A breast augmentation is ideal for increasing the size of the breast, balancing size asymmetry or restoring post-pregnancy volume loss. Although a breast augmentation can improve asymmetry, it cannot completely correct it nor can it improve form defects.
This outpatient procedure is performed under general anesthesia and takes about two hours to complete. Once an incision is made, a saline or silicone implant is inserted. The incision can be made under the breast, around the nipple, in the armpit or in the belly button. Incision options can be expored during your initial consultation.Because our bodies are unique, we offer implants in different shapes, sizes and textures.
Breast Augmentation Recovery
Following the breast augmentation, a layer of elastic tape and light compression bra must be worn. Patients can typically resume light activities after three to four days. However, regular activities can not be performed for one to two weeks and strenuous activities (jogging or horseback riding) is not advisable for six weeks following the surgery .
As with any surgery, certain risks are innate with this procedure. One of the most serious, yet rare, risks associated with this procedure is infection. Infections typically surface within the first few weeks following the surgery but can show up later. In the event of an infection, the implant must be removed.
Another potential risk is implant rejection. Although very rare, the rejection of an implant is often due to an oversized implant and can make successful augmentation impossible. Luckily, most patients accept the implant without any difficulty.
Although most scars will fade, scarring at the incision is an inevitable result of a breast augmentation. Visibility will depend on the location of the incision and the quality of the patient's skin.
Breast Sensation After a Breast Augmentation
Temporary numbness or discomfort is common up to 12 months following a breast augmentation. In very rare cases, numbness can become permanent. The risk of permanent sensory loss is associated with implant size. The larger the implant, the higher the chance of permanent numbness.
Although most women are able to breast feed after a breast augmentation, it is a possibility that implants could complicate breast feeding.
Capsular Contracture from Breast Augmentation
One possible hazard of a breast augmentation is capsular contracture. This condition is a result of the natural tissue capsule that forms and unnaturally hardens around the implant. In mild cases, simple breast compression exercises can resolve this issue. In severe cases, however, additional surgery is required to alleviate the discomfort. As projected by the FDA, overall, annual risk of capsular contracture is 15 to 20 percent within the first three years of surgery.
To find out if breast augmentation is right for you, schedule a private consultation.
For a consultation or further information
please call 423-648-4011.
