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Plastic Surgery
> Breast
Breast
Augmentation Before
and After Photos
Breast
Augmentation
Breast augmentation
or breast
enlargement is a
plastic surgery
procedure designed
to give women
larger, more
symmetrical breasts
or to reconstruct
damaged breasts.
First, an incision
is made under the
arm, around the
nipple, or below the
breast. Next, a
saline-filled or
silicone gel-filled
implant is carefully
inserted beneath
breast tissue or
pectoral muscles.
The incisions are
then stitched
closed. Breast
augmentation takes
one and one-half to
three hours and is
performed on an
outpatient basis.
The patient is
usually required to
return to our office
for a follow-up
visit the morning
after surgery.
Breasts normally
heal within a month
to six weeks.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT BREAST AUGMENTATION
Who is a candidate for
breast augmentation?
Women who choose
to have breast augmentation surgery do so to improve their
self image. Some feel dissatisfied because their breasts
never develop to a size to meet their expectations. Others
wish to bring balance to a breast that is somewhat smaller
than the other. Often, women want this procedure to restore
their natural breast volume which may have decreased as a
result of pregnancy, weight loss or aging.
Good candidates for breast
augmentation include those who are bothered by the feeling
that their breasts are too small. Breast augmentation should
only be considered when breast development is complete. The
patient must be emotionally mature and understand her own
motivations for wanting this procedure. Realistic
expectations are also important and one must understand that
the procedure can bring improvement but not perfection.
How is breast augmentation
performed?
No two cases are
exactly alike and every operation must be tailored to the
specific needs of the individual. The technique used for the
surgery depends not only on the surgeon's preferences but
also on the patient’s desire results.
There are typically three types
of incisions that can be used in this operation. One is
located underneath the breast, just above the crease.
Another is around the lower edge of the areola. Another is
within the armpit. Some doctors also offer an endoscopic
procedure performed through the umbilicus. Once the incision
is made, the surgeon creates a pocket into which the implant
is inserted. This pocket is made either directly behind the
breast gland or beneath the pectoral muscle located below
the breast gland and above the chest wall.
What types of breast
implants are available?
There are
different shapes available and different implant surfaces
available. Primarily, there is a round shape and there is
the so-called anatomical shape. These may be covered with a
smooth silicone surface or a textured surface. Which implant
is right depends on the patient's individual needs and
surgeon preferences, and implant size and shape. Depending
on the desired shape, the patient and the surgeon may choose
a round or contoured implant. Generally, the larger the cup
size, the larger the breast implant the surgeon will
consider.
How much does breast
augmentation cost?
The cost of this
procedure varies depending on your location. The costs
usually range from $3,000 to $6,000. The implants themselves
cost approximately $1,000. It is important to keep in mind
that health insurance does not cover this surgery. Some
carriers will not even cover a complication that may require
surgery.
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