|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
  |
|
Frequently Asked Questions About
Breast Enlargement
Who is a good candidate for breast enlargement surgery?
How do I know what size breast implant is right for me?
What type of breast implant should I choose?
How does having breast enlargement surgery affect future pregnancy?
Will nipple sensitivity be affected by breast enlargement surgery?
How will breast enlargement surgery affect my annual mammogram results?
How is breast enlargement surgery performed?
What can I expect after surgery?
Are there any risks or complications associated with breast enlargement surgery?.
What kind of results can I expect from breast enlargement surgery?.
Who is a good candidate for breast enlargement surgery?
Until the breasts are fully developed, usually by age 18, we do not consider any woman a good candidate. If is imperative that the patient be emotionally and physically ready to make this type of decision.
In general, women who choose to have breast enlargement surgery do so to improve their self-image. The reasons behind this decision can include:
- Breasts that did not develop to an expected size
- Breasts that do not match in size
- Breasts that have decreased in volume due to pregnancy, weight loss or aging
Breast that have been reduced or removed due to injury or disease
How do I know what size breast implant is right for me?
Most women wish to have a breast size that is complimentary to their build. Going too large can result in looking misshapen or top-heavy. Going too small may leave you wishing you'd chosen a larger size the first time. Often times, plastic surgeons have sample breast implants that can be "tried on" under a shirt to help you find the right size for your size. It is important that you know what you want first. Then, with the surgeon's help, you can determine size and type of implant that will meet your goals.
What type of breast implant should I choose?
There are essentially two implants used today - saline filled and silicone filled implants. Both implants have an outer pliable envelope or shell that is made of silicone. The content of the shell is either saline (salt water) or silicone gel.
Saline filled implants are the most commonly used today, while silicone filled breast implants are only available to certain patients that are participating in a mandatory adjunct study by the Federal Drug Administration. Both types of breast implants come in many sizes, shapes and surface textures.
How does having breast enlargement surgery affect future
pregnancy?
It is possible that having breast implants will affect the ability to breast-feed. You should also know that pregnancy could change the appearance of breasts that have been surgically enhanced. That is also true of natural breasts, however. Should that happen, a breast lift procedure might be the solution for you. This should not take place, however, until breast-feeding is complete.
Will nipple sensitivity be affected by breast enlargement surgery?
While there may be loss of sensitivity following breast enlargement surgery, it is usually temporary and should return after the healing process is complete. Many patients have reported an increase in sensitivity, while very few cases report a total loss of nipple sensitivity.
How will breast enlargement surgery affect my annual mammogram results?
Breasts implants, particularly those in the sub-glandular placement, can interfere with mammogram readings. Women with implants should be sure to tell the mammogram technician that they have implants and what type they are. It is possible for calcium deposits to form around the implant and these may be misdiagnosed as cancer. Should that happen, the implant may need to be removed in order to correctly determine any presence of cancer.
How is breast enlargement surgery performed?
Before general anesthesia is given, your breasts and chest is carefully outlined using a surgical marking pen. This acts as a road map during surgery.
Breast implants can be placed through one of three incisions. The most common being the periareolar incision between the dark and light interface of the areola and paler breast skin. This incision gives an excellent cosmetic result. It can also be placed at the skin crease underneath the breasts itself, or lastly, it can be placed through the armpit region referred to as a transaxillary approach. The breast implant can be placed either on top of the pectoralis muscle or below it. For my patients, I usually use periareolar approach and place the implants below the muscle. During surgery, once the implants are in place, the patient is sat up to compare the size, position, and the symmetry. A multiple layer closure is performed for the closure of the incision and deeper tissues. A compression band and bra is then placed.
Some women have loose skin from childbirth, weight loss, or genetic reasons. In these cases we may place the implant partially under the muscle, above the nipple, and partially above the muscle below. This will insure that the loose skin is fully stretched. However, if the skin of the breast is very loose or ptotic, a lift in conjunction with the enlargement may give the best results. Some women do not want breast lifts due to the additional incisions, and will accept the trade-off of a lower breast mound.
What can I expect after surgery?
The first few hours after surgery will be spent in the recovery room. When you are fully alert, you will be able to go home with the assistance of a friend or a family member. At this time it is important to sleep with the head and back elevated to reduce the swelling in the area. Two days after surgery, you may take the dressings off and take a shower and then re-apply the band and bra. Instructions are given for suture care.
The discomfort after breast enlargement surgery is moderate. This discomfort is more noticeable if the patient has had the implants placed underneath the muscle. These patients will notice more tenderness and soreness around the chest region. Patients take medications during the first day or two in order to be comfortable during the recovery. By the third day, the patient shouldn't need strong pain medications. However, some patients have a lower threshold and therefore, may take pain medications for up to five days.
The recovery period, is generally two weeks. Once the bruising and tenderness are gone, the patient can return to their normal activities. It is an absolute priority that patients avoid lifting of any kind for at least two weeks post operatively. Most patients may drive a car and return to work or social activities after one week. Strenuous exercise is avoided for three to four weeks following surgery.
Are there any risks or complications associated with breast enlargement surgery?
As with any surgery, the risk of bleeding, infection, and risk of anesthesia exists. However, each year, thousands of women undergo breast enlargement surgery and experience no complications at all. A highly trained plastic surgery team, including a board-certified anesthesiologist and nurses, will reduce the frequency of complications. Additional complications specific to breast enlargement include deflation/rupture of the implant. Breast implants deflate when the saline solution leaks through an unfilled or damaged valve or through a break in the implant shell. The implant deflation can occur immediately or progressively over a period of days. Since salt water is naturally present in the body, the saline that has leaked from the implant will be absorbed safely in the body. Deflated implants necessitate additional surgery to remove and to replace the implant.
Always discuss risks and complications in detail with your surgeon prior to making a final decision.
What kind of results can I expect from breast enlargement surgery?
Breast enlargement may be a way to achieve an enhanced appearance of the breasts. This often can boost a woman's self esteem and confidence.
The initial two weeks following surgery, the breasts are distorted with swelling and bruising, but it quickly dissipates. It takes approximately three or four months for the breasts to set into its new shape. Dr. Delgado will spend significant effort and time preoperatively to discuss your anatomy and to choose the proper implant shape and size that will accomplish a natural appearance to your new shape.