Breast Augmentation
(Augmentation Mammaplasty)
Enhances your natural breast size and shape
Recovery: 1-2 weeks
Technique: Breast implants are placed either under or on top of the chest wall muscle (pectoralis major). Scroll for details on technique, incision choices, and implants.
Anesthesia: Usually general anesthesia or twilight anesthesia (IV sedation).
Often combined with other procedures
Breast augmentation, also known as augmentation mammoplasty, is one of the most commonly performed cosmetic surgeries. During the procedure, breast implants are placed through a relatively small incision to enhance the natural size and shape of the breasts.
Women who undergo breast augmentation often do so to:
· Enhance the size of small breasts
· Restore volume to the breast after weight loss, pregnancy, or aging.
· Add fullness to achieve a more ideal breast shape
· Improve asymmetry in those with breasts that are not the same size
· Enhance their self confidence about their breast size and appearance.
Breast Augmentation Consultation:
We will meet and discuss your aesthetic goals at length as well as evaluate your overall health to ensure you are a good candidate for breast augmentation. We will review a variety of factors to consider when evaluating your breast augmentation options. Some of those include:
Implant size. Often times size is one of the hardest choices to make. Together, we will choose an implant size for you based on a thorough discussion of your preferences, measurements of your current breast characteristics, and implant sizers to give you an idea of what your new volume would be.
Implant Type: There are two types of implant material: saline and silicone. Both have been found to be safe for use in breast surgery by the FDA. Dr. McEwan believes neither is the absolute best choice for all patients. Most people believe silicone looks and feels a little more natural, and the newer “gummy bear” implants may last longer.
Incision location: There are three reasonable choices for incision placement. Placing the incision in the crease below the breast is most common. Other choices for incision placement include in the underarm (axillary) or around the areola (periareolar). While a few patients may have characteristics that make a particular incision more ideal, most of the time patient preference is the main determining factor of incision location.
Implant placement: Implants can be placed under the muscle of the chest wall (submuscular) or under the breast gland and lining of the muscle (subfascial). Both have pros and cons. In general, under the muscle is best for those that want a more natural appearance and the safest possible location when it comes to infection and capsular contracture risk. Subfascial augmentation is often best for those that want more upper pole fullness or to minimize muscular animation postoperatively. Dr. McEwan is experienced in and offers both techniques. Deciding which is the right choice for you is a key part of our consultation process.
Breast Augmentation Procedure:
· Breast augmentation is typically performed under general anesthesia or IV sedation and takes about an hour or so. It is an outpatient procedure and there is little wound or incisional care you have to do afterwards.
Breast Augmentation Care and Recovery:
· Initial Healing: Swelling and bruising are common initially but will subside over time.
· Garments: Dr. McEwan recommends a postoperative bra all the time except showers for a couple weeks after surgery.
· Resuming Activities: Most patients can return to normal activities within a week, though strenuous exercise needs to be avoided for at least a few weeks. Chest specific exercises such as bench press, push ups, yoga and pilates poses that require support of your body weight with your arms should be avoided for 6 weeks after surgery.
Postoperative Care:
· Follow Instructions: Adhering to postoperative care instructions, including proper wound care and avoiding strenuous activities, is crucial.
· Follow-up Appointments: Dr. McEwan sees his patients regularly throughout the postoperative period to ensure that you are healing appropriately.
Results:
· Size and shape: You will notice your increased size and shape right away. It usually takes a few weeks for the swelling to subside and at least a month or two before you are at your final result.
· Boost in Confidence: Many patients experience increased self-confidence and satisfaction with their appearance quickly after breast augmentation.