Breast Augmentation
How much is confidence worth? All women want to look and feel their best, but sometimes there is only so much makeup and nice clothes can do. Something as a simple breast augmentation can make you feel more physically attractive, confident, and can change your entire life for the better. It can give you the confidence you have always dreamed of having. Today, through modern technology, many women are able to alter the shapes of their bodies. Some with small, underdeveloped or asymmetrical breasts may choose to undergo breast augmentation, a safe, effective surgical procedure designed to improve the contour of a woman’s body by implanting specially designed materials beneath the breast or chest wall muscles (called breast implants).
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Before Breast Augmentation
Prior to breast augmentation surgery, a thorough examination of the breasts is made to determine the most effective surgical approach for you, and a complete medical history will be taken to evaluate the general health of the patient. The plastic surgeon will describe the procedure to you, the type of anesthesia to be used, what results might realistically be expected, and the possible risks and complications. Mammograms or x-rays may be taken as well as photographs. Preoperative instructions often include the elimination of certain drugs containing aspirin leading up to surgery to minimize the chance of excess bleeding during the procedure. Birth control and other estrogen-containing hormones may also be discontinued temporarily for the same reason. Antibiotics are often prescribed for a few days prior to breast augmentation surgery to prevent the risk of infection.
The Procedure
Breast augmentation will be performed in our surgical center under local or general anesthesia. The plastic surgeon may choose from a variety of surgical procedures and will discuss with you the different options depending upon what changes are desired. Prior to surgery, the breasts are carefully marked to indicate where incisions are to be made and premedication to relax the patient is administered.
One of the most commonly used techniques is where an incision is made in the lower portion of the breast near the chest wall or around the lower portion of the areola (the dark pink area circling the nipple). A location that is less frequently used is in the armpit. When the incision is made in the lower portion of the breast, breast tissue is raised to create a pocket either under the breast tissue or beneath the chest wall muscle. A breast implant containing a silicone gel, a saline solution, or a combination of the two is inserted into the pocket. In some cases, typically those in which there is breast asymmetry, inflatable breast implants may be used. With this procedure, the cosmetic surgeon can adjust the amount of inflation based on body size, and the realistic needs and wants of the patient. After the breast implants are securely in place, small sutures are used to close the incisions. A breast augmentation can take around to two hours or more, depending upon the type of procedure, and extent of the surgery.
New Image Cosmetic Surgery & Laser Center uses FDA approved MENTOR® MemoryShape™ Breast Implants for a natural silhouette that balances shape and feel. Contact us at 407-830-8746 to schedule a free consultation.
Following Breast Augmentation Surgery
Following breast augmentation surgery, the patient will wear either special garments or bandages. These are usually replaced in a few days with a surgical bra which is worn for several weeks. Pain after the breast augmentation is minimal to moderate and can be controlled with oral medication prescribed to you after surgery. Antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent infection. Instructions for the day of surgery include bed rest and limited activities. Strenuous exercises and overhead lifting must be avoided for several weeks and the physician will determine when normal activities can be resumed.