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Video - Learn about this procedure
-
you are bothered by the feeling that your breasts are too small
- weight
loss has changed the size and shape of your breasts
- after having children, your breasts have become
smaller and have lost their firmness
- dresses that fit well around your hips
are often too large at the bustline
- one of your breasts is noticeably smaller than
the other
- you feel self-conscious wearing a swimsuit or
form-fitting top.
In addition, there are several musts for anyone considering breast augmentation- - if you are a young woman, your breast development must be complete - you must be emotionally mature and fully understand your own motivations for wanting the procedure (the best reason is to feel better about yourself) - you must have realistic expectations, knowing that the procedure can bring improvement, but not perfection.
THE
CONSULTATION
A personal consultation with our Kansas Cosmetic Surgeon is the first step for every patient considering breast augmentation. During this meeting, I will assess your physical and emotional health and discuss your specific cosmetic goals for surgery.
You should arrive at the consultation ready to provide complete information about: I will help you understand the factors that may affect your results. For example, gaining or losing a significant amount of weight may change your breast size. Pregnancy can also alter breast size in an unpredictable way. If you are over 35 a mammogram should be considered prior to surgery. During this exam, I will consider the size and shape of your breasts, the quality of your skin and the placement of your nipples and areolas (the pigmented skin surrounding the nipples). I may suggest additional cosmetic procedures to improve your results. For example, if your breasts are sagging, a breast lift procedure may need to be performed in conjunction with your breast augmentation surgery.
- previous surgical procedures
- past and present medical conditions
- medications you are taking, including herbal remedies or nutritional supplements
- the results of mammograms you have had
- any history of breast cancer in your family
THE IMPLANT
There are currently two basic types of breast implants approved for use. The saline filled implant which has been the only implant approved for the last decade and recently the silicone gel implant has been made available again. I still favor the saline filled implant for most patients because it has less chance of capsular contracture formation and there is no chance of silicone gel migrating through the breast tissue. A smaller incision is needed for saline filled implants, about 3 cm (1 ¼ inch) since the implant is filled after it is inserted. The saline filled implant is slightly firmer and does have a greater chance of rippling. The silicone gel filled implant is a little softer and has less chance of visible rippling but does require a bigger incision, usually about 5cm (2 inches). Since the silicone gel implant can have the gel migrate through the breast tissue if the shell ruptures it is recommended by the manufacturer and FDA to have an MRI to check for rupture 3 years after the surgery and every 2 years thereafter. We will discuss the differences between these two options at length during your consultation.
I also give patients the options for what style of implant to use however the round smooth implant seems to be the most natural. Some patients with a narrow chest wall benefit from use of a high profile implant to minimize lateral fullness.
THE
PROCEDURE
PREPARING FOR SURGERY
When the date for your surgery has been set, I will provide you with specific instructions for the days immediately before and after your surgery. Including:
- avoiding certain medications that may complicate surgery or recovery (aspirin and ibuprofen)
- stopping smoking for one week before and after surgery is recommended
- nothing to eat or drink after midnight before your scheduled surgery
- arranging for help or special care following surgery.
THE
RECOVERY
Day of Surgery
After your surgery you will spend 1-2 hours in the recovery room and then
discharged home. You will be given prescriptions to get filled. You will
need someone to drive you home. Sleep with several pillows behind you to
keep your head and chest elevated. There will be a mildly compressive wrap
over the breast area to help reduce swelling. Ice packs may be used during
the first 24 hours if you wish. You will need someone to pamper you this
first day, as you will be very sore.
Day
1 (After Surgery)
You may take the wrap and dressings off your chest and shower. Leave the
small steri-strips on that cover the incision. No dressings need to be
put back on. You may go braless or wear a loose fitting sports bra, whichever is most
comfortable. Do not wear an under wire or pushup bra. Do as little as
possible around your house. Lift nothing over 5 pounds. Do not bend over
to pick things up.
Days 2 - 7 (After Surgery)
You will slowly feel better with discomfort gradually improving. The breasts
will be swollen and usually are fuller in the upper part of the breast.
You may gradually increase your activity, but still no bending over and
lifting over 5 pounds. You will be asked to come to the office about 1
week after your surgery for a check up. Do not drive as long as you are
taking pain pills.
After 1st Week
Pain and swelling continue to improve. Some people feel up to working,
doing light activities only, after the 1st week. Gentle massage on the
breasts in a downward direction may be started. Gentle sexual activity
may be resumed. Most swelling is gone after 3-4 weeks. The fullness in
the upper portion of the breast gradually decreases and may take several
months to reach your final result. You will be asked to come back to the
office about 2 weeks after your last follow-up visit.
After 1st Month
You may resume most activities but still no heavy lifting over 30 pounds.
Mild exercise programs may be resumed. You will be asked to come back
to the office for another follow-up visit about 7 weeks from the date
of your surgery.
After 2nd Month
No restrictions. Continue to occasionally massage the breast. You will
be asked to return to the office for a follow-up visit at about 3 months
from the day of surgery and yearly thereafter.

