Breast Augmentation

One decision more and more women are making every day is to have breast augmentation. Breast implant placement is indicated for women looking to enhance their current breast size and shape and for reconstruction purposes. Advances in breast implant technology and surgical technique are making breast augmentation a popular option among women of all ages and walks of life desiring a change in the way they look and feel. The decision to undergo breast enlargement may result in a more flattering, better proportioned figure, more clothing options, and may enhance confidence and self-esteem.

Today, many options exist regarding breast augmentation. These can be tailored for each patient to accommodate their preferences and unique physical characteristics. The main options include: incision location, implant pocket location, and implant type.

The first main option is incision location. Three main options are available for incision location and they include: under the breast (inframammary), in the armpit (axillary), and around the nipple (periareolar). Dr. Jones has performed all of the above techniques and will discuss with you the individual advantages of each and what would be the best for you. He can also discuss the approach through the belly button if you are interested.

The next option is the placement of the implant, or pocket choice. The breast implant can be placed either under the pectoralis major muscle (submuscular) or on top of the muscle and under the breast gland (subglandular) depending on the thickness of your breast tissue and its ability to adequately cover the breast implant. In addition to the above options, Dr. Jones uses some newer techniques to give the advantages of both types of pockets, such as the dual plane approach. Some of the basic differences of the two pockets include: the submuscular placement may be more painful, and may make it more difficult to have some reoperation procedures than the subglandular placement. The possible benefits of submuscular are that it may result in less palpable implants, less capsular contracture, and easier imaging of the breast with mammography. The subglandular placement may make surgery and recovery shorter, may be less painful, and may be easier to access for reoperation than the submuscular placement. However, this placement may result in more palpable implants, more capsular contracture, and more difficult imaging of the breast with mammography.

The final option is the type of implant, namely saline or silicone. In addition, many different sizes and shapes exist for both types. Dr. Jones will extensively explain the differences between the implants and how that will affect you specifically. In addition, he has a unique sizing system that allows you to see how different breast implants will look on you, both in a special sizing bra and your clothing. He also has hundreds of before and after pictures to choose from to help show examples of women similar to you.

The procedure to place breast implants usually lasts approximately one hour or less and recovery typically lasts about the same amount of time. You are then typically allowed to return home (or a location within 30 minutes) for the evening where Dr. Jones will personally call to check on you. You will then return to the clinic the following day for Dr. Jones to examine you and review your instructions and address any questions or concerns. Your next visit is typically 4-5 days later to learn breast exercises and then they are spaced out a little more depending upon your needs.

You'll probably feel somewhat tired and sore for several days following the operation, and your breasts may remain swollen and sensitive to physical contact for as long as a month. You may also experience a feeling of tightness in the breast area as your skin adjusts to your new breast size. The full results of your augmentation may not be visible until your breast tissue (and muscle, if the implant has been placed submuscularly) adjusts. Dr. Jones employs new surgical techniques to minimize pain and speed recovery and most patients will typically be back to work within 3-4 days, if not sooner.

Images courtesy of plasticsurgery.org