Breast Augmentation

Breast Augmentation

Who is a Candidate for Breast Augmentation? Many women are dissatisfied with the size and shape of their breasts, this may be due to age, pregnancy, weight changes or a general dissatisfaction. If you are otherwise healthy and looking for cosmetic improvement in the appearance of your breasts, you may be a candidate for breast augmentation. Any woman who is medically fit for surgery, who is not currently pregnant or breast feeding and has realistic expectations is a candidate

Planned results: Breast augmentation using either saline or silicone implants can increase the size of the breasts, improve shape and symmetry. Many women feel more comfortable and confident following breast augmentation surgery.

Description of the Procedure: The surgery is done as day surgery under general anesthetic. You will need a ride home from an adult over age 18 years of age, and an adult to stay with you overnight.

There are several different incisions that can be used to place the implants: inframammary (in the crease below your breast), periareolar (along the inferior margin of the pigmented aspect of your nipple areolar complex), and axillary (in your armpit). The appropriate incision will be determined at your consultation, the incisions also may vary depending of the need for a breast lift at the same surgery or based on previous scars already present on your breasts.

There are 2 different types of breast implants available: saline and cohesive gel silicone (gummy bear implants). The advantages and disadvantages of each type of implant will be discussed with you at your consultation and you will have the ability to see samples of each type of implant. Dr, Meathrel uses implants manufactured by Mentor.

Implants may also be placed either submammary (below the breast tissue) or submuscular (below the pectoralis major muscle). The advantages and disadvantages of each placement will be discussed with you at your consultation.

Recuperation and Healing: You will have a dressing covering the incisions that will stay in place for one week. You will be required to wear a special bra that will be provided by U Cosmetic. You will have some discomfort, swelling and minor bruising and will be sent home with prescription medications to keep you comfortable. You are encouraged to return to your usual daily activities as soon as possible, prolonged bed rest can lead to serious complications and it is important to resume walking short distances and gentle activity within 24 hours of the surgery. You should avoid heavy upper body activity for one month following the surgery (eg heavy lifting, or heavy upper body workouts). You will be required to do special postoperative massaging exercises of your implants starting 1 week following the surgery and detailed instructions will be provided to you by Dr. Meathrel.

Options and Consideration: A mastopexy (breast lift) may be recommended at the same time to improve the overall cosmetic outcome.

Notes: Breast augmentation may result in permanent decreased sensation of your breasts and may interfere with future breastfeeding. Gravity continues to work on augmented breasts in the same fashion as on natural breasts, breast augmentation does not stop the aging process and future procedures may be required to keep your breasts aesthetically pleasing. Future weight gain or loss, or pregnancies will result in changes to the breasts and may require future surgical procedures. All potential complications will be discussed with you at your consultation. Breast augmentation does not alter your risk to develop a future breast cancer. Mammogram screening can be completed on augmented breasts with special views, you must inform the mammogram technician that you have breast implants in place.