Name of the Procedure:

Breast Augmentation with Implant
Common name(s): Breast Implant Surgery, Augmentation Mammoplasty

Summary

Breast augmentation with implant is a surgical procedure aimed at enhancing the size and shape of a woman's breasts using silicone or saline implants. The implants are placed either behind the breast tissue or under the chest muscle.

Purpose

Breast augmentation addresses issues like small breast size, asymmetry, or changes after pregnancy or weight loss. The goals are to enhance breast size, improve shape, and boost self-confidence and body image.

Indications

• Desire for larger breasts
• Correcting asymmetrical breasts
• Restoring breast volume lost after weight reduction or pregnancy
• Reconstructive purposes after mastectomy or injury
• Enhancing self-esteem and body image
• Patients in good health with realistic expectations

Preparation

• Pre-procedure consultation to discuss goals, options, and risks
• Physical examination and medical history review
• Pre-operative mammogram or ultrasound, if indicated
• Avoiding certain medications, such as blood thinners
• Fasting for a specified period before surgery
• Arranging for transportation and post-operative care

Procedure Description

1. Anesthesia is administered (typically general anesthesia).
2. Incisions are made in one of three locations: along the breast crease (inframammary), around the areola (periareolar), or in the armpit (transaxillary).
3. The breast tissue and muscle (if submuscular placement) are lifted to create a pocket.
4. The selected implant (silicone or saline) is inserted into the pocket.
5. Incisions are closed with sutures, and the area is bandaged.
6. The patient is monitored in a recovery area until they are awake and stable.

Duration

The procedure typically takes 1 to 2 hours.

Setting

Breast augmentation with implant is performed in a hospital, outpatient clinic, or surgical center.

Personnel

• Plastic surgeon
• Anesthesiologist
• Surgical nurses

Risks and Complications

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Scarring
• Implant rupture or leakage
• Capsular contracture (hardening around the implant)
• Changes in nipple or breast sensation
• Asymmetry
• Anesthesia risks

Benefits

• Enhanced breast size and shape
• Improved body image and self-esteem
• Clothes fitting better
• Results are often visible immediately, with continued improvement as swelling decreases.

Recovery

• Initial recovery period of 1 to 2 weeks
• Wearing a support bra and avoiding strenuous activity
• Pain and discomfort management with prescribed medications
• Follow-up appointments to monitor healing and implant position

Alternatives

• Fat transfer breast augmentation (using the patient's own fat)
• External breast prostheses or padded bras
• Pros and cons: Implants typically offer more significant enhancement but involve surgery; fat transfer is less invasive but might provide subtler results.

Patient Experience

Patients can expect mild to moderate pain and swelling post-surgery, managed with pain medications. Most discomfort subsides within a few weeks. Returning to normal activities and work usually occurs within 1 to 2 weeks, but strenuous activities should be avoided for 4 to 6 weeks.