Breast augmentation, clinically known as augmentation mammaplasty is the surgical increment of breasts with saline or silicone filled implants to create an aesthetic look. Fat transfer may also be used in augmenting breasts. Implants are sometimes used in breast reconstruction after mastectomy. A board certified plastic surgeon should perform breast implantation for you to minimize the likelihood of complications. Augmentation mammaplasty is one of the popular procedures performed by Dr. Bloch, a world-class plastic surgeon with over 30 years experience. Call Body by Bloch or go to www.bobybybloch.com to book a consultation. Consultation with the doctor will help you know the right breast treatment for your individual case.
What breast augmentation surgery won’t do
Breast augmentation does not correct severely drooping breasts. If you want your breasts to look fuller and to be lifted due to sagging, a breast lift may be required in conjunction with breast augmentation.
Breast lifting can often be done at the same time as your augmentation or may require a separate operation. Your plastic surgeon will assist you in making this decision.
How are implants placed?
Placement of implants requires surgery and is therefore done under general anesthesia which puts you to sleep throughout the operation. After the anesthesia has taken effect, your surgeon will make an incision to make way for the implant. This may be under your breasts, in the armpits or around the nipple. The type of incision made depends on the implant to be used, your anatomy or the amount of enlargement desired. The implant is then placed in a pocket made either under the breast tissue or under the chest muscle. Dr. Bloch then uses stitches, sutures or surgical tapes to close the incisions. The whole surgical procedure takes 1 to 2 hours and you may stay in the hospital for 1 to 3 days before you are discharged.
Recovery after breast implantation
Your breasts will be covered with gauze after the surgery. You may have drainage tubes, which will be removed in a few days. You may need to wear a surgical bra as you heal.
You’ll need to take it easy for a few days after your breast augmentation surgery. For instance, you shouldn’t do any heavy lifting for up to six weeks after getting your implants.
Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen may help relieve discomfort. Your doctor may also prescribe pain medication for you.
You will probably have some swelling in the area where the surgery was done. Over time, the swelling should ease and the scars will fade.
Are there any risks with breast implants?
Breast implants are artificial and their placement in the body may cause some risks which include:
- Breast pain
- Swelling
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Scarring
- Capsular contracture (hardening of tissue surrounding implant)
- Changes in breast and nipple sensation
- Breast unevenness in shape or size
- Implant leakage or rupture – if saline implants leak, the saline liquid will safely be absorbed in the body and the implant shell deflates. A silicone implant rupture is not obvious (silent rupture) as the silicone gel may stay inside the shell or leak outside the shell.
Dr. Bloch will explain these and other breast augmentation complications during your consultation. Observing postoperative instructions including follow-up care will reduce most of these risks.
