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An Interview with Dr. James D. McMahan on Breast Augmentation
Dr. James D. McMahan 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?
Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure where the size and shape of the breasts are enhanced by inserting saline or silicone filled implants into the breast or under the pectoralis muscle under the breast. It is performed under anesthesia as an out-patient.
Q. How is a breast augmentation surgery performed?
Breast augmentation is performed by making a skin incision in the breast crease or around the lower edge of the areola. Then a pocket is created, usually under the chest muscle where the implant is inserted. The incision is closed in layers with sutures and a small dressing is applied. A surgical bra is used to hold the dressings on prior to taking the patient to the recovery room. Most patients are discharged within one hour of surgery.
Q. Who is a good candidate for breast augmentation?
Almost anyone who wishes to increase the size of their breasts are a good candidate for surgery as long as they do not currently have breast cancer or an on-going infection somewhere and are healthy enough to undergo the procedure. Generally, patients must be at least 18 years old to have saline implants and 22 for silicone except in special circumstances. The oldest patient I have put implants in was 74 at the time of surgery.
Q. What type of anesthetic is used for breast augmentation surgery?
Most patients are under general anesthesia for breast augmentation although epidural with sedation is also an option.
Q. What are the risks associated with breast augmentation?
Some of the common risks for breast augmentation include bleeding, infection, scars, anesthesia, implant malposition, implant rupture, capsular contracture and interference with performing mammograms.
Q. What is the recovery time for breast augmentation?
Most patients are back to light activities within 5-7 days; longer for more strenuous occupations or activities.
Q. How much does breast augmentation cost?
An average cost for breast augmentation with saline implants in Columbus is about $5300 and $6400 for silicone implants.
