Plastic Surgeon - Columbia SC - Breast Augmentation - Gregory Sexton, MD - Breast Enhancment
Augmentation mammoplasty (breast augmentation, breast enlargement, breast enhancement, breast implants) is a procedure commonly performed by plastic surgeons to make the breasts look larger.
This involves placing an implant behind the breast. The implant can be placed immediately behind the breast, on top of the pectoralis major muscle, or behind the pectoralis major muscle. Although I place in both positions depending on what the patient requests, or what would give the best results, I usually recommend placing the implant behind the muscle. I feel this gives a better long-term results.
The incision is commonly made under the breast, around the bottom of the nipple, or in the axilla (arm pit). Currently I prefer the incision under the breast, but I am willing to use any of these approaches based on patient preference. I discourage the incision around the nipple if the patient plans to breast feed in the future.
The implant I use most frequently is a smooth, round saline implant made by the Mentor Company. Choosing the size, type and shape of the implant is often the most stressful aspect of the entire patient experience. I caution against textured saline implants because because I feel they have a higher rate of "rippling," setting the stage for an unhappy patient. I help patients with size selection by showing photographs and using implant sizers patients can place under their clothing. I allow them time to view the pictures of previous patients and try the various implant sizers in private. After the patients has decided what size implant they would like, then I tell them what size implant they will need to achieve the results they want based on what they told me during the consultation. If we arrive at drastically different implant sizes then we further consult until we reach a common implant size.
The operation is performed as an outpatient operation, taking from 60 to 90 minutes of operating time. Most patients leave the surgery center within an hour after completion of the procedure. Pain and recovery time are dependant on implant size and placement. Patients return to my office in 3 to 5 days, 3 weeks and 3 months afterwards. There is no charge for these return visits. Each patients is given an individualized booklet with instructions and pre-operative and post-operative photographs.
Risk and complications are best discussed during the office consultation. I give every patient a list of the most common complications which we go over together.
Breast augmentation, also known as mammoplasty, is a surgical enhancement procedure to accentuate the size and shape of a woman's breasts. While breast augmentation will make the breasts larger, the surgery will not move the breasts closer together or lift sagging breasts. Breast augmentation is tremendous help to patients who desire a fuller profile, who have lost breast volume due to pregnancy or nursing, or who have undergone breast reconstruction and want to gain a more natural look again.
Reasons for Considering Breast Augmentation:
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Enhance body shape if breasts are too small.
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Increase breast volume after pregnancy and nursing.
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Equalize a difference in breast size (cup size) to gain breast symmetry.
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Reconstruct breasts following a mastectomy or injury.
General Procedure
Breast augmentation involves making a small incision to insert a breast implant into the breast area in order to enlarge the breast. The surgery is commonly performed on an outpatient basis at a hospital or state-of-the-art surgical unit while the patient is under a general anesthesia and asleep. There are several possible locations for the small incision that will be used for inserting the breast implant. The most frequent technique utilizes an incision made in the lower portion of the breast. Another technique, though less frequently used, involves making an incision in the armpit. A third technique makes an incision around the areola (the darker skin surrounding the nipple). A newer technique uses an incision in the belly button, thus reducing the chance of scarring in the breast area. The best technique will be decided together between the patient and the surgeon during the consultation.
During surgery, the breast tissue is raised to create an open pocket under the breast tissue or beneath the chest wall muscle. Inserting an implant behind each breast can increase a woman's breast size by one or more bra cup sizes. Implants typically contain a saline solution (similar to saltwater) although in special cases the implants can contain a silicone gel. In some circumstances, particularly those in which there is breast asymmetry (uneven breast size), an inflatable implant may be used to allow the surgeon to adjust the level of inflation to attain breast symmetry and balance. Surgery typically lasts from 1 to 3 hours.
Recovery Process
Generally, post-operative instructions call for plenty of rest and limited movement in order to speed up the healing process and recovery time. Bandages are applied right after surgery to aid the healing process and to minimize movement of the breasts. Once the bandages are removed, a specialized surgical bra will need to be worn for several weeks. Patients sometimes report minor pain associated with the surgery. This pain can be treated effectively with oral medication. While complications are rare, patients can minimize potential problems by carefully following the directions given by the physician after surgery.
