Breast augmentation, also known as mammoplasty, is a surgical enhancement procedure to accentuate the size and shape of the breasts using implants. The implant is placed either underneath the chest wall muscle (submuscular) or directly behind the breast tissue (subglandular). The incisions for breast augmentation are small and are made either at the bottom edge of the areola or in the armpit (transaxillary).
As a plastic surgeon who specializes in breast surgery, the most common reasons I hear from women who undergo breast augmentation are as follows: “I want to be able to wear a T-shirt without a bra”, “I want to fill up my bathing suit top”, “I’m tired of wearing padding”, and “since children, my breasts have lost all their volume”.
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.
Breast Augmentation is appropriate for most women who want to improve their appearance and self confidence. Whether we like it or not, we live in a visual world, and woman’s breasts are a focal point of their femininity and sexuality. Currently, breast augmentation is the third most common cosmetic surgical procedure performed with almost three million people who have benefited. It is important to spend a considerable amount of time with your plastic surgeon to make sure he or she completely understands the size and shape that you desire.
Remember, Dr. Virden can create small, medium or large breasts, round or natural appearing breasts, and tailors each case to the specific patient’s needs and desires. Today, more than ever, there are a variety of different breast implant shapes and styles. This allows Dr. Virden many more options to sculpt your breasts, and therefore achieving the desired result. Some patients desire a very natural look while others want a very round appearance. Dr. Virden can create the breast size and shape that you desire.
It is extremely important to make sure that your surgeon is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. No other organization has specific criteria for training in breast surgery and testing for competence in breast surgery.
Since the FDA approved silicone breast implants for “general use” in November of 2006, Dr. Virden has been performing the majority of breast augmentations using silicone implants which have been shown to be safe. They also have a much better “feel” and longevity. Dr. Virden says it is so gratifying for me to see my patients completely thrilled with their result. I love my work and take pride in being able to deliver the highest quality in surgical expertise. The breast augmentation procedure takes approximately one hour and is performed on an out patient basis. Within a day or two after surgery, most patients are up and about.
Reasons for Considering Breast Augmentation:
Enhance body shape if breasts are too small.
Increase breast volume after pregnancy and nursing.
Equalize a difference in breast size (cup size) to gain breast symmetry.
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. A second technique makes an incision around the areola (the darker skin surrounding the nipple). 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 may contain either a saline solution (similar to saltwater) or 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 2 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 sports bra preferrably opening in the front 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.
If you think that you may be a candidate for Breast Augmentation, contact Dr. Virden and his staff to schedule a consultation by calling 1-866-344-3363 or click here to schedule a consultation.
