breast augmentation
Technically known as augmentation mammoplasty, breast augmentation surgery is for women who would like to have larger, fuller or shapelier breasts. Some women opt to have this procedure in conjunction with a breast lift to improve the contour of breasts that are sagging or have lost firmness.
Through the insertion of an implant behind each breast, your bustline can be increased by one or more bra cup sizes, depending on your breast anatomy and body type. Dr. Chariker will determine the optimal implant size and shape after frank and realistic discussion with you about your body and your desired outcome. His goal with each patient is to achieve a well-proportioned, symmetrical result.
The typical procedure involves making an incision where scars will be the least visible – in the crease where the breast meets chest, around the areola (the dark skin surrounding the nipple), or in the armpit – then placing an implant in a “pocket” directly under the breast tissue and chest muscle. This procedure is typically done on an outpatient basis, and the patient is back to work within a few days to a week.
- In/Outpatient
- During/After
- Side Effects
- Recovery
- Duration
In/Outpatient, Anesthesia, Length of Procedure
Dr. Chariker generally performs breast augmentation surgery in our nationally accredited outpatient surgical facility. The procedure takes between one and two hours, and generally is performed under a local anesthesia combined with a sedative to make you drowsy.
During and After
The implant itself is a silicone rubber pouch filled with either silicone gel or a saline (salt water) solution. The type of incision Dr. Chariker will make depends on your anatomy, but can be made either in the crease where the breast meets the chest, around the areola, or in the armpit. He may occasionally place the implant through an incision at the navel. In every case, Dr. Chariker will place the incision so that resulting scars will be as inconspicuous as possible.
Working through the incision, Dr. Chariker will lift your breast tissue and skin to create a pocket, either directly behind the breast tissue or beneath the pectoral muscle and on top of the chest wall. Once he positions the implant within this pocket, he closes the incisions with sutures, skin adhesive and/or surgical tape. He may also apply a gauze bandage over your breasts to help with healing.
You'll likely feel tired and sore for a few days following your surgery, but you'll be up and around in 24 to 48 hours. Dr. Chariker will prescribe medication that will control most of your discomfort. Within several days, the gauze dressings, if you have them, will be removed, and you may be given a surgical bra to wear for a time. You may also experience a burning sensation in your nipples for about two weeks, but this will subside as bruising fades. Your stitches will come out in a week to 10 days, but the swelling in your breasts may take three to five weeks to disappear.
Side Effects and Risks
Usual side effects from an augmentation procedure include temporary soreness, swelling, change in nipple sensation, and bruising. Additionally, breasts may be sensitive to stimulation for a few weeks.
The most common complication from this procedure is capsular contracture, when scar tissue forms around the implant, tightening or squeezing the soft implant and causing the breast to feel hard. This condition sometimes requires removing the scar tissue, or removal or replacement of the implant. Occasionally, breast implants may break or leak. Rupture can occur as a result of injury or even from the normal compression and movement of your breast and implant, causing the man-made shell to leak. If a saline-filled implant breaks, the implant will deflate in a few hours and the salt water will be absorbed and naturally expelled by the body. In a small percentage of cases, an infection may develop around an implant, sometimes requiring the implant to be removed for several months until the infection clears. A new implant can then be inserted. Some women report that their nipples become oversensitive, undersensitive, or even numb. You may also notice small patches of numbness near your incisions. These symptoms usually disappear with time, but may be permanent in some patients.
A final note: Mammography is technically more difficult for women with breast implants and requires specialized techniques and additional views. You must be candid about your implants when undergoing any diagnostic breast exam. In many cases, an ultrasound exam or MRI may be recommended in addition to mammography.
Recovery
You should be able to return to work within a few days, depending on the level of activity required for your job. Your breasts will be sensitive to direct stimulation at first, so you should avoid physical contact for three to four weeks. Your scars will be firm and pink for at least six weeks. Then they may remain the same size for several months, or even appear to widen. After several months, your scars will begin to fade, although they will never disappear completely.
Duration of Results
While the great majority of breast augmentation procedures are successful, the duration of results is variable, as implants may require removal or replacement (as described in Side Effects and Risks, above).