Do you sometimes wish you had larger, fuller breasts? You are not alone. Breast augmentation is one of the most commonly performed cosmetic surgeries in the world.

There are many reasons why women consider breast augmentation. Some women have naturally small breasts and desire breasts more proportional to the rest of their bodies. Others may want to reverse changes to their breasts that occur due to age or during pregnancy. Whatever the reason, Dr Lemonas will be happy to consult with you regarding your preferences and whether breast augmentation can help you achieve your desired appearance.

 

ARE YOU A CANDIDATE FOR BREAST AUGMENTATION?

Healthy women with realistic expectations can benefit from breast augmentation. Breast augmentation offers improved sense of self-esteem and can even add more choice to your wardrobe. You may consider breast augmentation if your breasts:

• Are naturally small or underdeveloped.
• Have lost volume or shape due to pregnancy, weight loss or aging.
• Lack symmetry in size and/or shape.
• Failed to develop normally.

Breast augmentation cannot correct severely drooping breasts. Patients who would like perkier appearing breasts may want to consider a breast lift in conjunction with breast augmentation.

 

YOUR INITIAL BREAST AUGMENTATION CONSULTATION

Your first step toward a breast augmentation will begin with an initial consultation. This will consist of a discussion regarding your goals and desires, as well as your overall health and lifestyle. We encourage you to actively participate during your consultation to ensure concerns are addressed and questions are answered.

You should be prepared to discuss:

• Reasons for breast augmentation.
• Expectations and desired outcomes.
• Existing medical conditions and allergies.
• Current use of medication, supplements, alcohol, tobacco and drugs.
• Personal history of surgery.
• Family history of breast cancer.
• Results of previous mammograms and/or biopsies.

In order to fully evaluate you for breast augmentation, your doctor may also:

Evaluate your overall health and any pre­existing conditions or risk factors.

Examine and measure your breasts.

Photograph your breasts for your medical record.

Discuss anesthesia to be used during your breast augmentation.

Discuss risks and potential complications.

Your plastic surgeon will show you before­ and after­ photos of former breast augmentation patients to provide a better understanding of possible results.

 

PREPARING FOR YOUR BREAST AUGMENTATION PROCEDURE

Prior to your breast augmentation, the team will give you instructions on what you will need to do before surgery. There are several steps you may need to take before your surgery.

Lab testing and/or medical evaluation.

Mammogram before surgery to help detect any future changes in your breast tissue.

Begin taking certain medications or adjust your current medications

Stop smoking.

Avoid taking any anti-­inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin.

Arrange for transportation home after the procedure.

 

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING YOUR BREAST AUGMENTATION PROCEDURE

 

ANESTHESIA

Anesthesia will be administered immediately prior to and during your procedure. The choices of anesthesia include intravenous sedation and general anesthesia. Our plastic surgeon will recommend the best anesthesia choice for you.

 

SURGICAL INCISION

Several different types of surgical incisions can be used during breast augmentation. The type used during your procedure depends on various factors. These include the current size and shape of your breasts, breast implant size, type of breast implant, your preference and your surgeon’s preference.

 

• INFRAMAMMARY

A horizontal incision is made underneath the fold of each breast.

• PERIAREOLAR

Incisions are made around the edge, or just within, the areola (the darker colored skin surrounding your nipple).

• TRANSAXILLARY

Inconspicuous incisions are made in the natural folds of the skin in the armpits.

 

TYPE OF BREAST IMPLANTS

You and your plastic surgeon will decide on the type of breast implant to use before your procedure. They come in different shapes and sizes. Each offers its own benefits and your choice will depend on various factors.  

 

 

PLACEMENT OF BREAST IMPLANT

After the incision is made, the breast implant is inserted into a pocket either under or over the pectoral muscle. Placement will depend on the breast you have prior to surgery and the results you would like to achieve.

 

 

 

INCISION CLOSURE

Once the breast implants have been placed and positioned, your incisions will be closed using layered sutures in the breast tissue, and sutures, skin adhesive, or surgical tape to close the skin. The incision lines will fade over time.

 

WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER YOUR BREAST AUGMENTATION PROCEDURE

Your plastic surgeon will be available following the procedure to answer your questions and address any concerns. They will provide written instructions regarding:

Post-surgery care to follow at home.

Prescriptions for medication.

Follow­-up appointments.

Post-surgery mammogram.

Submitting breast implant registry documents.

 

BREAST AUGMENTATION RECOVERY

Immediately after the procedure, your breasts will be bandaged to reduce swelling. You may experience some pain and soreness in your breasts during the first several days after surgery. Pain medication can be prescribed to help ease these symptoms.

Recovery time varies on a case-by-case basis. Most women can return to work after one week.  Strenuous physical activity is discouraged for the first two to three weeks following surgery. Even though scarring is inevitable, the incision lines will diminish over the next few months.

 

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

We strongly encourage women to fully educate themselves about the procedure before receiving breast augmentation. With this knowledge, you can make informed decisions about your breast augmentation.

 

POTENTIAL RISKS & COMPLICATIONS

There are risks associated with any type of surgery. Bleeding, infection, adverse reaction to anesthesia are all rare, but they can happen. Following pre- and post-surgery instructions will help you to avoid any risks or complications.

 

COSTS

Breast augmentation costs vary. Costs associated with breast augmentation include facility fees, anesthesia fees, surgeon fees, breast implants, medication and testing. Costs will also be affected if breast augmentation is performed along with another procedure, such as a breast lift or tummy tuck.

While lower prices can be appealing, it is highly important that you receive breast augmentation from an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon. This ensures your safety and high-quality results.

 

BREAST AUGMENTATION RESULTS

Breast augmentation results are noticeable immediately after your surgery. Appearance will improve as your recover from surgery in the following months. Once healed, most women experience improved confidence after breast augmentation. You can look forward to wearing new clothes from form fitting tops to bikinis in the summer.

To learn more about your choices when it comes to breast augmentation, schedule a consultation today.