One of the most popular cosmetic procedure for women between the ages 18 to 50, is a breast augmentation. There are many reasons for its popularity but one of the most common reason is a boost in self-esteem. Breast augmentation procedures involves the use of breast implants and is used to increase breast size, improve breast contouring, and to create symmetry.
Breast Augmentation is also used for:
- Breast fullness
- Breast asymmetry correction
- Tubular breast correction
- Replace lost breast volume due to weight loss or pregnancy
- Previous breast implant replacement
- Improve self confidence
A good percentage of patients typically have breast augmentation to correct problems, however, there are many women who choose to have a breast augmentation for aesthetic reasons. Since your appearance impacts your self-confidence, this procedure can transform your life. It will change how you see yourself and it will change how others perceive and treat you.
Breast Augmentation Consultation
The very first step in the process will begin with the consultation. Dr. Jacono's board certified plastic surgery associates will listen to your goals and your expectations for the outcome of the procedure. This will allow them to better identify with what realistic results are achievable.
Also during the consultation, we will be able to help you determine what is the proper size implant to be used. This is extremely important in ensuring that the new breasts are proportionate to each patient's frame and look natural. To determine the best size is a simple step which involves placing various sized implants under a patient's shirt and then looking in the mirror to see how that would look. We will also take photos at a distance so that each patient can objectively see how the result would look. This also helps to eliminate a patient looking top heavy with unnatural looking huge breasts.
Another important aspect of the consultation process involves deciding on which type of implant will be used. There are two main types of breast implants that we use. The most common is the silicone implant which generally feels more like a natural breast. The silicone implants come pre-filled with gel and come in varying sizes. The other type of implant we use is a saline breast implant. The saline implants come empty and are filled once the implant is in place. A few benefits to the saline implant is that they require a smaller incision used during the surgery and when they are placed under the muscle on women who have some natural breast tissue, they feel natural as well.
Breast Augmentation Procedure
Prior to breast augmentation surgery, patients will be given a sedative and a local anesthetic to help you feel comfortable during the procedure. Patients who wish to be asleep during the procedure will be given a general anesthetic. Once the patient is relaxed or asleep, the necessary preparations and disinfecting will be done. Then the surgery will begin with an incision which will allow for our surgeon to insert the new implant that was chosen during the consultation process.
The incision location may vary depending upon what type of implant is being used and its placement. The implant can be placed either above the muscle or as in most cases, below the muscle using the inframammary approach.
Breast Implant Incision Placement
- Inframammary Incision: The incision is placed at the base of the breast tissue and allows for under the muscle placement. This incision leaves a well-hidden scar and reduces the risk of damaging the milk ducts or nerves.
- Peri-areolar: The incision is placed between the breast skin and areola, just under the nipple. The scar is slightly smaller but does require for more breast tissue to be cut through. It has the potential to affect breastfeeding and may damage nipple sensitivity.
- Transaxillary Incision: For this approach. The incision is placed under the arm, within the armpit. The scar is minimal and carries little risk of damaging the breast tissue. This incision is typically used with the placement of saline implants.
Once the incision is made, the new breast implants will be inserted and placed either above or below the muscle depending upon what was decided during the consultation. When implants are placed above the muscle, there is generally an easier recovery period, however, it also runs a higher risk of having the edges of the implant visible through the breast skin and it looks unnatural. Because of that reason, placing the implants below the muscle is usually preferred by most patients.
The final step in the procedure is to close the incisions. Over a period, the incision sites will heal and become less visible. The results of the surgery will be immediate and the entire procedure should take about 2 hours.
Breast Augmentation Recovery
Since breast augmentation is an outpatient procedure, most patients will be able to go home within a few hours following their surgery. Surgical dressings and bandages will be applied and should be removed after a few days. Some bruising and swelling will be evident and should fade within 3 to 5 weeks. Patients may be required to wear a surgical bra to aid in support until everything heals.
Most women are able to return back to work within a few days of the procedure, however, strenuous exercise should be avoided for the next 4 to 6 weeks. The incision sites will fully heal within 2 to 3 weeks but the scar will need to heal and fade for up to a year.
Breast Augmentation Candidates
Breast augmentation is a very personal surgical procedure that can help boost your self-esteem and should be a decision that each patient makes for them self.
Women who are interested in this procedure may be a good candidate if:
- They are in good physical health
- Have fully developed breasts
- Unhappy with current breast size (too small)
- Loss of breast shape or breast volume due to weight loss or child birth.
- Breasts are asymmetrical
- Have realistic expectations
To determine if you are a good candidate for breast augmentation, scheduling a consultation with our surgery center would be the best next step.
Contact our Long Island office at 516-773-4646 or our New York City location at 212-570-2500. You can also complete an online form and one of our dedicated staff members will contact you to schedule your appointment.