| Dr. Stephen McNeese is a plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Here the Doctor has answered some of the common questions bizymoms visitors have about Breast Augmentation.
Q. What is Breast Augmentation?
A. Breast augmentation is the enhancement of breast volume and contour by insertion of prosthesis. There are two types of prosthesis: saline filled and silicone filled. Each of these has its own advantages and disadvantages. However, the primary reason for a breast augmentation procedure is to fill out the breast contours and provide a more beautiful breast.
Q. How should one prepare for breast augmentation surgery?
A. I don’t think there is any special way of preparing other than maintaining a healthy lifestyle. This includes a healthy diet and an exercise program. It is also important to have a good positive mental attitude.
Q. How is a breast augmentation surgery performed?
A. Breast augmentation surgery is done through relatively small incisions. A potential space is developed either on top of the pectoralis major muscle or beneath the pectoralis major muscle. Into this space is inserted the breast prosthesis which helps add additional volume, fullness as well as perkiness. Once this is done, the incisions are then closed.
Q. How can one find a qualified board certified plastic surgeon?
A. Very good question. There are lists of board certified plastic surgeons in prospective patients’ immediate area. This is available on websites from the National Plastic Surgery Organizations at www.plasticsurgery.org. There are a number of websites that list only board certified plastic surgeons which is a definitely a necessity when seeking information about plastic surgery. One way that I have always recommended to patients for finding a plastic surgeon or any physician, for that matter, in their local area is to call the head nurse in the local emergency room. These head nurses have direct experience with almost all the physicians who practice in their area and they would be happy to give a good recommendation to a caller.
Q. What are the possible immediate post-operative effects in breast augmentation surgery?
A. You will be able to see the enhancement of the breast volume immediately after the procedure. However, it does look a little swollen, along with perhaps a little bit of bruising and a little roundedness to the shape. By around two or two and a half weeks after the procedure, the breast will have taken on a much more natural shaping and position on the chest wall. But it will require probably 4-6 months altogether for the breast to take on its final position, shaping and softness.
Q. What is the recovery time for breast augmentation?
A. Well everybody has an individual experience. Most ladies will report some discomfort for the first 2-3 days after the procedure. We do try to keep them as comfortable as possible; the pain is easily controlled with oral pain medications. Usually, most people are back at work five to seven days after the procedure. We don’t like for them to do exercising or weight lifting for as much as three weeks after the procedure. There may be some mild discomfort that will last for two to three weeks. After that they just become a part of you and that’s all there is to it!
Q. How much does breast augmentation cost?
A. The cost of the procedure varies depending on where and who is performing the procedure. I think you will find expenses falling anywhere between approximately $3500 and $7000 depending on the surgeon you choose – this is a general estimation. In our immediate area, most private plastic surgeons charge anywhere between $5000 and $6500. This includes all costs.
|
