Breast Augmentation Surgery Covington – Breast Procedural Information

Breast Augmentation (Breast Implants)

From Covington plastic surgeon Dr. Kinsley

Breast augmentation is currently the most popular procedure I perform. Though there has been much controversy about breast implants in the past, the procedure is now recognized as a safe and effective way to increase breast size and improve shape. Unlike pills and gadgets, the results with implants are immediate and long lasting.

Because I perform so many augmentations, I realize that most prospective patients are faced with a lot of confusing information, from friends, the media or other sources, so I would like to explain how the procedure is done.

Procedure

The surgery is done on an outpatient basis, under general anesthesia, and takes approximately 45 minutes. When you wake up, you will be wearing a bra and will have a small bandage over the incisions. The incisions for saline implants are usually in the armpit, and are less than an inch long. The incisons for gel implants are usually under the breast on the inframammary crease and are approximately two inches long. Once healed, you can wear a bathing suit or sleeveless top without a visible scar. Occasionally other incisions are used. The implant is placed behind the chest wall muscle to reduce the chance of hardening of the implant (contracture) and to give a more natural look and feel. Implants placed in front of the muscle also look natural but tend to sag with time.

Size! Size! Size!

This is the issue that most women are concerned about and rightly so. A change in implant size (or volume) is one of the most common reasons for re-operation after breast implant surgery. In fact, over 40% of women who have another operation on their breast implants will do so to change the size.

So how do you know what size implant to choose? Looking at pictures and talking to friends that have had the procedure certainly helps, as does a consultation with an experienced breast surgeon. Some important things to remember: implants are sized according to the volume of saline or silicone gel that they hold - cc's or ml's - not according to cup sizes. Also, what looks good on the girl on the internet or your friend may not look good on you, particularly if she is 5'10" and you are 5'2" and you are thin and she is not. Lastly, I have done a lot of augmentations over the years and have been asked to make breasts smaller only a handful of times. If a patient is unhappy with the size, it is almost always because she went too small.

I encourage my patients to participate in the selection process by trying on implants of varying sizes. This is not an exact process, but it will give the patient a good idea of what to expect, and give the doctor a good idea of what the patient thinks is too big or too small. In fact, patients have asked so many times to borrow the trial implants to take home and show their husband or friends, that I developed a sizing kit to use at home. The Envision kit contains information about breast augmentation, how to choose an implant size, four "try on" implants, a specially made bra to use with the implants, and an instructional DVD. For more information on the Envision Sizing System go to www.envisionimplants.com

Implants

Round, smooth implants are used for several reasons. First, they feel and move more naturally than textured implants, which are thicker and cause more rippling. Anatomical (teardrop) implants are much more expensive than round implants, but once inside the body there is no difference in shape. Personally, I believe this type of implant is just a gimmick, and I don't think the extra cost is justified.

Recovery

You should avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activity for the first week. During the second week, you may resume light activity or exercise (treadmill, etc.), and should be back to normal by the third week.

Bleeding and infection can occur with any surgery, and every precaution is taken to minimize these risks. You should not take any aspirin or anti-inflammatory medicine for two weeks prior to surgery and for one week following surgery in order to reduce the risk of bleeding. If an infection occurs, the implant is removed and then replaced after 3 to 6 months. The risk of infection may seem alarming, but fortunately it is extremely uncommon.

Contracture, or hardening of the implants, is the most common complication of implant surgery. Placing the implant behind the muscle and manipulating the implant starting a few days after surgery greatly reduces the risk of contracture.

Nipple sensation may be altered after surgery, either increased or decreased, but should return to normal after a few months. Breast-feeding should not be affected by implants, but you should consult with your obstetrician.

The implants can rupture, although this is extremely rare. If a rupture occurs, your body will absorb the saline, a completely safe and natural alternative to silicone, and the implant will go flat. You will need to have the implant replaced (a relatively minor procedure). The major manufacturers offer lifetime replacement warranties.

Most importantly, implants will not affect your risk of getting or detecting breast cancer. As women, this is a concern we all have to face, and it is important to know that you are not doing something that could be harmful to you in the future.