What is breast augmentation?
A woman’s breasts are a symbol of femininity, but factors like genetics, age, weight fluctuations, or childbearing can negatively impact their appearance. Breast augmentation surgery involves placing breast implants, utilizing a patient’s natural fat, or a combination of both to achieve fuller, more youthful-looking breasts with cleavage. Breast augmentation surgery can beautifully enhance or restore your natural appearance.
What are the benefits of breast augmentation?
The skilled surgeons at Optum Medical Care strive to enhance your natural beauty. The benefits of breast augmentation surgery include:
- Restored volume
- Enhanced appearance
- Better fit in clothing
- Improvement in body image and self-confidence
- Natural, long-lasting results
Who is the ideal candidate for breast augmentation?
Women with fully developed breasts who are seeking improved breast contour are generally candidates for breast augmentation surgery. Ideal candidates are ideally at or close to their ideal weight, do not smoke or use nicotine products, and have completed breastfeeding at least 6-8 months prior to surgery. They should also be in good general health. Patients who are 40 years old or older should complete a screening mammogram before undergoing the procedure.
What can I expect from recovery?
After a breast augmentation procedure, you can expect your breasts to be tender, sore or swollen breasts, which may take several weeks to subside. You will wear a surgical bra to support the breasts and help the implants settle into place. Initially, your implants may sit high on your chest, but they will gradually settle into their final position over a few months. Most patients will be able to return to work after about a week and resume their regular routine within 4 to 6 weeks.
What options and techniques are available?
Decisions regarding breast augmentation — such as type, size, placement and shape — are highly individualized and best made collaboration with your surgeon. There are various types of breast implants to choose from, but the two most common are saline and silicone, both of which have different characteristics but are equally safe and effective.
Together, you and your surgeon will decide the ideal placement for the implants. They can be placed above the pectoralis muscle (subglandular or prepectoral) or below the muscle (submuscular or prepectoral). Your surgeon will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each option, considering your anatomy and personal goals to decide which placement will yield the best results.
You and your plastic surgeon will also discuss the incision site. Implants can be placed through the crease under the breast (inframammary fold) or through the edge of the areola (infra-areolar). Regardless of the incision type, your skilled surgeon will ensure that the incision site is well-hidden and causes minimal scarring.
Saline implants
Saline implants have a silicone shell and are filled with an adjustable volume of sterile saline (saltwater). While there are fewer options when it comes to choosing saline implants, the incisions required for their placement may be slightly smaller compared to those needed for silicone implants. Your surgeon will discuss all your options with you and help you select the implants that best meet your goals.
Silicone implants
Silicone implants are made entirely of silicone and can offer a more natural look and feel, depending on your anatomy. With hundreds of options available, silicone implants vary in size, projection and feel. Your surgeon will discuss all the options with you and help you choose the implants that best meet your goals.
Inframammary incision
The implants are placed through an incision that is typically about 3 cm in length, located within the natural fold on the underside of the breast (inframammary fold).
Infra-areolar incision
The implants are placed through a 3 cm semi-circular incision made at the lower edge of the areola (infra-areolar).
Subglandular (pre-pectoral) placement
Implants are placed above the pectoralis major muscle (subglandular or pre-pectoral). Generally, recovery may be quicker with this approach compared to a submuscular placement, but patients must meet specific anatomic requirements for this to be an option..
Submuscular placement
Implants are placed below the pectoralis muscle (submuscular). This approach if often preferred for very thin patients, however your surgeon will discuss all options with you and help you decide which approach is best.
Subfascial placement
In this approach, the implants are placed above the pectoralis muscle (pre-pectoral), but under a very thin layer of connective tissue that separates the muscle from the overlying breast tissue.
Frequently asked questions
How will pregnancy affect my breast implants?
Pregnancy and breastfeeding can affect every woman’s breasts differently. Generally, the breasts tend to enlarge during pregnancy and may lose some volume in the postpartum period, especially if you breastfeed. This can cause the breasts to droop over the implants, which may require a lifting procedure (mastopexy) to correct. It is best to delay any surgical decisions for at least 6-8 months after pregnancy or when you have finished breastfeeding.
What are the risks of breast augmentation?
In addition to the general risks of cosmetic surgery, such as unpredictable scarring, infection, asymmetry and bleeding, breast augmentation has some specific risks. These include:
- Implant Malposition: Unnatural shifting of the implant.
- Capsular Contracture: Hardening of the scar tissue around the implant.
- Visible Implant Contour: The implant’s shape may be visible through the skin.
- Implant Rupture: The risk of implant rupture increases over time, as implants are not considered lifetime devices.
How should I prepare for breast augmentation?
While there is no specific preparation required for breast augmentation surgery, there are some general guidelines to follow:
- Ideal Weight: Be at or close to your ideal weight.
- No Smoking or Nicotine: Avoid smoking or using nicotine products.
- Breastfeeding: If you have breastfed, ensure it has been at least 6-8 months since you completed breastfeeding.
- General Health: Be in good overall health.
- Mammogram: If you are 40 years old or older, complete a screening mammogram before the surgery.
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