| Dr. Steve Laverson 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 a procedure to improve quality of life for women with small breasts, or for women who want larger breasts to improve their shape. Under anesthesia, carefully designed and manufactured high quality implants are placed through a small concealed opening and positioned behind the breast to increase apparent size, and create a sensuous, sexy, and at best, natural appearing contour. The procedure is safe for most women, and the results long lasting.
Q. How should one prepare for breast augmentation surgery?
A. To prepare for breast augmentation surgery, have a clear idea of what you want from the procedure, and consult with a board certified plastic surgeon. Get all of your questions answered. Be sure you like the "before and after" results of the surgeon you choose, so your idea of beautiful breasts agrees with his or hers.
Q. What are the possible immediate post-operative effects in breast augmentation surgery?
A. Immediately after the procedure, there is pain and swelling in the area of the breasts. Be ready with prescription analgesics (medicine to diminish the pain) at home. This slowly resolves. Days to weeks after the procedure, most patients feel much improved, see the beautiful result, and resume essentially normal activity.
Q. What are the possible longer-term, local effects in breast augmentation surgery?
A. Longer-term local effects of breast augmentation surgery are variable, but the vast majority of women experience improved self esteem, confidence, and related success in personal and professional relationships. Most women keep their implants for many years without complaint or significant problem. Occasionally, re-operation is necessary to change size or correct an implant related problem. Implant manufacturers want women to understand that the devices are not intended for lifetime use, and may need to be changed periodically for one reason or another.
Q. Who is a good candidate for breast augmentation?
A. Women who are generally healthy and want larger breasts are good candidates for breast augmentation. The only real contraindications are pregnancy, breast feeding, open wounds, active infection, and serious underlying medical illness.
Q. What is the recovery time for breast augmentation?
A. Recovery time after breast augmentation is variable, but brief. Return to routine activities of daily living and sedentary work is in days. Return to strenuous physical activity is two weeks or longer.
Q. How much does breast augmentation cost?
A. Cost of breast augmentation includes cost of implants, anesthesiologist, surgeon, and facility. You can expect to pay $5500 to $8500 depending on your surgeon, whether or not you choose saline or silicone gel implants, whether or not you also need a breast lift, whether a nurse anesthetist or anesthesiologist will be caring for you, and other variables. Post surgical bra, pain medicine, follow up visits, and other incidentals may or may not be included. Minor revisions, if necessary, may be included, but re-operation to change size or correct a complication usually costs extra.
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