Breast Augmentation
THE PROCEDURE
Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure
used to enhance the size and shape of the breasts, correct a reduction
in breast volume after pregnancy, or to correct breast asymmetry.
Breast augmentation is accomplished by inserting an implant behind
each breast. The breast implant can vary in shape but is a silicone
shell filled with a saline solution.
Incisions for breast augmentation are be made either in the breast
fold, around the areola (dark skin around the nipple) via the armpit
or through the belly button. The implants are placed either directly
under the breast tissue or behind the chest wall muscle. Dr. Colon
will discuss these options during the consultation.
Breast augmentation is a relatively risk-free surgery. A rare complication
associated with breast augmentation is capsular contracture. Capsular
contracture occurs if the capsule around the implant begins to tighten.
This can make the implant feel firm although this is a treatable
condition.
Nipples may become oversensitive, undersensitive, or in some cases
numb. This is usually a temporary condition and will improve with
time. Permanent numbness of the nipples has occurred in some patients.
Breast implants can break or leak. The fracturing of the implant
may be the result of injury or even normal compression and movement
of the breast over many years. A leak or break in a saline implant
will cause the implant to deflate in a matter of a few hours. The
saline solution will be absorbed by the body and causes no harm.
Breast augmentation is normally performed under general anesthesia
or twilight anesthesia.
The patient will feel soreness for 24 to 48 hours. The swelling
of the breasts will take several weeks to subside. Most patients
return to work in a few days.
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