What is Breast Augmentation?

Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure designed to enhance the size and shape of a woman’s breasts. Breast size can easily be increased by one or more bra cup sizes. An increase in 1 cup size is equivalent to 236cc. Remember that all women are different and 400cc on one person may look different on another. Your existing anatomy and breast tissue will dictate how many cc’s you will need and your doctor will help you choose the appropriate size. There are different types of implants used for the breast augmentation procedure; saline-filled implants and silicone gel-filled implants. Currently the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approves the use of BOTH.

Should I Get Silicone or Saline Implants?

Some surgeons feel that silicone implants have a more natural look and feel than saline implants because silicone gel has a texture that is similar to breast tissue. Saline implants have some advantages over silicone implants. Silicone implant ruptures are harder to detect. When saline implants rupture, they deflate and the results are seen almost immediately. When silicone implants rupture, the breast often looks and feels the same because the silicone gel may leak into surrounding areas of the breast without a visible difference. Replacing a ruptured silicone gel implant is more difficult than repairing a saline implant. Silicone implants are also more likely to deflate.
Saline implants have a silicone rubber shell that is inflated to the desired size with sterile saline. Silicone implants have a silicone rubber shell that is filled with a fixed amount of silicone gel.

In the early 1990's it was reported that silicone breast implants were responsible for connective tissue diseases in some women. After a comprehensive evaluation of the evidence for the Association of Silicone Breast Implants with human health conditions, the Institute of Medicine concluded in June that there is ‘no definitive evidence linking breast implants to cancer, neurological diseases, neurological problems or other systemic diseases.’

On Nov. 17 th 2006 , the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and The American Society of Plastic Surgeons applauded the FDA’s decision to approve silicone breast implants and return them to the U.S. market.

How is Breast Augmentation Performed?

The surgery involves making an incision, lifting the breast tissue and placing a silicone or saline implant inside. Typically, the incisions are located in the crease where the breast meets the chest, around the areola (nipple), or in the armpit. More recent implantation techniques utilize a small incision placed in the bellybutton region. Depending on the patient's anatomy, the size of the implant, the surgeon's technique, etc., the implants will be placed either directly behind the breast tissue or underneath the muscle. Most cosmetic surgeons are very careful to take every effort possible to minimize scarring and to make resulting scars as inconspicuous as possible.

How Will I Feel Post-op?

Expect some swelling, bruising and increased sensitivity. Your breasts will be most tender within the first 48 hours. The prescribed medication will ease your discomfort. A light dressing will be kept in place for two weeks and needs to be kept dry.

Am I a Candidate for Breast Augmentation?

There are many reasons why women choose to undergo breast augmentation. Some women wish to increase the size of their breasts in order to enhance their body contour. Breast augmentation can correct breasts of different size, or help women that have lost shape in their breasts as a result of age, pregnancy or nursing. It can also be used as reconstructive surgery after a breast operation. There are other reasons why women choose to undergo breast augmentation. However, the individual must have realistic goals and expectations for the procedure.

How Do I Prepare for Breast Augmentation?

Choosing your desired size can be a difficult decision. You'll want to decide your cup size and that will determine how large your implant will be. A 400 ml implant placed on a woman with an A cup will produce a C cup. The same implant placed on a woman with a B cup will produce a D cup. Bring pictures of your desired size (take a look at a lingerie catalogue or swimsuit pictures) to your consultation. Take the time to decide what you'll be happy with so you don't feel the need to undergo a second surgery. You can also ask your surgeon to try on different implant sizes.

Do not take aspirin or anti-inflammatory medications before surgery (your doctor can provide you with a list of OTC medications to avoid). If you smoke, quit smoking for at least 2 weeks pre-op and anticipate no smoking for the recovery. Smoking greatly increases your risk of complications.

Which Celebrities Have Had Breast Implants?

Pamela Anderson, Jane Seymour, Christina Aguilera, Brooke Hogan, Kerrie Pickler, Danii Minougue, Ivanka Trump and Raquel Welch.