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Breast Augmentation, also known as Augmentation Mammoplasty, involves using breast implants to fulfill your desire for fuller breasts or to restore breast volume lost after weight reduction or pregnancy.  If your breasts are are not in the desired placement and lack volume, often times a mastopexy (breast lift) is combined with a breast augmentation for optimum results.   

At the consultation with your physician you will be asked to discuss a number of different medical questions as well as detail your medical family history in relation to breast matters.  Be prepared to discuss why you want breast augmentation surgery, your expectations and desired outcome.  A list of your current medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco and drugs as well as all medical conditions, drug allergies and previous and current medical treatments will be reviewed.  Depending on your age, some physicians may require you to have a baseline mammogram or standard mammogram prior to surgery. 

For your comfort, your physician will administer medications to make you more comfortable during your surgery.  Your physician will outline which form of anesthesia he/she will use for your surgery.  Your choices include general anesthesia or intravenous sedation.

In consultation, your physician will discuss with you the best incision site for your desired outcome.  Factors that dictate your incision site include; the amount of enlargement you desire, your anatomy, the type of implant and the preference of your physician.  There are a variety of different incision types to consider.  The inframmary incision is discretely located under the breast in the natural fold and is the most standard approach for breast augmentation.  Other incision sites include transaxillary (underarm) and periareolar (the lower portion of the nipple).

The implant size and type is determined in consultation with your physician.  Again, your anatomy, skin elasticity and body type will help determine which implant is right for you.  There is an option of either saline or silicone implants.   Saline implants consist of sterile salt water.  Depending on the amount of fluid used to fill the implant will determine the feel of the finished breast .  Currently, saline implants are FDA approved for women 18 years of age or older.  Silicone implants are filled with an elastic gel substance.  Silicone implants traditionally mimic the look and feel of a natural breast more so than saline implants.  Currently, silicone implants are FDA approved for women 22 years of age or older.  However, saline and silicone implants may be recommended for patients less than 18 years old for reconstructive purposes.

Once the incision has been made, the implant is inserted into the implant pocket.  The implant pocket is either submuscular placement (under the muscle) or submammary/subglandular placement (directly under the breast tissue).  The physician will consider your anatomy and lifestyle when deciding placement of your implant.  Once the implant has been placed, sutures both internally and externally will be used to close the incision site.  Internal sutures will naturally dissolve as your body heals.  The external sutures will most likely require removal approximately 7-10 days after surgery.

Your results are immediate following surgery.  Swelling, bruising and discomfort are common immediately following your procedure.  For the month following your procedure you will be required to massage the breast area to ensure the implant remains placed in its original position and does not acquire scar tissue.  Be sure to consult with your physician prior to massaging the breast area and precisely follow instructions.  Although many factors are involved  with determining your actual recovery time for breast augmentation, you will likely experience a post-surgical recovery period  of 24 to 48 hours and an additional reduced-activity period of a few days, you will likely experience soreness and swelling for a few weeks.  Exercise and normal activity can resume at the direction of your plastic surgeon. Over time, post-surgical swelling will decrease and incision lines will fade.

It's important to know that after receiving breast implants, results are not permanent and they may require replacement during your lifetime. You should expect to have future visits with your plastic surgeon to discuss changes in your breasts.  Over time, your breasts can change due to aging, weight fluctuations, hormonal factors and gravity. If, after a period of years, you become dissatisfied with the appearance of your breasts, you may choose to undergo a breast lift or implant exchange to restore a more youthful contour.

COST
A surgeon's cost for breast augmentation may vary based on his or her experience, the type and cost of breast implants used, as well as geographic office location.  Additional costs to consider include, operating room or hospital fees, anesthesia fees, implant costs, medications, post-surgery garments and medical tests.  The range for surgery begins at approximately $3500 - $7000 on average.  Many plastic surgeons offer patient financing plans, so be sure to ask.

Most health insurance plans will not cover cosmetic breast augmentation costs, related complications or another surgery to revise the appearance of your breasts.

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