Augmentation mammaplasty (breast enlargement) is performed to increase breast size and/or fix breast asymmetry. Candidates include women who want larger breasts, and those who want to restore the breast volume often lost as a result of pregnancy or significant weight loss. Breasts can be enlarged with implants or by fat transplantation. Augmentation mammaplasty is not a substitute for mastopexy, which is a procedure to "lift" breasts that sag significantly.
Augmentation Mammaplasty with Implants
Silicone and saline are the two implant types most commonly used in augmentation mammaplasty. Silicone implants feel more like natural breasts than saline ones. However, if a saline implant ruptures, the saline is naturally absorbed by the body, whereas if a silicone implant has an extracapsular rupture (a rupture to the outer capsule), silicone filler leaks into the body, possibly resulting in inflammatory nodules or enlarged lymph glands.
Implants are placed behind each breast, underneath either breast tissue or the chest-wall muscle. The procedure lasts 1 to 2 hours, and is typically performed with general anesthesia, although local anesthesia combined with a sedative may be used. Incisions are made in inconspicuous places (in the armpit, in the crease on the underside of the breast, or around the areola) to minimize scar visibility. The breast is then lifted, creating a pocket into which the implant is inserted.
Advantages of implant placement behind the chest-wall muscle include a possible reduced risk of capsular contracture (hardening of scar tissue around implant), and less interference during mammograms. Disadvantages include the possible need for drainage tubes, and a longer recovery period. Advantages of implant placement beneath breast tissue include that the breasts move more naturally as the patient uses her chest muscles, and that slight breast sagging is corrected.
Other types of implants include "gummy bear," round, smooth and textured.
Augmentation Mammaplasty with Fat Transplantation
Augmentation mammaplasty with fat transplantation (fat transfer) uses liposuction to harvest excess fat from other parts of the body; the fat is then injected into the breasts. Augmentation mammaplasty is appropriate for women who are not looking for a dramatic increase in breast size, and want breasts that look and feel as natural as possible.
For a number of weeks prior to augmentation mammaplasty, tissue expanders may be placed below the muscles of the chest wall to expand the breasts, and increase the amount of fat they can hold. When the tissue has expanded enough, augmentation using fat transfer can begin.
First, fat is removed using liposuction, in which a cannula (a thin, hollow tube) is inserted through small incisions, and then moved back and forth to loosen excess fat, which is suctioned out using a vacuum or a cannula-attached syringe. The harvested fat cells are then purified. In the second procedure, which takes place on the same day, the fat is injected into the breast through small incisions. The procedure takes approximately 4 to 5 hours.
WHO IS A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR AUGMENTATION MAMMAPLASTY?
If you are in good health and are interested in increasing the size of your breasts or altering their appearance, you may be a good candidate for an augmentation mammaplasty. As long you can maintain realistic expectations regarding the results of your procedure and your breasts are fully developed, this surgery may help you achieve your aesthetic goals.
Candidates should be free of active infections, untreated cancer, or any other ongoing health conditions that may affect the recovery process after your surgery. If you are pregnant, an augmentation mammaplasty may not be suitable for you at this time. However, we recommend pregnant mothers wait six months from giving birth or six months after their last breastfeeding before considering breast augmentation, as these situations may alter the results from your procedure.
Under the care of our team of board-certified plastic surgeons, each candidate will learn the details of their candidacy during their initial consultation.
HOW CAN I PREPARE FOR MY AUGMENTATION MAMMAPLASTY?
Preparing for your surgery ahead of time can lead to a smoother, easier recovery process. Some patients may begin preparing for their breast augmentation weeks or even months before their scheduled appointment. In order to achieve optimal health before undergoing surgery, you may do the following:
- Talk to your primary doctor. Some medications, including blood thinners and anti-inflammatory drugs, can interfere with your body’s healing process while recovering from surgery. Consult your doctor about stopping medications during your breast augmentation journey.
- Quit smoking as soon as possible. Smoking also has an effect on the body’s ability to heal, so we recommend patients quit smoking before their procedure and during recovery.
- Implement a healthy diet into your lifestyle. Significant weight gain or weight loss may alter the appearance of your breast. Keeping a stable weight is an essential part of maintaining your procedure results, and the earlier you begin eating a balanced diet, the easier your body will adjust to balanced nutrition.
- Arrange a comfortable living space for your arrival home. Recovering from breast surgery takes some patients longer than others. Having a comfortable, live-able space and support from loved ones can help make your recovery easier.
Recovery from Augmentation Mammaplasty
After augmentation mammaplasty with implants, drainage tubes may be inserted; incisions are stitched, taped and bandaged. A surgical bra is typically put over the bandages to minimize swelling and support the breasts. For a few days postsurgery, most patients feel tired and sore, but many return to work within a week. Stitches are removed in 1 week to 10 days; postoperative pain, swelling and sensitivity diminish during the first few weeks. Scars begin to fade in a few months.
After augmentation mammaplasty with fat transplantation, recovery time is short, with normal activities being resumed as soon as the patient feels comfortable. Compression garments are typically worn over the areas that received liposuction.
WHAT PEOPLE SAY ABOUT US!
I am happy and grateful with my surgery, with the staff that treated me from the anesthetics (very professional team), and very grateful with my wonderful Dr Boulos and my dear Sunen... Thank you very much for your attention and dedication, the team of nurses, I don't want to forget a whole team that has been attentive and concerned. Thank you all very much. I adore you.
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Dial 786.758.3269 to reach our Miami office, and our staff will help you set up your Breast Augmentation consultation.
Risks of Augmentation Mammaplasty
In addition to the risks associated with surgery and anesthesia, those related to augmentation mammaplasty using implants include the following:
- Capsular contracture
- Implant leaks and ruptures
- Implant deflation or shifting
- Temporary or permanent change in nipple/breast sensation
- Irregularities in breast contour/shape
- Asymmetry
- Partial or total loss of nipple/areola
The risks related to augmentation mammaplasty using fat transplantation include those related to liposuction, as well as the following:
- Calcification
- Fat embolism
- Fat necrosis
- Oil cysts
- Loss of volume
Because of the loss of volume that occurs when fat is reabsorbed by the body, touch-up injections of fat are often necessary. Injections can be performed using local anesthesia.
HOW LONG WILL THE RESULTS FROM MY AUGMENTATION MAMMAPLASTY LAST?
The results from augmentation mammaplasty can last up to 20 years for patients who can remain in overall good health and at their goal weight.
SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION
If you’re ready to begin your breast augmentation journey, click here to schedule a consultation with the team at Cosmetic Surgical Group today. Proudly serving patients across Miami, FL, our expert surgeons are ready and willing to help you become more confident in your body. To find out more about our augmentation mammaplasty procedure, call us at 786.758.3269.