Breast Augmentation

OBJECTIVES:

Breast augmentation, technically known as augmentation mammoplasty, is a surgical
procedure to enhance the size and shape of a woman's breast for a number of reasons:

•        To enhance the body contour of a woman who, feels her breast size is too small when
clothes fit well around the hips but are too large around the bust line.
•        To correct a reduction in breast volume after pregnancy.
•        To balance a difference in breast size.
•        As a reconstructive technique following breast surgery.

By inserting an implant behind each breast, surgeons are able to increase a woman's
bustline by one or more bra cup sizes. A breast implant is a silicone shell filled with either
silicone gel or a salt-water solution known as saline

CANDIDATES FOR BREAST AUGMENTATION:

The best candidates for breast augmentation are women who are looking for improvement,
not perfection, in the way they look. If you're physically healthy and realistic in your
expectations, you may be a good candidate.

CONSULTATION & PREPARATION:

In your initial consultation, we will evaluate your health and explain which surgical
techniques are most appropriate for you, based on the condition of your breasts and skin
tone. Be sure to discuss your expectations frankly with us. We will discuss the pros and
cons of the alternatives available with respect to the breast implant to be used, and the
placement of the implant before surgery, to make sure you fully understand the implications
of the procedure.(read FAQs)

We spoke earlier about realistic expectations. We just want to mention a fact that is
overlooked by many women who are considering breast enhancement. Women with
implants who have pretty, big breasts are women who, without implants, had pretty little
breasts.

Breasts as they occur naturally are not perfectly symmetrical i.e "sisters not identical
twins." Some balance can be achieved by differential filling and placement. Cleavage does
not occur naturally and attempts to place implants so close as to achieve this may result in
synmastia, (the touching of one breast prosthesis against another) which will result in an
unnatural look.

We will give you instructions to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating and
drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding certain medications.

RISKS & COMPLICATIONS:

Breast augmentation is straightforward ; but as with any operation, there are risks
associated with surgery and specific complications associated with this procedure.
As with any surgical procedure, excessive bleeding following the operation may cause some
swelling and pain. A small percentage of women may develop an infection around an
implant. Nipple or breast sensation may change, usually temporarily. Surgical removal and
replacement of the implants may be required to treat capsular contracture, which can
provoke breast hardness. Occasionally, breast implants may break or leak.

There is no evidence that breast implants will affect fertility, pregnancy, or your
ability to nurse. If, however, you have nursed a baby within the year before augmentation,
you may produce milk for a few days after surgery.(read FAQs)

HOSPITAL STAY/OUT-PATIENT:

Usually performed on an outpatient basis and you will be able to go home in the evening the
same day.

ANAESTHESIA:

Breast augmentation is performed under general anesthesia, so you'll sleep through the
entire operation.

OPERATING TIME:

2 – 3 Hours

THE SURGERY:

The method of inserting and positioning the implant vary from patient to patient. The
incision can be made either in the crease where the breast meets the chest, around the
areola (the dark skin surrounding the nipple), or in the armpit. The incision is placed so
resulting scars will be as inconspicuous as possible.

The breast tissue and skin, is lifted to create a pocket, either directly behind the breast
tissue or underneath your chest wall muscle (the pectoral muscle). The implants are then
centered beneath your nipples. Drainage tubes may be used following the surgery.

THE RECOVERY PERIOD:

There will be temporary soreness, swelling, a change in nipple sensation and possibly
bruising for two to three weeks, but you'll be up and around in 24 to 48 hours. Most of your
discomfort can be controlled by medication prescribed by us.
Within several days, the gauze dressings, will be removed, and you may be given a surgical
bra which should be worn as directed. Your stitches will come out in a week to 10 days, but
the swelling in your breasts may take three to five weeks to disappear.

A return to work, if not physically strenuous, is possible in a few days. Showering is
permitted between three and seven days following surgery. Driving is permitted after 2
weeks and exercise after 2 to 3 weeks. Avoid much physical contact, usually three to four
weeks after surgery. After several months, your scars will begin to fade, although they will
never disappear completely.

We will schedule frequent follow-up visits in the months after surgery, to check on the
healing. If you have any unusual symptoms between visits, or any questions about what you
can and can't do, don't hesitate to contact us.

THE NEW LOOK:

After surgery, breasts appear fuller and more natural in tone and contour. The result of
breast augmentation can be satisfying, even exhilarating, for many women and their
partner. If, with aging, the appearance of the breasts change, it is possible to undergo a
breast lift to improve contour.

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BREAST AUGMENTATION