Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation is a common type of cosmetic surgery that uses breast implants or fat transfer to increase the size and shape of your breasts. There are several types of breast implants and surgical procedures, so it’s important to talk to your surgeon about what will work best for you.

What is breast augmentation?

Breast augmentation is a common surgical procedure that increases the size and shape of your breasts. Your breasts can be augmented using breast implants or fat transfer.

What are the different kinds of breast augmentation?

There are two main types of breast augmentation: breast implants and fat transfer augmentation. Within those two categories, there are multiple different options based on how you want your breasts to look and feel. Certain breast implants are only FDA-approved for certain ages. It’s important to fully research and know the pros and cons of each option and to talk to a board-certified plastic surgeon before opting for breast augmentation.

Why do people get breast augmentations?

There are many reasons you may want or choose to undergo breast augmentation surgery, including:

To change the appearance of your breasts if you think they are small.
To change the symmetry of your breasts if one is smaller than the other.
To account for a decrease in your breast size after pregnancy or significant weight loss.
To correct any unevenness or issues with your breasts after breast surgery for other conditions.
To improve your confidence and self-esteem.

What happens at a consultation for breast augmentation?

Before you undergo breast augmentation, you’ll meet with your plastic surgeon. You should prepare for this consultation by thinking about what you want to change about your breasts. Remember, you’re not seeking perfection, but improvement. Also, be sure that you’re in good mental and physical health, overall, and that you have realistic expectations.

Your surgeon will ask you detailed questions about your medical history, including:

What medications you are taking.
What allergies you may have.
Your smoking history.
Prior surgeries.
Any previous issues you’ve had with your breasts, including lumps, previous mammograms and any family history of breast issues.

How do I prepare for breast augmentation surgery?

In preparation for your breast augmentation surgery, your surgeon may have you:

Get a blood test.
Take certain medications or adjust your current medications.
Stop smoking.
Avoid certain foods or beverages.
Avoid taking aspirin and certain anti-inflammatory drugs, since they can increase bleeding.
Stop using recreational drugs.

It’s crucial to follow any instructions that your surgeon gives you before your surgery. Following their instructions will help the surgery go more smoothly and will help you heal properly.

You should arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery and also have someone stay with you the first night at least. You will need to take at least three days off from work, so plan accordingly. If you have a labor-intensive job, you will likely need to take off at least three weeks of work.

Establishing a home recovery area

Before you undergo breast augmentation surgery, you should set up an area in your home for recovery. Make sure you have:

Pain medication prescribed by your surgeon and/or acetaminophen (Tylenol®).
Ointment or cream for incision sites (if recommended by your surgeon).
Clean gauze to cover the incision sites.
Plenty of loose, comfortable, button-down blouses or shirts.

What happens during breast augmentation surgery?

There are many steps involved in breast augmentation surgery. Here’s an explanation of the steps.

Anesthesia

Your surgeon will perform the surgery while you are under general anesthesia (you’ll go to sleep) or through IV

sedation. You and your surgeon will determine this together.

The incision

Breast augmentation can be performed in one of several ways. Your surgeon can perform the procedure:

Via the crease under your breast (known as the inframammary fold).
Along the edge of your areola (known as the periareolar incision).
Via your armpit (known as a transaxillary approach).

Your surgeon will discuss these possible methods with you before your surgery, and together you will determine which approach best suits your needs.

Implant insertion

There are two different ways for your surgeon to insert the implant: under your breast tissue and in front of your muscle or behind your breast muscle (pectoral muscle). The placement of the implants depends on a few factors, including the type of implant you choose and how much you’re increasing the size of your breasts. You can discuss the benefits of each method with your surgeon and make that decision together.

Closing the incision

After your surgeon places your implants, they will stitch the incision sites together to close them. Your surgeon may also use drainage tubes. You must follow your surgeon’s follow-up care instructions for the incision site. Your breasts will be covered with a gauze bandage and you may be sent home wearing a surgical bra.

What happens after breast augmentation?

Right after your breast augmentation surgery, a healthcare provider will take you to a room for observation while you wake up from the surgery. You’ll be able to leave the hospital once you’re stable enough. This usually takes around an hour.

Before you leave, your surgeon will give you specific instructions for your breast augmentation surgery recovery and schedule a follow-up appointment. Your surgeon will give you a prescription for medication to control pain, if necessary. If you have drainage tubes, your surgeon will tell you when to return to have those removed, as well as instructions as to when to remove the gauze bandages.

Your surgeon will probably remove your stitches in about one week. You should not do any heavy lifting for at least four weeks. If you are physically active in sports, it may take up to six weeks before you can return to those activities.

What is the recovery time for breast augmentation?

Everyone heals differently, so recovery time for breast augmentation surgery can vary depending on the type of breast augmentation you had and your overall health. On average, full recovery takes about six to eight weeks.

When can I return to work or other activities after breast augmentation?

Your plastic surgeon will give you specific instructions for your recovery plan and when you can return to physical activities. Be sure to follow them. Your surgeon will likely encourage you to slowly ease back into your normal daily routine and light exercise after the first week of your surgery. You should avoid intense or jarring physical activities such as running, horseback riding or heavy lifting until you’ve fully recovered. In most cases, surgeons recommend that people who have labor-intensive jobs should wait at least three weeks before returning to work.

Can I breastfeed with breast augmentation?

Breast augmentation surgery can affect the nerves and ducts within your breast, which could affect lactation. Breast implants that are placed below your muscle usually affect milk production less than implants that are above your muscle. Surgical incisions around your areola are more likely to cause reductions in milk production. It’s important to talk to your plastic surgeon if you’re planning on breastfeeding in the future before you get a breast augmentation.