|
|
|
|
Breast
Augmentation Augmentation Mammaplasty
Aesthetic breast augmentation, or augmentation mammaplasty, is a surgical procedure to increase the size of the breasts. Preoperative
Consideration Emotional stability is one of the most important factors to be established before any aesthetic surgery is undertaken. While augmentation mammaplasty can reshape your breasts, it cannot reshape your life. Aesthetic surgery can improve your appearance and renew your self-confidence, but the rest is up to you. After examining you, the surgeon will discuss other variables that influence the decisions involved in the procedure, such as condition of the breast and skin on the chest wall cavity. For patients with marked sagging of the breasts, the surgeon may recommend a procedure to reduce and reshape breast skin in addition to augmentation mammaplasty. During the initial visit, die surgeon will explain specific details of your case, including the surgical technique to he used, the anesthesia, where the operation will be performed and what the surgery realistically can accomplish. Additional factors to consider before electing augmentation. Mammaplasty, such as risk and cost, should be discussed with the surgeon at this time. Thousands of augmentation mammaplasties are performed successfully each year. Nevertheless, you should he aware of the potential risks of surgery and complications associated with augmentation mammaplasty. Postoperative complication such as infection or localized collections of blood is uncommon and can he treat. Occasionally a second operation may be required to soften breasts that become too firm due to excessive scar formation called capsular contracture. Risk of complications can be minimized by closely following your surgeon's advice on follow-up care during the heating process. Fees and operative facility costs of augmentation mammaplasty vary widely. A recent study that surveyed member surgeons, and the hospitals with which they are affiliated, determined total surgical fees range from $2,000 to $3,000 or more, depending on the length and complexity of the operation. Additional expenses will depend upon the anesthesia used and where the operation takes place. Since aesthetic augmentation mammaplasty generally is carried out on an elective basis, most insurance plans normally do not offer coverage. However, costs may be deducted as a medical expense on your income tax return. Fees for elective surgery usually are paid prior to the operation. The Surgical Procedure Augmentation mammaplasty typically is performed to enlarge; small, underdeveloped breasts "r breasts that have decreased in size, or atrophied, after childbearing. IT may also he done to balance assymetry that may result from post mastectomy reconstruction, (fig. 1) .The extent of the procedure depends on what changes arc desired and what your surgeon deems appropriate. On your surgeon's recommendation you may he operated on in the surgeon's office, in an outpatient surgical facility or you may be admitted to a hospital. Augmentation
mammaplasty usually is performed under a general anesthetic, although
a local anesthetic, which numbs the area around the breasts, may be
used. Medication to relieve tension is given before the anesthetic is
administered. The sedative and local anesthetic allow you to be comfortable
during surgery. If a general anesthetic has been administered, you will
sleep through the entire operation. |
 |
|
|
|
There are several possible surgical approaches to breast augmentation techniques are an inframammary incision, which is made slightly above where the lower part of the breast touches the chest, or a periareolar incision which is made around the lower border of the areola, the dark pink skin that surrounds the nipple. Another less frequently used approach is an axilla incision made in the armpit. |
|
|
|
|
The
surgical technique employed will depend on the working through the incision,
the surgeon lifts breast tissue up and skin down to create a pocket cither
directly under the tissue or underneath the chest wall muscle, depending
on the surgeon's technique and the patient's anatomy. In the pocket the
surgeon places a breast implant, or prosthesis, which is a flexible plastic
envelope combination of both. A few sutures close the incisions.
Following surgery, a gauze dressing may be applied over the breasts, or the patient may be placed in a surgical bra. Depending on the extent of the surgery, the procedure usually lasts about two hours or longer. Postoperative Recovery After surgery pain that is easily controlled by medication usually will subside in a day or two. If you have been admitted to a hospital, you will be released within a couple of following the operation. If dressings have been applied, a surgical bra will replace them in a few days. Sutures will Be removed within a week of surgery. Although the surgeon has made every effort to keep scars as inconspicuous as possible, they are the inevitable result of surgery. In most cases, they will begin to fade gradually and become barely noticeable. Minimal swelling and discoloration of the breasts will disappear rapidly. The objective of augmentation mammaplasty is breasts that look fuller and more natural in appearance.
Asymmetry of the breasts may result from a difference in the healing process on the two sides. Some degree of firmness of the breasts may occur for weeks or even months following surgery. In some instances, the surgeon may recommend a program of breast massage to promote softness. There may be a loss of sensitivity in the nipples following the operation, but in most cases a degree of sensitivity will return. Although you may be up and about in a day or two following surgery, your plastic surgeon will advice you on the proper schedule fore resuming your normal routine. To permit proper healing, you should avid over activity and refrain from overhead lifting. The decision when to return to work and normal activities depends on how fast you heal and feel. This brochure is intended as an introduction to augmentation mammaplasty. When considering plastic surgery, you should feel comfortable asking you surgeon for any additional information you might need.
|
