Breast Enhancement Procedure

Breast enhancement is one of the most common plastic surgery procedures performed today. It is a simple procedure which takes 1 -2 hours and one can return home the same evening or the next day. The results are instantly visible and you can resume daily activities in a short period.

Breast augmentation is most frequently performed on an outpatient basis (where the person can go home the same day) in a hospital operating room, surgery center or surgical suite. The patient and the plastic surgeon may decide on an approach to the surgery that may require an overnight stay at the hospital.

It is recommended that one chooses her surgeon carefully, and ensures that he/she is well qualified and well experienced in performing breast augmentation procedures.

During your consultation, it is advised to have a candid discussion on the questions and concerns you may have regarding the procedure. Have realistic expectations of the breast enlargement procedure and discuss them, and your options, with the surgeon. You may be asked to try a few external implants of varying size and projection to see the look you prefer the most and choose from the implants. Your physician will study your body structure, tissue content and take a few measurements to determine the best approach for your procedure.

Breast enhancement procedures are mostly performed under general anesthesia. The plastic surgeon makes a small incision of about 2 – 4cms depending on the approach, and creates a "pocket," or space within the breast tissues, for the breast implant. The breast implant is placed in the pocket and positioned. Then, the incision is closed, usually with stitches, and possibly taped.

There are three common incision sites used for breast augmentation. Your surgeon will be your best guide when it comes to the pros and cons of the incision site specifically recommended for you.

Periareolar (around the nipple) – This incision is the most concealed, and is around the breast nipple.

Inframammary (within the breast fold) – This incision is less concealed than the periareolar, but provides the surgeon with greater control over surgery.

Transaxillary (under the arm) – This incision is less concealed than the periareolar Incision.

span>Inframammary is the most popular incision site as it allows the surgeon to work within close proximity of the breast for more control over the placement of breast implants. Discuss your options with your surgeon and learn why his recommendation works best for you.

The choice of incision sites also influences the implant placement. Breast implants may be placed sub-glandular, which is between the chest muscle and the breast tissue, or sub-muscular, which is below the chest muscle.

Sub-glandular Breast Implant Placement:

Here, the implant is placed within the breast tissue, and above the breast muscle. The best incision site for such placement is the periareolar incision. Sub-glandular placement may make the surgery and recovery time shorter.

Sub-muscular Breast Implant Placement:

Sub-muscular placement puts the implant firmly behind the chest muscle wall. The implant is placed behind the pectoralis major muscle and behind the supporting fascia (connective tissue). Sub-muscular implants tend to be the best for mammograms, as they put the implant fully behind the area that needs to be examined.

On returning home, remember, rest is essential. Your surgeon may recommend one to wear a postoperative bra, compression bandage, or jog bra for extra support and positioning while she heals.

Most women are able to return to work within a few days. It’s best to clear your schedule and avoid any strenuous activities that could raise body’s pulse and blood pressure for a couple of weeks.

A few thoughts Before Surgery

Just like any other surgery, it is important that you are well informed and prepared for what is to come. While breast implant surgery could be a transformation for you, it is important to set realistic expectations. Make sure to glance through the surgeon’s recent before and after patient photos to get an idea of what to expect for yourself. Watch few breast enhancement procedure videos which will educate you on the surgery. Do ensure that all your queries have been answered, and you go for cosmetic surgery free of fear and ambiguity.

Your physician will provide you with pre-surgery tips to prepare you for this process. Some basic guidelines are addressed in our FAQs section as well.