About Breast Augmentation

Women who choose to have breast augmentation surgery do so to improve their self-image. Some feel dissatisfied because their breasts never developed to a size that meets their expectations. Others want to bring balance to a breast that is somewhat smaller than the other. Often, women want the procedure to restore their natural breast volume, which may have decreased as a result of pregnancy, weight loss or aging. Any one of the following feelings or conditions may indicate that you are a good candidate for breast augmentation:
You are bothered by the feeling that your breasts are too smallWeight loss has changed the size and shape of your breastsAfter having children, your breasts have become smaller and have lost their firmnessDresses that fit well around your hips are often too large at the bustlineOne of your breasts is noticeably smaller than the otherYou feel self-conscious wearing a swimsuit or form-fitting top.In addition, there are several musts for anyone considering breast augmentation:
If you are a young woman, your breast development must be completeYou must be emotionally mature and fully understand your own motivations for wanting the procedure (the best reason is to feel better about yourself)You must have realistic expectations, knowing that the procedure can bring improvement, but not perfection.What should I expect from the consultation?

A personal consultation is the first step for every patient considering breast augmentation. During this meeting, I will assess your physical and emotional health and discuss your specific cosmetic goals for surgery. You should arrive at the consultation ready to provide complete information about:
Previous surgical proceduresPast and present medical conditionsMedications you are taking, including herbal remedies or nutritional supplementsThe results of mammograms you have hadAny history of breast cancer in your familyI will help you understand the factors that may affect your results. For example, gaining or losing a significant amount of weight may change your breast size. Pregnancy can also alter breast size in an unpredictable way. As part of the consultation, your breasts will be examined and perhaps photographed for your medical record. During this exam, I will consider the size and shape of your breasts, the quality of your skin and the placement of your nipples and areolas (the pigmented skin surrounding the nipples). I may recommend that you have a baseline mammogram before surgery to assist in detecting any future changes in your breast tissue. After surgery, your mammograms will be done differently because special imaging techniques must be used to visualize the breast tissue. I may suggest additional cosmetic procedures to improve your results. For example, if your breasts are sagging, a breast lift procedure may need to be performed in conjunction with your breast augmentation surgery.

How is breast augmentation performed? The incision is small and is usually made in one of three locations: underneath the breast just above the crease; around the lower edge of the areola; or within the armpit. The majority of the time I use the lower edge of the areola incision because my patients have been so happy with the unnoticeable scar. When I use the armpit incision I use an operative endoscope so that precise pocket dissection can be performed. Once the incision is made, a pocket is created into which the implant is inserted. This pocket is made either directly behind the breast tissue or beneath the pectoral muscle located below the breast tissue. The decision of placement is individualized for each patient.

What can I do to prepare for my surgery? When the date for your surgery has been set, I will provide you with specific instructions for the days immediately before and after your surgery. Including: o avoiding certain medications that may complicate surgery or recovery (aspirin and ibuprofen) Stopping smoking for one week before and after surgery is recommended o arranging for help or special care following surgery.

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