Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation, sometimes referred to “breast aug” or “boob job” by patients, involves using breast Implants or fat transfer to increase the size of the breasts. This procedure can also restore breast volume lost after weight reduction or pregnancy, achieve a more rounded breast size asymmetry. Breast augmentation surgery:

• Can increase fullness and projection of the breasts.
• Can Improve balance of breast and his contours and by the way enhance the self-image and self-confidence.

However, breast augmentation surgery does not correct severely drooping breasts. For that reason, a breast lift may be required along with a breast augmentation for sagging breast to look fuller and lifted.

What happens during Breast Augmentation procedure?

Before the surgery begins, an IV (intravenous) line is put into a vein in the patient‘s arm or hand. This line delivers fluids and medicines. The patient will be given medicine to keep her pain-free during the surgery. This would be a general anesthesia, which puts the patient in a state like a deep sleep .A tube may be inserted into the patient’s throat to help her breathing.

The surgery is carried out under general anesthesia and needs a hospital stay for one night.

To insert the breast implant, the surgeon will make a single incision in one of three places:

• The crease under the breast implant (inframammary).
• Under the arm (axillary).
• Around the nipple (periareolar).

After making an incision, the surgeon will separate the breast tissue from the muscles and connective tissue of the chest. This creates a pocket either behind or in front of the outermost muscle of the chest wall (pectoral muscle). The surgeon will insert the implant into this pocket and center it behind the nipple. When the implant is in place, the surgeon will close the incision typically with stitches and bandage it with skin adhesive and surgical tape.

Recovering at home

The patient should follow any directions given and recommended by the surgeon.

• Taking any prescribed medicines exactly as directed.
• Wearing the special bra or bandage were given before discharge as directed by the surgeon.
• Caring for the incisions and the bandages as directed by the surgeon.
• Following the surgeon’s guidelines for showering: no swimming; no bathing in bath tub or any other activities that could cover the incisions with water until it fully heals.
• When showering, the incision sites should be washed gently then pat them dry. The patient should not apply lotions, oils, or creams until after they are fully healed.
• Patient should not raise her arms above breast level for 10 days. Should not lift, push or pull heavy stuffs for at least one week.
• Should not drive for 15 days. Later when riding a car, carefully position the seatbelt so that it does not squeeze the breasts.

What should the patient expect after a breast augmentation?

• Breast swelling may last for 3 to 5 weeks. The implant position may change slightly as the patient heals.
• Breast implants won’t prevent breasts from sagging. For that reason, the surgeon might recommend a breast lift in addition to breast augmentation to correct sagging breasts.
• Breast implants are not guaranteed to last a lifetime. The average life span of an implant is about 10 years. Implant rupture is possible. Also, the breasts will continue to age and factors such as weight gain and loss might change the way the breast look. These issues will lead to more surgery.
• Breast implants might hamper breast-feeding. Some women are able to successfully breast feed after breast augmentation. For others, however, breast-feeding is a challenge.
• Patient might need additional surgery after breast implant removal. She might need a breast lift or other corrective surgery to help restore the breast’s appearance.

Understanding the difference between a breast lift and a breast augmentation

All breast surgeries are not created equal. Breast augmentation and breast lift (mastopexy) are popular ways to boost the appearance, but they offer different benefits. Breast augmentation increases the cup size of the breasts, while a lift raises drooping tissue. The two procedures may also be done together to get the breast shape, position, and size that patient desires. A breast lift and breast augmentation take about 3 to 5 hours.

Breast Reduction, why it is performed?

It is a major operation that can help make the breasts feel smaller, lighter and give them better shape. Breast reduction may be recommended if the breasts are very large (macromastia) that cause chronic pain that affects the quality of life. Patient may be having headaches, neck pain, or shoulder pain. Chronic nerve problems caused by poor posture, which result in numbness or tingling in the hands or arms of the patient. Chronic rashes under the breasts, and finally cosmetics problems, such as persistent bra-strap groove, scar-like lines in the skin, difficulty finding clothes that fit, and low self-confidence. The procedure is carried out under general anesthesia. It takes 2 to 5 hours and needs to spend an overnight at the hospital.

Preparing for the surgery

Two weeks before the surgery’s date, the patient should stop taking blood thinning medicines. These include aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, mortin), Warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven), and others.

In case of smoking, the patient should stop smoking or minimize cigarettes. Because smoking slows healing and increases the risk for problems.

Patient should stop taking birth control pills at least 15 days before the surgery.

Patient should tell the surgeon what medicines is taking, even medicines, supplements or herbs she brought without a prescription.

During the procedure

The surgeon makes three surgical incisions around the areola (the dark area around the nipples), from the areola down to crease under the breast, and across the lower crease of the breast.

Extra fat, skin, and breast tissue are removed. The nipple and areola are moved to a higher position. Generally the areola is made smaller. And then, the surgeon closes the cuts with stitches to reshape the breast.

Patient should prepare loose clothing that buttons or zips in front.

After the procedure

A bandage will be wrapped around the breasts and chest. The patient is expected to wear a surgical bra as long as the surgeon tells her. This will likely be for several weeks.

Drainage tubes will be attached to the patient breasts that will be removed within a few days. The pain should decrease in a few weeks. Surgeon will prescribe pain killers and antibiotics to be used during the following days after the operation.

Within a few weeks, the swelling and bruising around the incisions should disappear. The patient may have a temporary loss of sensation in the breast skin and nipples after surgery. Sensation may return over time.

Prognosis

The patient is likely to have a very good outcome from the breast reduction surgery. She may feel better about her appearance and be more comfortable with various activities.

Pain or skin symptoms, such as striation, may disappear. She needs to wear a special supportive bra for a few months for comfort and to help with healing.

Scars are permanent. They will be more visible for the first year, but will then fade. Anyway, the surgeon will make his best to place the surgical cuts so that scars are hidden. Cuts are usually made on the underside of the breast and around the areola. Most of the time, the scars should not be noticeable, even in low-cut clothing.