Breast Augmentation

Your decision to have breast augmentation is one of the more personal surgeries performed at Plastic Surgery Center of the South. Since the first Atlanta breast augmentation surgery back in the 1960s, millions of women have enhanced their bodies with saline and silicone implants. Breast augmentation surgery is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures done. Today, women of all size and shape enjoy the benefits of their enhanced appearance while boosting their self-confidence. Discussing your personal situation is very important, our Atlanta plastic surgeons will make you feel at ease and comfortable. Call us today at 770-421-1242 to answer any of your questions.

Breast Augmentation also known as augmentation mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure performed to enhance the size and shape of your breast. This procedure can be performed for a number of reasons:

• To enlarge small, underdeveloped breast if you feel your breast size is too small.
• To restore volume in the breast that have decreased in size or atrophied after pregnancy or weight loss.
• To balance asymmetry when breasts are disproportionate in size and shape.
• To improve the shape of breasts that have lost firmness or sag; we also do this in conjunction with a breast lift.
• To improve breast appearance that is disfigured due to congenital abnormalities, heredity, or trauma.
• To reconstruct a breast following surgery for cancer.

Candidates for Breast Augmentation

Adult women of any age can greatly benefit from Atlanta breast enhancement surgery. It is usually recommended that your breasts be fully developed prior to placing implants. Both saline and silicone gel implants are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Approval means that an implant has passed the rigorous tests and reviewed by a panel of physicians for safety. Saline implants have been approved for augmentation in women 18 years of age and older. Silicone implants are approved for women age 22 and older. Both implants may be used at a younger age if used for reconstruction purposes.

Breast implants are medical devices with a solid silicone, rubber shell. The shell may be filled with either saline solution (sterile salt water) or elastic silicone gel. Implants vary by filler and in size but there are other considerations such as texture, shape, profile and diameter. Implants may be placed either directly behind the breast tissue or underneath the pectoralis muscle. There are important roles for both methods of placement. The behind the muscle pocket adds a layer of tissue over the implant to disguise the implant edge and make it harder to feel, decreases the risk of hardening, and puts a layer between the breast and the implant to help with mammography. The in-front location gives a more attractive shape, particularly when there is any sagging to the breast. There is more natural movement, better cleavage, and less interference with muscle movement. All these considerations will be discussed in depth by your board certified plastic surgeon.

About the Procedure

The procedure is done usually as an outpatient procedure. The surgery may be performed under general anesthesia or under local anesthesia with sedation. The surgical approach of inserting the implant will depend on your anatomy and your surgeon’s recommendation. The various incisions used are:

• Inframammary incision – this is the lower portion of the breast, just slightly away from the crease, where the breast meets the chest. This is the most common incision used and even the smallest bathing suit covers the incision.
• Periareolar incision – this is the darker skin that surrounds the nipple.
• Axillary (armpit) incision – going through the axilla or armpit.
• Umbilical or bellybutton incision – this is the least frequently used.

Every effort will be made to minimize the scar and keep it as inconspicuous as possible. Working through the incision, your surgeon will lift your breast tissue and skin to create a pocket. Once the implant is positioned in the pocket, the incision will be closed with sutures. A gauge bandage may be applied over your breast to help with healing. You will then either be wrapped in an ace bandage or placed in a surgical bra. The surgery usually lasts 1 to 2 hours.

Recovering from Breast Augmentation Surgery

You are likely to feel tired and sore for a few days after surgery. Most of your post-operative discomfort can be controlled by medication until the pain subsides, normally in a few days. You will continue to wear the surgical bra that your physician has placed you in for the first 3 to 6 weeks or until advised by your doctor. There are no sutures to be removed. The swelling in your breasts may take three to five weeks to disappear. Your breasts will probably be sensitive to direct stimulation for two to three weeks. You may be able to return to work or school within a few days depending on the activity level needed for your job. Following your physician’s advice, you can return to normal activities and exercising about three weeks after your surgery. Your scars will be firm and pink for at least six weeks. Normally after several months your scars will begin to fade, however, they will never disappear completely.

Breast augmentation is a relatively straight-forward procedure, but as with any operation there are risks. The most frequent problem is capsular contracture. This is when the capsule or scar tissue around the implant begins to tighten and makes the breast feel firm. Infection, excessive bleeding, changes in sensation about the breast, and leaking or rupturing of the implant may also occur. These complications are extremely rare, the vast majority of patients do not have them. Routine mammograms should be continued after breast augmentation as well as follow up care as directed by your physician. Your plastic surgeon at Plastic Surgery Center of the South will discuss in detail the risks and benefits with you prior to your surgery. It is very important that you talk about your expectations.

Breast augmentation can enhance your self-confidence. Most women are extremely satisfied with their fuller appearance. As always, a thorough consultation with your physician is required.

To schedule a consultation with Plastic Surgery Center of the South please call 770-421-1242. We will be happy to answer all of your questions regarding Atlanta breast enhancement surgery. Our offices are conveniently located in Marietta, Georgia, outside of Atlanta. We treat patients from all over the state as well as the country.