Breast Augmentation

Why is this procedure done?

Breast augmentation makes your breasts bigger. An implant is used to change the size or shape of your breast. Some women have breast augmentation if they feel their breasts are too small. Others may think their breasts are not in proportion with the rest of their body. Some women have breast augmentation after they have had cancer surgery of the breast. ‚

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What will the results be?

Your breasts will be larger. You may have a better body image and more self confidence. ‚

What happens before the procedure?

Your doctor will take your history. Talk to the doctor about: ‚

All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some examples are Coumadin, ibuprofen, Aleve (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about all of your drugs.
Family history of breasts cancer and other related issues. Be sure to tell your doctor about the result of any mammograms you have had or if you have had any breast surgeries in the past.
When you need to stop eating or drinking before your procedure

Your doctor will do an exam and may order: ‚

Breast exam to measure the size, shape, and skin quality of your breasts. Pictures may be taken.
Lab tests
Chest x-ray
Electrocardiogram (ECG)
Mammogram

Be sure to follow your doctors advice about: ‚

Avoiding smoking, which may increase the risk of problems with wound healing.
Showering the night before the surgery. Use antibacterial soap. Some doctors have the patient repeat the shower with a special soap the morning of the surgery
You will not be allowed to drive right away after the procedure. Ask a family member or a friend to drive you home.
Someone to help you at home after your surgery.

What happens during the procedure?

Once you are in the operating room, the staff will put an IV in your arm to give you fluids and drugs. You will be given a drug to make you sleepy. The drugs will also help you stay pain free during the surgery. When you are asleep, the doctors put a tube in your mouth to help you breathe.
Your doctor will make small cuts to put in the implant. The cuts may be below your breast, around the nipple, or in the underarm based on your treatment.
The implant may contain a silicone gel or be filled with sterile salt water. The implant is placed between your skin and muscle tissue. The implant may also be placed under the muscles of your breasts.
In some cases, your doctor may place a drainage tube around the implants. The tube allows any extra fluid to drain out and will help healing. The drain will be removed at your first follow-up visit.
Your doctor will close your cut with stitches or staples and cover your cut with clean bandages. The same procedure may be done for your other breast.
The procedure takes about 1 to 2 hours.

What happens after the procedure?

You will go to the Recovery Room for a few hours. The staff will watch you closely.
Your doctor may give you drugs to ease pain and upset stomach. You will get fluids through an IV until you are able to eat and drink.
You may wear a special bra or bandage to support your breasts and to decrease bleeding. You may have some bruising, swelling, and tenderness for a few weeks.
You can go home after your surgery or you may need to stay in the hospital for a few days based on your condition.

What care is needed at home?

Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says you need to do.
Take all your drugs as ordered by your doctor.
Sleep with your head and chest elevated on 2 to 3 pillows to reduce swelling.
Place an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel over the painful part. Never put ice right on the skin. Do not leave the ice on more than 10 to 15 minutes at a time.
Talk to your doctor about how to care for your cut site. Ask your doctor about:
- When you should change your bandages
- When you may take a bath or shower
- If you need to be careful with lifting things over 10 pounds
- When you may go back to your normal activities like work or driving
- When you may use creams to lessen the scars and improve the look of your breasts. Avoid using creams until you skin has healed to help lower your risk of infection.
Ask your doctor about the best kind of bra for you to wear. Also, ask if you should massage or move your implants.

What follow-up care is needed?

Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep your visits.
Any drains placed in your breasts will be removed 2 to 4 days after surgery.
You may have stitches or staples. If so, your doctor will often want to remove the stitches or staples in 1 to 2 weeks.
If you had silicone gel implants, your doctor will check them every few years using ultrasound or MRI.
Your breasts implants may need to be replaced in time.

What problems could happen?

Bleeding
Infection
Scarring or wrinkled skin over the implant
Implant may make cancer harder to detect
Changes in the sensation of your breasts, which may be short term or long lasting.
Leakage of implants
Another surgery for the revisions of breasts implants
Problem with breastfeeding

Where can I learn more?

American Society of Plastic Surgeons ‚
http://www.plasticsurgery.org/Cosmetic-Procedures/Breast-Augmentation.html ‚

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚

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