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The Procedure:
If you wish your breasts were larger, fuller or more shapely, breast augmentation may be the right choice for you. Breast augmentation (also called augmentation mammaplasty) is a cosmetic procedure that uses implants to enlarge and shape the breasts. Your new look will bring you greater freedom with fashion, and an improved self-image.
Women choose to have breast augmentation surgery because their breasts never developed to a size that meets their expectations, to bring balance to a breast that is somewhat smaller than the other, or to restore their natural breast volume which may have decreased as a result of pregnancy, weight loss or aging. Any of the following situations may indicate that you are a good candidate for breast augmentation:
- 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.
- 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.
During the consultation and examination your surgeon will consider the size and shape of your breasts, the quality of your skin, and the placement of your nipples and areolas. Your  surgeon may recommend that you have a baseline mammogram before surgery to assist in detecting any future changes in your breast tissue. If your breasts are sagging, your surgeon may suggest that a breast lift procedure be performed in conjunction with your breast augmentation surgery. The technique used for your surgery depends on your surgeon's preferences and on your desired results. The incisions are small and are
placed to keep scars as inconspicuous as possible, either underneath the breast or around the lower edge of the areola.
 Once the incision is made, the surgeon creates a pocket into
which the implant is inserted. This pocket is created either
directly behind the breast tissue (subglandular) or beneath the
pectoralis muscle located below the breast tissue (submuscular).
Women having breast augmentation surgery receive saline-filled implants; silicone rubber shells that are filled with sterile saltwater. In the unlikely event that a saline implant leaks, the saltwater is harmlessly absorbed by the body.
If you would like to schedule a consult to discuss whether breast augmentation is right for you please call our office at 414-443-0033.
Post Operative Instructions and Information for Breast Augmentation:
- Breast augmentation is performed under a local anesthetic with intravenous sedation, or a general anesthetic, as an outpatient procedure.
- At discharge you will be given instructions regarding incision care, and how you may bathe. Within a day or two patients should be up and around. Most of the discomfort can be controlled with medication prescribed by your plastic surgeon.
- Patients will wear a support bra or other support wrap for two weeks following surgery. After that, a sports bra or other comfortable bra may be worn. Avoid under wire bras for 3 months following surgery. Generally, a patient should wait until 6 weeks following the operation before buying bras that she intends to fit well and continue to wear.
- Patients return to the doctor's office at 1 and 2 weeks, as well as approximately 1 and 3 months, after surgery. Your surgeon may ask you to return for periodic checkups thereafter.
- Some sutures may be removed 1-2 weeks after surgery. The majority of sutures are dissolvable
- Initially the breasts may be quite swollen after surgery. The majority of swelling resolves within 2 weeks after surgery. Residual swelling will remain for 6-8 weeks.
- Lubrication and massage of the scar lines can begin approximately 3 weeks following augmentation surgery. Scars will soften, flatten, and fade over the next 9-12 months.
- It is important to avoid any strenuous activities for approximately 4 weeks after surgery; avoid stretching your arms over head for 2-3 weeks after surgery. Your doctor will instruct you when you may begin a gradual return to activities. Patients usually return to an unrestricted activity level by 6 weeks after surgery.
- Patients should plan on remaining off work for 1-2 weeks after surgery.
- Patients are likely to be happy with their breast augmentation for years. However, keep in mind that your breasts are not immune to the effects of weight fluctuations or aging.
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