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Breast Augmentation: Is it right for you?
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| by Dr. Diane Gibby • M.D., P.A., F.A.C.S |
Breast
Augmentation (augmentation mammoplasty) is a
surgical procedure to enhance the size and shape
of a woman's breast. Women may choose this
procedure for several reasons: to enhance their
body contour; to correct a reduction in breast
size after pregnancy; to balance a difference in
breast size; or as a reconstructive technique
following breast surgery.
To increase breast size, saline or silicone
implants may be used, although the use of
silicone implants are under stricter guidelines
by the FDA. This procedure is performed either
in an office facility, outpatient surgical
center or hospital, and may be performed under
general, or local anesthesia with IV sedation.
The incision necessary for the implant can be
made in the crease at the lower breast fold,
around the areola, or in the armpit.
Working through the incision, the breast tissue
and skin will be lifted to create a pocket
either directly behind the breast tissue or
underneath the chest wall muscle. Placing the
implants behind the chest muscle may reduce the
potential for capsular contracture. This
placement may also interfere less with breast
examination by mammogram than if the implant is
directly behind the breast tissue.
The surgery usually takes one to two hours to
complete. Stitches are used to close the
incisions, and a gauze bandage is applied over
the breast. The patient will probably feel tired
and sore for a few days following surgery, but
should be up and around in 24 to 48 hours.
Stitches are removed in five to seven days, but
the swelling in the breasts may take three to
five weeks to disappear. A woman should be able
to return to work within a few days depending on
the level of activity required at her job.
Breast implants do have the potential for
complications. These risks include infection
(requiring removal of the implant) and capsular
contracture (scar tissue), which may develop
around the implant, distorting the shape of the
breast and potentially causing breast pain. The
chance of rupture or deflation of implants is
low, but does increase with the age of the
implants. Any woman opting to proceed with
breast implant surgery should understand
revisional surgery might be necessary to treat
potential problems associated with implants.
Routine mammograms should be continued after
breast augmentation fo women in the appropriate
age group. It is also very important that breast
self-examinations be done on a monthly basis.
These exams may require a little more diligence
because the implant must be pushed up and away
from the surrounding tissue, so any
abnormalities can be detected.
While women shouldn't let their breast size
define them, it can make a difference in how
they perceive themselves and can directly affect
a woman's self-esteem. Having a breast
augmentation is a very personal choice, and as
with any cosmetic procedure, risks and benefits
should be considered carefully before
proceeding. |
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Diane Gibby, M.D., P.A., F.A.C.S Licensed in Texas, Dr. Diane Gibby is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) and the founder of The Women's Center for Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery. She is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), American Medical Association (AMA), Texas Society of Plastic Surgeons (TSPS), Dallas County Medical Society (DCMS) and the Board Certified Plastic and Cosmetic Surgeons of Dallas. She is also a Fellow in the American College of Surgeons (F.A.C.S.). Dr. Gibby's office is located at Medical City Dallas, Building C, Suite 820, (972) 566-6323. Individuals interested in brochures or names of qualified plastic surgeons in their area may call the American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons at 1-800-635-0635.
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