

You will be asked to stay at the facility for a few hours to a few days so that your doctor can monitor your recovery.  It will be necessary to wear supportive bras for about a month following the surgery.  For a few days to a week, you should minimize lifting and carrying.  Most people can resume normal activities within a week after surgery.  Your surgeon will give you more detailed instructions for your recovery and will likely schedule a follow up visit before you leave the facility.

What Are the Risks of Breast Enlargement Surgery?

• The same risks that go with any surgery: infection, bleeding, scarring, compromised healing, poor reaction to anesthesia, blood clots, pain, and fluid accumulation.
• Capsular contracture – this occurs when hard scar tissue forms around the area of the implant.
• Rupture or leaks.
• The skin may wrinkle or pucker by the implant.
• Changes in the sensation of the nipples (permanently or temporarily).
• Additional surgeries may be necessary if/when the implant breaks.

How Much Does It Cost?

The 2010 national average was $3,486 (saline) and $3,797 (silicone). Read more about Costs.

What Are Common Reasons for Undergoing This Surgery?

• Wanting to feel more confident about one’s appearance.
• Hoping to be able to find clothing that fits well more easily.
• Seeking to restore one’s look before having children or following weight loss or weight gain (often in conjunction with breast lift surgery).
• Resolving severe breast asymmetry (most women’s breasts are slightly asymmetrical so this is not the reason in the vast majority of cases).

What Are Inappropriate Reasons for Getting Implants?

• Trying to please someone who is pressuring you to do so.

Looking for a magic solution to relationship, financial, career, or other problems in one’s life.