Breast Enlargement
Breast augmentation, technically known as augmentation mammaplasty, is a surgical procedure to enhance the size and shape of a woman's breasts. It can create a more natural, feminine, and proportioned appearance. It can also give one a renewed sense of confidence and self esteem. Women decide to pursue breast augmentation for a number of reasons:
- To enhance the body contour of a woman who, for personal reasons, feels her breast size is too small.
- To restore breast volume lost due to weight loss or following pregnancy.
- To achieve better symmetry when breasts are moderately disproportionate in size and shape.
- To improve the shape of breasts that are sagging or have lost firmness, often used with a breast lift procedure.
Augmentation mammoplasty is done on an outpatient basis in our surgical center, usually under general anesthesia. An implant (prosthesis) is placed through an incision, under the breast tissue or under the muscle. The incision can be made under the breast, around the nipple or under the arm. A breast implant is composed of an outer silicone shell filled with saline. The outer surface may be smooth or textured, and implants come in various shapes to meet the individual woman’s needs. Silicone gel implants have been reintroduced to the public and are beginning to gain popularity. Silicon gel implants have restricted use mandated by the FDA, please speak with Dr. Ozaki if you are interested in obtaining this type of implant
When the implant is placed sub muscularly under the breast, there is a lower chance of contracture (contraction of the tissue capsule surrounding the implant), and mammography is more reliable. There is also less risk of visible or palpable implant edges. Your plastic surgeon can help you decide which placement and type of implant will work best.
For information on how to reduce your pain after your surgery, please go to “Pain Pump Information” on the previous page.
Determining Implant Size
The shape of your augmented breasts depends on the implant. Implants may be round or teardrop-shaped (anatomical). Implants also vary in their thickness (profile) compared to the base diameter of the implant. Your natural breast width will be used to determine which profile type is best for you. You will work with Dr. Ozaki to achieve the size and shape of breast that most suited to your desires and body type.
About silicone gel implants: The FDA placed a hold on silicone implants in 1992 to further investigate their safety and effectiveness. Since then, silicone implants have been mostly replaced by saline (salt water) implants.
There has been much discussion about the possibility of silicone and in particular silicone gel, being related to autoimmune disease.
However, in a large clinical study of women with and without breast implants conducted at the Mayo Clinic showed that autoimmune disease occurred with the same frequency in both groups. Due to the results of this and other clinical study, the FDA has lifted their restriction of silicone implants and gel implants can be placed with a few limited restrictions. In summary, augmentation mammaplasty is a safe procedure that has produced pleasing and satisfying results for many women.
Post Operative Instructions
You must have someone drive you home and stay with you for 24 hours after surgery. You will experience some pain the first several days that can be controlled with a pain pump and/or pills. Some tightness in the breast area is also normal as your body adjusts to the implants.
You can move about freely after surgery. You will need to wear your surgical bra at all times (except when showering) during the first 2 weeks following surgery. Avoid heavy lifting for 3-4 weeks. Moderate exercise such as walking or stationary biking is allowed after the first week. Vigorous exercise such as jogging or aerobics may be resumed at 4 weeks. You will most likely be able to return to work within a week.
During recovery, the breasts will be somewhat swollen. Within a few weeks, the actual shape and size will be evident. You may notice some asymmetry; however most breasts are naturally somewhat asymmetrical.