Plastic Surgery and Cosmetic Surgery 1: Breast Augmentation

Breast Augmentation

Augmentation mammoplasty is the medical term for breast augmentation. Also referred to as breast enhancement or breast enlargement, this type of plastic surgery involves placing silicone or saline breast implants either behind the breast tissue or beneath the chest muscle to add size, shape, and fullness to the breast. Breast augmentation can be performed to make smaller breasts appear larger, balance breasts that are asymmetrical, or restore fullness that has diminished with age or as a result of pregnancy.

 

Breast Augmentation Surgery

The breast enhancement process can take several weeks from the initial consultation through post-surgical recovery, and involves close communication and cooperation between patient and surgeon. Before breast implants are placed, many decisions must be made, including the type and size of the breast implant, where it will be placed, and the location of the incision. The patient will also be asked to follow some specific instructions from the doctor during the weeks preceding the operation.

During breast enlargement surgery, the surgeon will place the breast implants according to the decisions made during the planning stages. This process usually takes between one and two hours.

After breast augmentation surgery, the patient will most likely be drowsy and sore for a day or two. Although the patient should be able to get up and move around after about 48 hours, there may be some lingering side effects for a couple weeks to a month. The patient should follow the surgeon’s instructions closely during this healing period and have a friend or relative agree to drive them home and provide assistance for a couple of days.

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