Breast Augmentation and Breast Implants Discussion

Breast augmentation enhances the breast volume to achieve greater size, better shape, and increased fullness of the breast, or better proportions of the figure. A saline or silicone implant is placed behind the breast or the underlying chest wall muscle, enlarging the appearance of your natural breasts. It is done on an outpatient basis in an ambulatory surgery center, usually under general anesthesia. There is a variety of options for the location of the incision. The incision can be made in the fold under the breast (infra-mammary), around the nipple (peri-areolar), or under the arm (trans-axillary, with endoscopic assist), and is kept as short and as inconspicuous as possible. The implant can be inserted either under the breast tissue ("sub-glandular"), or partially under the pectoral muscle ("sub-pectoral" or "sub-muscular"). When the implant is placed in a sub-muscular position (under the breast tissue and the pectoral muscle), there is a lower chance of capsular contracture (shrinkage of the tissue capsule surrounding the implant, causing the implant and breast to feel unnaturally firm), and mammography may be more reliable. There is also less risk of visible or palpable implant edges. Once the desired pocket has been created, a temporary "sizer" implant is placed, in order to determine the proper shape and volume (size) of the final implant. Then, the final implant is chosen, inserted, and properly positioned within the pocket, and carefully checked to insure that your breasts have the shape and size you anticipated pre-operatively. The incisions are then carefully closed with multiple layers of hidden sutures and surgical tape. A supportive wrap will be placed around the chest area after surgery. No surgical drains are placed.
After the procedure, the majority of patients are up and around in 24 to 48 hours, and return to work within 4 days. The full recovery period is specific to each individual as well as to the level of activity required with her daily functions. Within your one-week post operation visit, your gauge dressings will be removed and you will then wear a surgical bra (jog bra). The sutures are dissolvable, so no suture removal is required. Vigorous exercise such as jogging or aerobics may be resumed at in 4 weeks.

This is Erica Anderson, and I’m a newbie here from United States. As a board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and a member of the American Society of Plastics Surgeons, I am really committed to bring you the details and emphasis of patient care on cosmetic and reconstructive surgery.

My clinical interests are aesthetic breast surgery, breast reconstruction, and body contouring. I understand that plastic surgery is a personal choice and you may have some questions. This Forum site looks great, I’m looking forward to establish a good relationship with you and have an interesting discussion with you.

Thanks and nice to meet you guys.

Yours in beauty,
Erica Anderson