Breast Implants
Considering a Breast Augmentation?
The technical name for a breast augmentation is augmentation mammoplasty. Basically it is a procedure designed to increase the breast or bra size of an individual. It has become the most common cosmetic surgical procedure performed. Women seek consultation regarding breast augmentation for the following concerns:
- Enhancing smaller breasts
- To restore loss of breast volume from weight loss or pregnancy
- To improve contour and symmetry of a woman's body
- To correct asymmetric, uneven shaped, breasts
- To improve the shape and contour of sagging breast, this is usually combined with a breast lift or mastopexy.
- For reconstruction after breast removal from cancer, trauma, or hereditary defects.
Who is a candidate for breast augmentation?
Some women want a subtle change while others want a more dramatic outcome. Whatever your concern, breast augmentation has become a very popular modality to improve self-image and confidence. Think carefully about your expectations and discuss them with Dr. Stiller. A thorough understanding and explanation of what you are looking for is critical to you and your results. The best candidates for a breast augmentation are woman who want improvement, not necessarily perfection. Every woman is an individual and has a different expectation of what they want to achieve. Your consultation is a time for you to communicate your expectations to Dr. Stiller and to work together to choose the best procedure to give you what you want.
Types of implants
Implants can come in different sizes, textures, shapes, profiles, and fillers. During your consultation you will have the opportunity to try on the implants and see how they feel and look with your body. Dr. Stiller will guide you on choosing the best implant for your body type.
- Sizes are based on width and projection (how much it expands the breast off the chest wall).
- Textures are either smooth or rough/textured surface.
- Shape is either round or anatomic (teardrop).
- Profiles are low, medium or high. Depends on the base diameter and projection.
- Fillers are either silicone or saline. We will have both implants available to look at, feel, and try on.
The shell of the implant is a solid silicone, rubber shell that may have a smooth or textured covering. The FDA (U. S. Food and Drug Administration) has approved after extensive research and investigation both saline or silicone as the filling substances of breast implants. Before placement of breast implants, a woman's breasts should be fully developed. Saline implants are approved by the FDA for woman at least 18 years of age, while silicone implants are approved for woman at least 22 years of age.
What happens at the consultation?
This is the time you get to become comfortable with Dr. Stiller and the staff at UPLIFT. You should express your desires and expectations for the surgical procedure. Dr. Stiller will evaluate your medical health and explain the surgical technique of a breast augmentation. Your questions will be answered as thoroughly as possible. A breast examination will be performed assessing the quality of your skin and breast tissue. If you have breasts that sag, a breast lift may be recommended. You will have a discussion about the types of implants and get to try the implants on. Measurements will be taken to ensure the implant you choose will give you the expectations you desire. Dr. Stiller will go over the risks and potential complications of the breast augmentation and will explain the pre-operative and post-operative process.
Risks?
A breast augmentation is a relatively straightforward operation, but all procedures carry some uncertainty and risks. Listed below are some of the potential risks/complications:
- Capsular contracture- this is when the scar around the implant tightens and makes the implant feel hard. It may make the implant move up higher on the chest. This can be treated in many ways but may require repeat surgery to "break" the scar tissue or remove the scar tissue or implant.
- Bleeding- as with any surgery there is a risk of bleeding. This may form a blood collection called a hematoma and may require drainage. It is important to discuss any history of excessive bleeding or family history of bleeding.
- Nipple sensation change- some woman will have increased sensation, decreased sensation, or loss of sensation. These symptoms may disappear in time but are occasionally permanent.
- Deflation- leaking or rupture of the breast implant is possible.
- If it is a saline implant, the salt water will be absorbed by your body and the breast appearance will decrease in size.
- If it is a saline implant, the salt water will be absorbed by your body and the breast appearance will decrease in size.
- If it is a silicone implant, the silicone may stay within the shell of the implant or go into the surrounding capsule surrounding the implant. It may not be noticeable. For this reason, it is recommended you have annual follow-up with Dr. Stiller to assess the viability of the breast implant. This is a service free of charge for all those who undergo surgery. Also, screening with an MRI is recommended after 3 years.
What do I need to do before surgery?
During your consultation an explanation of pre-operative and post-operative plan will be reviewed. A list of medication and herbal supplements that should be stopped 2 weeks before the operation will be provided to you. You may be required to have a pre-operative mammogram. A few days before the surgery, one of our staff will notify you what time you are expected to arrive for your surgery and will go over last minute details. At that time, you will be given an opportunity to ask any further questions.
What do I do on the day of the operation?
No eating or drinking for 8 hours before your surgery. You should wear a button down or zipper front shirt and sneakers. Do not wear sandals or slippers. You will meet with a member of our staff to prepare you for surgery. Dr. Stiller will see you prior to your surgery to answer any final questions you may have and meet any friends or family you have brought along. You will meet with our anesthesia provider to discuss anesthesia. For any friends or family that may accompany you, we have a lounge area to comfortably pass the time while they wait. You will need someone to drive you home after the operation and stay with you for at least 24 hours after the operation is completed.
What kind of anesthesia will be provided?
A breast augmentation can be performed with sedation or general anesthesia.
What should I expect postoperatively?
You will have post-operative dressing and possible a surgical bra. You will likely feel tired and sore for a few days following the breast augmentation, but we will want you walking immediately after the surgery. Most of your discomfort can be controlled by the prescribed pain medications. The gauze and dressing will be removed at your first post-operative visit by your surgeon. The stitches will be removed at 10 days after the operation. The swelling in your breast takes several weeks to disappear.
When can I get back to normal?
Depending on your job, you should be able to get back to work in a few days. Resumption of exercise and normal activity will be directed by your physician during your follow-up evaluations. Your scars will initially be red but should fade over time. You should avoid breast stimulation until the soreness of your breast is relieved, usually a few weeks.
Your New Look
The decision for a breast augmentation is a very personal choice. The most important thing is how you feel. If your goals have been met, then your surgery was successful. However, it is very important to continue follow-up as recommended by your surgeon to assess the condition of your breast implants. Routine mammogram should be continued for woman of the appropriate age group. You will have to inform the mammogram technician that you have had a breast augmentation.
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Patient Testimonials
Dear Dr. Stiller,
Thank you so much for your beautiful work and care. You and your personnel did such a good job through the process, making me feel so comfortable with my decision.
-TW-