Breast augmentation, technically known as augmentation mammoplasty, is one of the most common procedures in plastic surgery, and its goal is to increase the size of the breast with the use of implants. 

If you feel that your breast are too small or with asymetry between them you can look for this option for you.  Also after pregnancy or weight loss, even after suffering trauma, breast cancer or if you suffer of a congenital situation, breast implants can be a solution to the problems following this conditions.

If you have any doubt after reading this information you can contact us.  This information can not and is not intended to replace the information given by your plastic surgeon. The general information that you found as an introduction for the procedure section applies for Breast Augmentation as well.

Breast implants types

 There are different types of breast implants, determining factors include your personal preferences, case and your plastic surgeon's recommendatios.  In general, there are two big groups, the silicone and the saline filled implants, they are both approved by the FDA (Food and Drugs Administration for USA) and there is scientifical information developing every day about their uses ad safety.

These implants may vary also in size and shape, having different profiles and consistence.  They will be placen in a pocket that could be directly behind the breast tissue or under the pectoral muscle, may surgeons prefer this last option, it needs a more special technique but it provides a more natural look to your breast. 

Before Mammoplasty

Your surgeon will evaluate the size and shape of the breast, skin tone and general health.  In some cases a mammografy could be ask also to have a reference before the implants. There is a manual coming with the implants, you could ask for it before the procedure to read it and be fully informed about them.  

You should take in mind that pregnancy could change the results of the surgery, so if you are considering being pregnant in the future you should consider to pospone the procedure a bit. There is no data saying that breast implants are related to more incident of breast cancer, however, it’s more difficult and requires more experience to detect it in early stages, you should take this in count also in case of family antecedents of breast cancer and others.

Breast augmentation is not included in most insurance systems, althought important asymetry and reconstruction after tumors removal are included, you should discusse with your insurance company before the procedure.

You need to stop smoking in advance before surgery, avoid aspirin and some anti inflammatory drugs for some time because they may increase bleeding.  More guidelines and specific instructions for your case will be provided by your surgeon.  During this procedure it is not necesary to have blood transfusions.

The Surgery

This procedure is performed in an operating room, usually with a short staying (you are admitted one day and dismissed the next one of the surgery) in the clinic or hospital.  Is done under general anesthesia and in very spectific cases it could be performed under local anesthesia with sedation.

The surgeon will use a small incision according to your anatomy and preferences, usually around the areola, under the breast (in the point where the breast meets the chest) or in the armpit. These incisions are usually small to make the scar the less visible possible.  Then a pocket for the implant is done and the implants placed in position one after the other.  It usually takes 1 to 2 hours. 

In some cases the surgeon will leave drainage tubes that will be removed in couple of days.  A bandage can be applied above your breast and you will need a soft supportive bra for couple of weeks after the procedure.

Possible Complications

The most common complications are:

• Capsular contracture:

The scar around the implant is a normal process, but when this is tighten in excess it makes the breast feel more hard and to feel some discomfort. This situation could need a revision surgery to be solved.

• Swelling, pain and blood accumulation

• Infection

• Partial or complete changes of sensibility, temporal in most of the cases.

• Rupture of the implant: 

With or without trauma. Remember that the implants are not designed to last forever (usually for 10 to 15 years).  With saline filled implants the content will be absorbed quickly by the body, making a clear difference in the size of the breast. With silicone ones, it is not obvious and requires more screening.

• For mammographic examinations you will need a technican experienced in working with augmented breast and additional views could be required.

The Results

During the first 48 hours aftersurgery it is normal to feel some discomfort, sored and feeling tired, but you will start feeling better every day.  The dressing will be removed in several days and then you will need to use a supporting bra.  A burning sensation in your nipples may appear but it should be fine in about 2 weeks.  Your breast will be more sensitive at the beginning and sweeling following the surgery may need 5 to 6 weeks to disappear completely.

The stitches used can be absorbable or not, in the second case they should be removed in 7 to 10 days after the procedure.  In couple of days you should be able to go back to work, but you need to avoid to lift heavy things above your head and vigorous movements specially of the arms for 2 or 4 weeks, being extremely gentle with your breast during this first month, and avoiding sexual activity at least during the first week.

The results will be seen inmediately, but they will start improving (including the scars) after 6 weeks.  You will be in follow up with your surgeon to evaluate your condition.  It is important, having breast implants or not, to practice a monthly breast self exam and regular diagnostic screenings.

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