Sign up for a Consultation or Ask Dr Bishara a Question?
Breast augmentation surgery, also known as augmentation mammoplasty, involves enlarging or reshaping the breast with the use of an implant. If you are thinking about getting breast augmentation surgery, there are a few things you should know before embarking on the process. The first thing is to not be intimidated by the word “surgery”. This type of cosmetic enhancement is one of the most common types of procedures performed in the United States, with thousands of women having breast augmentation done every year.
The first step is to consult with your doctor about the nature of the procedure.
Matters discussed and questions asked during a typical consultation include:
- What are the respective benefits of silicone and saline implants?
- What type of anesthesia will be used?
- The doctor’s level of experience (how many breast augmentation procedures do they perform every year?)
- What is to be expected immediately after the procedure?
- How often do they have to reoperate?
- What kind of scarring is to be expected from a breast augmentation procedure?
About Implants
Silicone implants are considered to be more realistic in that the gel with which they are filled has a similar consistency to breast tissue. Saline implants are firmer and filled with salt water instead of gel. While there is the potential for a silicone gel implant to rupture as a result of an injury, this is a rare event. If it does rupture, the silicone should remain within the implant shell or move to the implant pocket. If a saline implant ruptures, its contents will be absorbed by the body.
The Surgery Itself
The breast augmentation procedure may be administered in any of a number of facilities, including the doctor’s office. You may have it done while under a general anesthetic or with the use of a local one, in combination with a sedative so that you will be awake for the duration, though relaxed. The factors governing the placement of the incision include the size of the implant, and your body-type. The incision may be placed in a number of areas including under your breast or arm, around your nipple. The incision may be placed through a mastectomy scar if the implant is being used to reconstruct your breast after mastectomy surgery. Dr Bishara will lift your skin tissue to create a pocket into which the implant will be inserted. After the implant is in place, the incisions will be closed by suturing the breast tissue and then using sutures, skin adhesive or surgical tape used to close the incision in the skin.
The Recovery Process Following Breast Augmentation Surgery
Immediately after breast augmentation surgery, your breasts will be covered in gauze, or you will be provided with a surgical bra. You will be taken to an observation area, where you will be observed for any possible post-surgical complications. Recovery after breast implant surgery will usually take 24 to 48 hours. You will be prescribed medications to help with any nausea or pain. Your doctor will tell you how to care for your wound and during follow-up visits, advise you on when you can return to regular activities like work and exercise.
Mark A Bishara, M.D., P.A. Medical Director
The Paragon Plastic Surgery and Med Spa in Mansfield and Southlake, TX
