Is usually suggested for women with smaller, under-developed breasts or on women who have experienced undesirable change in breast size or shape due to pregnancy, weight loss or aging process. Breast augmentation is generally very successful at making breast larger and makes them appear fuller and better shaped. Usually, enlarged breasts look very natural and less saggy. Depending on the original breast shape, some women may require additional surgeries, such as breast lift, to achieve most desirable results. During the initial consultation our plastic surgeon will discuss your concerns and will outline the plan for treatment. He will explain technical intricacies of the procedure and will help you decide which incision option and size of the breast will best meet your cosmetic goals.
Breast augmentation FAQ
What kinds of implants are used for breast augmentation?
The last chapter of the silicone breast implants saga was closed in November 2007. After 14 years of deliberations FDA decided that the medical evidence was sufficiently positive to let these devices back on the market. Science has prevailed. US women will have the same options as others around the world had for years. Introduced first in 1962, since 1992 silicone breast implants had been available only as a part of research studies. I was a part of this research effort and for the past 14 years, we were able to use these devices only in selected patients, either afflicted with breast cancer or other special circumstances. Since then, most studies have failed to find a link between silicone implants and cancer, connective tissue disorders and other diseases. Breasts augmentations have grown in popularity despite media controversy. Last year almost 300 000 women had their breast enlarged in the United States, a 37% increase since 2000. Until 2007 most of them used the saline or salt water solution rather than silicone. These were never limited. However since the silicone breast implants have been officially approved for the primary breast augmentation, this situation has completely changed. In my pracitce currently 8 out 10 women choose silicone implants over saline implants. This follows a worldwide trend of the breast enlargement procedures where over 90% of breast enlargement procedures utilize silicone rather than saline. The advantage is clear: silicone feels softer and looks more natural. Once the girls start to talk and touch – the cat will be out of the sack. Now some regulatory issues: the FDA is allowing the devices for women who are at least 22. These implants are considered not a lifetime device and some patients will need at least one additional surgery to remove and replace these implants. MRI studies maybe recommended to follow these surgeries. Manufactures will replace all leaking or ruptured implants and give life time warranty and defray costs of replacements for 10 years.
How is breast enlargement done?
The procedure consists of creating a pocket under the breast tissue and placing a soft, natural-feeling implant material underneath the breast and the pectoral muscle. Most if not all augmentations are performed in the submuscular position but in rare cases exact position of the implant (subglandular or submuscular) can only be recommended by our plastic surgeon after the clinical evaluation of the patient. There is a variety of implants designs and our plastic surgeon will review with you potential advantages of certain designs during a consultation.
What kind of scars can I expect?
Since the saline implants are inserted deflated and are injected with saline only while inside the body the incision can be kept to minimal (usually shorter than an inch). Moreover, although incisions are minimal, every attempt is made to hide them either in the arm pit or under the areola, where they can be barely noticeable on the border of lighter and darker skin. Axillary (armpit) approach requires minimally invasive endoscopic video techniques which are readily available to our plastic surgeons. Silicone implants are fully inflated before insertion and therefore the incision has to be slightly larger . Still usually barely noticebable if placed around the areaola or through the armipit endoscopic approach. We usually try to stay away from the under the breast (inframmary) insertion sites since the healing in this area is quite unpredictable and may lead to conspicous scarring
Am I going to loose nipple sensation?
Minimally invasive techniques utilized by our plastic surgeons very infrequently result in nipple sensation alteration. Nipple sensation loss is extremely uncommon and is independent of the incision site chosen. The nipples may actually be hypersensitive (e.g. more sensitive) for some time after surgery.
What kind of anesthesia is used for breast augmentation?
With the current advanced anesthesia techniques the best and safe way to perform breast augmentation is to do the procedures under deep intravenous sedation with patient totally unaware of the ongoing surgical action. This allows for pain-free surgical procedure while permitting avoidance of risky chest wall injections for local pain control. Postoperative nausea is minimized by this approach and there are no complaints of postoperative sore throat, hoarseness typical for general anesthesia and tracheal intubations.
How long does the procedure take?
Although the surgical time for breast augmentation may vary depending on particular patient’s situation, it generally requires less than one hour of anesthesia time.
Do I have to stay in the hospital?
Breast augmentation is typically an outpatient procedure (patient returns home after she is recovered from anesthesia). However, to accommodate some patients’ social needs an overnight stay and nursing support can be arranged.
What is the typical recovery?
After surgery, the patient is wrapped in a compressive dressing. The following morning the dressing is removed and she is placed in a soft bra. The discomfort after the breast augmentation procedure can be significant. Therefore, our plastic surgeons are using revolutionary pain control system, the so-called “pain pump” (N-Q system). This disposable device, which is placed during surgery, delivers local anesthetic directly to the operative site, providing over 24 hrs of pain relief. The device is then easily removed during the day after surgery postoperative visit. Routine activities can usually be resumed within few days. Sports and exercises can be resumed within few weeks.
Actual patient of Dr Turowski
Breast enlargement (augmentation) Chicago – Testimonials
