Breast augmentation is one of the most frequently performed cosmetic surgery procedures in the U.S. Breast augmentation can give women with small or uneven breasts a fuller, firmer, better-proportioned look through the placement of saline or silicone implants behind the breast.
Patients elect to undergo breast augmentation for many different medical and aesthetic reasons, including balancing breast size, compensating for reduced breast size after pregnancy or surgery or to correct a congenital breast condition. Under Dr. Downey’s attentive care, patients enjoy great-looking, natural-feeling breasts that are one or more cup sizes larger after the operation.
Fully Customized Breast Enhancement
Dr. Downey knows that every woman is unique in both her desires and her body shape. With that in mind, she takes the time during the pre-operative consultations to learn what each patient hopes to gain from breast augmentation surgery and to decide which implant type and implant placement is best. In this way, every one of our patients enjoys completely customized treatment designed with her specific goals in mind.
Complementary Procedures
Breast augmentation can achieve dramatic and beautiful results on its own as well as in conjunction with other cosmetic surgery or non-invasive procedures. Dr. Downey sometimes recommends combining breast augmentation with other procedures such as a breast lift for more satisfying results.
Saline and Silicone Gel Breast Implants
Breast implants are silicone shells filled with either saline (salt water) or silicone gel. Both implant types are very safe, and each offers its own advantages. Dr. Downey will help you decide which kind is right for you. During surgery, she will place the implants behind each breast, underneath either breast tissue or the chest wall muscle.
After many years, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved silicone breast implants for breast augmentation surgery for patients 22 years of age and older.
Breast Augmentation Surgery - Incision Techniques
The breast augmentation procedure lasts two to three hours and is typically performed with general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure. Incisions are made in inconspicuous places on the breast to minimize scar visibility. These may be located:
- In the crease on the underside of the breast (inframammary), or
- Around the areola, the dark skin around the nipple (periareolar).
The breast is then lifted, creating a pocket into which the implant is inserted.
Breast Augmentation Surgery - Placement Options
After the implants have been inserted and positioned, the incisions are stitched closed, and surgical glue (Dermabond®) is used to seal the wound. The use of surgical glue allows you to shower as soon as the day after the surgery if you wish. You will be placed in a surgical bra immediately after the surgery.
Recovery
Dr. Downey uses the On-Q® system to minimize postoperative pain or discomfort. The On-Q® system delivers local anesthesia into the breast for three days which greatly reduces the need for narcotics. Many patients return to work within the week.
Any post-operative pain, swelling and sensitivity will diminish over the first few weeks.
Scars from breast augmentation incisions will begin to fade in a few months and will continue to fade for months or years.
Complications
Complications following breast augmentation surgery are uncommon but can occasionally occur. Complications may include capsular contracture (hardening of the breast), swelling and pain, infection around the implant, a change in nipple sensation, milk production if you nursed a baby within a year before the procedure, and breakage or leakage of the implant (implant rupture).
Regular monitoring of breast implants after breast augmentation is recommended to ensure continuing breast and implant health.
Contact us today to schedule a breast augmentation consultation!
