| Dr. Katherine Hein 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 an operation to increase breast size, most commonly by placement of breast implants under the pectoralis muscle.
Q. How is a breast augmentation surgery performed?
A. Implants are either saline or silicone-gel filled. The incision is usually made at the inferior border of the areola, though other locations are possible.
Q. What are the possible immediate post-operative effects in breast augmentation surgery?
A. Most patients are out of work for about a week. Pain medication is generally needed for 3-5 days. I recommend limiting exercise for 2-3 weeks, until bruising and swelling subside.
Q. What are the possible longer-term, local effects in breast augmentation surgery?
A. Longer term effects are as follows: the scar, which settles quite nicely over time, implant leakage (rate about 1% per year), capsular contracture (tight internal scar around the implant). Other potential, though unusual problems, are change in nipple sensation, problems with breast feeding, asymmetry, pain, interference with mammography.
Q. Who is a good candidate for breast augmentation?
A. Good candidates for breast augmentation are women who want to have larger breasts or restore breast tissue lost due to childbearing or age. Psychiatrically unstable patients, including those with body image disorders or unrealistic expectations, are not good candidates. Patients with a strong family history of breast cancer may decide not to undergo breast surgery.
Q. What is the recovery time for breast augmentation?
A. About a week
Q. How much does breast augmentation cost?
A. Cost for breast augmentation ranges from 5,000 to 8,000 dollars, depending on type of implant and hospital used. Financing is available.
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