Process
Breast augmentation surgery is safe and effective. Thousands of women each year undergo the procedure. During your consultation with plastic surgeon, Dr. Anthony Griffin, you will have had the opportunity to discuss your cosmetic goals and personal preferences including:
- The surgical approach (where your implants will be placed- under the muscle or above) and incision style
- Risks and complications associated with the procedure
- Anesthesia options
- Location where the surgery is to be performed
- How to prepare for surgery
- What to expect during recovery
- The choice of implant type, shape and size
- Preoperative Instructions
The surgery is most often performed on an out -patient basis, under general anesthesia.
The Procedure
Once you are anesthetized the incision will be made. Dr. Griffin will make an incision in one of the following areas, based on your preference, type of implant and amount of enlargement desired:
- Transaxillary or under the arm. This type requires use of an endoscope.
- The incision is made in the lower part of the areola. The risk is loss or change in nipple sensation.
- Inframammary or under the breast.
- For reconstruction, through the mastectomy scar.
The periareolar and inframammary incisions are most commonly used. Inframammary incisions are often chosen to hide the incision in the normal breast fold.
The incision is made and the implants are inserted through the incision based on your choice of location, either under or above the chest muscle. Implants under the muscle will not interfere with mammograms and breast feeding.
The incision is closed with stitches and possibly drains will be placed to prevent fluid accumulation.
Then you will go to recovery.
Recovery
Initial post op recovery is the first 24-48 hours after surgery. In recovery, you will be monitored and your breasts will be wrapped in gauze or a surgical bra for support and to minimize swelling. You will be advised to restrict your normal activity for several weeks including refraining from lifting, pulling and pushing that causes pain, and to limit strenuous activity, and any activity that causes you pain or discomfort. You will be able to go home within a few hours after surgery. You will be instructed on how to clean your incisions and apply ointment to prevent infection. And, you will be advised as to when you can resume exercise and normal activities.
Pain is normal, especially when implants are placed under the muscle. The first 48 hours are the time when you will have the most pain. You will receive pain medication. The pain will decrease as time goes by.
The first week after surgery you may feel stiff and sore. Your breasts will be bruised or discolored, and swollen. This will disappear. Residual swelling should resolve within a month.
Swelling, bruising, pain and tenderness are to be expected, and may last for a few weeks to a month or longer. Scars will fade over time.
It is likely and desirable for you to wear a post-op bra to support your breasts while healing.
Healing generally takes about six weeks.
Potential complications
Possible complications include the risk of infection and bleeding. Bleeding may indicate a stitch has come loose. Call Dr. Griffin. If you experience a fever, warmth, or redness of the breast, call the office. Dr. Griffin will explain wound healing and how to care for your wound.
Capsular contracture
Capsular contracture is the body’s response to a foreign object. The body forms a scar tissue around the implant(s) forming a capsule. Most often it occurs within weeks, but can happen years after the surgery. The most common symptom is firmness in the affected breast. It is a rare complication affecting about 1.5% of breast implant patients. Today, capsular contracture is rare due to better implants, and new science on how to prevent this complication.
Book Online