Definition

Surgery to modify the size or shape of your breasts

Parts of the Body Involved

Breasts

Reasons for Procedure

Breast augmentation may be performed for cosmetic reasons, to increase breast size, balance breast size symmetrically, improve breast shape and/or contour, or to reconstruct a breast that has been been injured or undergone surgery.

Risk Factors for Complications During the Procedure

Because this is an elective surgery, if you have any chronic illness or you are in poor health for any reason, you should not undergo this procedure.

What to Expect

Prior to Procedure

You may be asked to provide the surgeon with a picture of a woman whose breasts you want yours to resemble. Or, you may be asked to look through an album of breast sizes and shapes to help the surgeon understand the outcome you desire.

Your doctor will likely do the following:

  • Physical exam including careful breast exam
  • Blood tests to check on your general health and body’s ability to clot
  • EKG to verify that your heart is strong enough to withstand anesthesia and the stress of surgery
  • Mammogram
  • Take "before" pictures

In the days leading up to your procedure:

  • The night before, eat a light meal and do not eat or drink anything after midnight.
  • You may be asked to shower the morning of your procedure, and you may be given special antibacterial soap to use.
  • Arrange for a ride to and from the procedure.
  • Arrange for help at home after returning from the hospital.

During Procedure

IV fluids, sedation medication, and anesthesia will be administered.

Anesthesia

General or local anesthesia will be used depending on the procedure.

Description of the Procedure

The surgeon cuts an opening either underneath your breast, alongside the areola (pigmented area around the nipple), or in your underarm. A pouch containing a gel or saline solution, called an implant or prosthesis, is slipped through this opening and into your breast, either between the skin and the muscle, or underneath the muscle. The incision is closed with stitches and bandaged. The same procedure may be repeated for the other breast.

Side View of Breast Implantation

breast implant

© 2008 Nucleus Medical Art, Inc.

After Procedure

You'll wear a particular bra or bandage using an elastic pressure bandage to support your breasts and decrease the chance of bleeding.

How Long Will It Take?

The procedure generally takes 1 to 2 hours.

Will It Hurt?

Anesthesia prevents pain during surgery. You'll have some bruising and tenderness of the breasts for several weeks after surgery.

Possible Complications

  • Infection
  • Bleeding
  • Nerve damage, resulting in numbness of the breasts, nipples, and/or areolas
  • Abnormal scarring
  • Painful and/or restricted arm and shoulder motion
  • Uneven appearance to breasts, either due to position or size
  • If silicone implants are used, the implant may harden, rupture, or leak
  • Some studies have suggested that silicone implants can cause autoimmune reactions in susceptible people, resulting in arthritis , lupus , or scleroderma
  • Presence of an implant may make cancer detection (through mammogram and/or self-exam) more difficult

Average Hospital Stay

0-1 days

Postoperative Care

You may wish to apply ice packs to your breasts to decrease swelling and pain. You may be given a prescription for pain medication, or advised to take acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Your doctor will advise you regarding return to exercise.

Outcome

Your breasts should be larger, and should reflect the size, shape, and symmetry that you desired.

Call Your Doctor If Any of the Following Occurs

  • Redness, swelling, increasing pain, excessive bleeding, or discharge from the incision site
  • Nausea and/or vomiting that you can't control with the medications you were given after surgery, or which persist for more than two days after discharge from the hospital
  • Signs of infection, including fever and chills
  • Cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, or severe nausea or vomiting
  • Your implants grow hard or you believe that they are leaking
  • You develop joint pain, fatigue, stiffness, rash, or other new symptoms
  • Pain and/or swelling in your feet, calves, or legs
  • Sudden shortness of breath or chest pain