Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation, or augmentation mammoplasty, is one of the most common cosmetic surgery procedures performed today. Over time, factors such as age, genetics, pregnancy, weight changes, sun exposure, and gravity can cause the size and shape of the breast to change. Women who are dissatisfied with the size of their breasts, or have experienced changes in breast appearance can achieve a fuller, shapelier breast with breast augmentation. During breast augmentation, a breast implant is placed inside a pocket formed in the breast tissue. This can help to increase or balance the size of the breast, restore breast volume, or restore the shape of the breast after partial or total loss.

Types of Implants

Saline implants are made of a silicone shell and are filled with sterile saline solution, or salt water. Sterile saline solution has the same salt concentration as the body, which means that the solution presents very little health risk.

Silicone implants (approved by the FDA in 2006), are made of a silicone shell and are filled with silicone gel. There is no significant evidence that suggests silicone implants increase your risk for breast cancer, connective tissue disorders, or autoimmune disease.

Breast implants differ by shape, texture, and profile. Breast implants may be round or contoured, and may have a smooth or textured surface. The breast implant profile may be standard, moderate, or high. Lastly, breast implants vary by size, or volume. The type, style, and size of breast implants you choose are determined by your lifestyle, body contours, the amount of breast tissue you have, and the cup size and appearance that you would like to achieve. During the consultation Dr Byrd will guide you in choosing the breast implant option that is right for you.

Placement Options

Breast implants can be placed in two general locations. Submuscular placement refers to an implant that is placed partially or completely beneath the pectoralis muscle, against the chest wall. In contrast, subglandular placement refers to an implant that is placed beneath the breast tissue, but above the pectoralis muscle. Dr. Byrd will help determine the implant placement that is best for you.

To see some of the breast implant options available today, see Mentor’s website.

Surgical Description

Breast augmentation procedures typically take approximately one to two hours to complete. Prior to the start of your procedure, the treatment area will be thoroughly cleansed. Depending on the nature of the procedure and your preferences, a local anesthetic in combination with intravenous sedation or general anesthesia will be used.

There are three different techniques that surgeons may use while performing a breast augmentation. In the areola technique, a single small incision is usually placed along the perimeter of the areola. This is one of the most common incisions used in breast augmentation. The armpit (axillary) technique places the incision in the natural fold of the armpit, therefore there will be no scar on the breast. In the under the breast technique, the inframammary incision is placed along the crease of the lower portion of the breast.

Once an incision has been made, an instrument known as a retractor is used in order to gain better access to the breast tissue below. The tissue is carefully separated with a minimally invasive cautery device and a scalpel, in order to reach the area of the breast in which the pocket will be formed. Using an instrument known as an elevator and fingers, a pocket created in which to place the breast implant.

Saline implants are inserted into the breast empty and are filled during surgery. A tube attached to a valve on the breast implant allows saline to fill the implant. Once the implant is inserted into the pocket, a syringe is used to fill the implant with a sterile saline solution. When the implants are filled, the breasts are visually inspected to ensure that they are symmetric. Additional saline solution may be added to one or both breast implants and the pocket and position of the implant adjusted to ensure that the desired look is achieved. Once satisfied, the fill the tube used to deliver the saline solution is removed which seals the implants.

Recovery

The incisions will be closed using sutures in the breast tissue. Sutures, skin adhesive or surgical tape may be used to close the skin. The scars from the incisions will fade slowly over several months, but it may take up to a year for them to refine completely. As with any surgery, you will most likely experience some pain and swelling after surgery. The majority of the swelling will likely subside within a few days. However, some swelling may persist for several weeks.

Dr. Byrd will place you in a special bra or compression garment to aid in the healing process. Compression garments provide support and comfort, minimize swelling, and help to maintain the position of the implants. This is why it is important that you wear the compression garment as recommended by your physician.

You will most likely be able to return to work within three to seven days after your procedure. However, it is important that you avoid any strenuous activity and lifting for approximately three to four weeks. Doing so may delay healing and could damage the implants. You will be able to notice the final results from your procedure once the implants have settled and the swelling has subsided completely. It is important to realize that your breasts will continue to change shape over time. However, the results from breast augmentation are typically long-lasting, which means that your breasts will maintain the fuller, shapelier appearance that you desire for years to come.

To learn more about Breast Augmentation contact Byrd Aesthetic Today!

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