| Dr. Eric Emerson 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. Women may consider breast augmentation surgery for many reasons. These include the desire to have larger, shapelier breasts to recovering breast shape and volume lost due to childbirth and age. Women also use breast implants in breast reconstruction after mastectomy.
Breast augmentation surgery can:
· Increase breast size and improve breast shape
· Bring a sense of balance and symmetry to your body
· Bolster self-esteem and confidence
The actual procedure, called augmentation mammaplasty, involves surgically inserting a breast implant under either the fat and breast tissue of the existing breast or under the pectoralis muscle, which lies just beneath the breast.
Q. How should one prepare for breast augmentation surgery?
A. In the weeks before surgery, your surgeon may request:
· Laboratory testing or medical evaluations
· Adjusting current prescriptions
· That you get a mammogram pre and post surgery to document any changes in breast tissues
· That you avoid the consumption of alcohol, drugs and abstain from smoking for a certain period surrounding surgery
· That you refrain from certain medications including diet pills, aspirin, and other anti-inflammatory agents.
We will also help you decide upon the location of your surgery. The operation is usually performed in the privacy of our AAAASF certified operating room. Certain patients may have a medical condition that necessitates that the operation be performed at a different facility. Your surgeon will carefully discuss the options with you.
Q. What Breast Augmentation won’t do?
A. Breast augmentation surgery is a very specific surgery that can fulfill your desire to have larger, fuller breasts. However, if your breasts have significant sagging, augmentation alone will not be the right procedure for you. A breast lift is necessary if there is significant sagging of the breasts. This operation can be combined with breast implants in many cases. There are different types of breast lifts available depending on your specific needs and your surgeon' s experience. Your surgeon will consult with you on the various possibilities available to you.
Q. Who is a good candidate for breast augmentation?
A. The decision to undergo breast implants surgery is one that you should carefully consider. As with any cosmetic surgical procedure, be sure that your motivations are appropriate and are geared toward fulfilling and enhancing your own sense of innate beauty and self-image.
Breast augmentation surgery can be a good option for those who:
· Are physically healthy
· Have realistic expectations
· Have fully developed breasts
· Feel the desire for larger, fuller breasts
· Wish to restore their breasts back toward pre-childbirth condition and improve the natural sagging produced by age and fluctuations in weight
· Have uneven, asymmetrical or misshapen breasts
You should consider how breast augmentation will affect your lifestyle and self-image. Carefully consider your expectations for size and shape. Your surgeon will help you decide if your goals can be obtained. You and your surgeon will also review:
· General medical history, including any genetic propensity for breast cancer, results of previous mammogram’s and any previous surgeries
· A detailed account of current prescription medications, supplements (vitamins or others) that you take
· Any use of tobacco or other drugs
What are your motivations for surgery? What are your expectations?
Q. What is the recovery time for breast augmentation?
A. Recovery is a very individualized process, but there are some common effects one can expect. Bruising and swelling are normal. Recovery time is different for everyone, but a minimum of 5-7 days of resting with limited physical activity is recommended. In addition, observance of 14 days without strenuous physical exercise is essential, in order for the incisions to heal, minimize the risks of bleeding, and to allow the swelling to subside. Increasing your fluid intake and mild exercise such as easy walking is recommended.
Questions to ask your doctor before surgery:
· Where will I recover directly after surgery?
· Will I be prescribed any post-surgery medications?
· How often do my bandages need to be changed and when will they be removed permanently?
· When can I shower?
· Do my stitches need to be removed?
· How soon will I need to return for a follow-up visit?
Things to consider during your recovery:
After surgery, you should closely monitor how you feel, especially directly after surgery. It is important that you have a responsible adult with you for at least the first 24 hours. Varying degrees of pain are to be expected, however, if you experience any kind of tightness or shortness of breath, pains deep in your chest or an irregular heart beat you should call your doctor immediately.
Q. How much does breast augmentation cost?
A. Cost depends on many varying factors, including the experience of the surgeon, the type of implants being used and the location of the procedure. Be sure to interview several surgeons when doing your research so you can get a clear picture of your options. Oftentimes, higher cost is not indicative of higher quality; but, it can also be said that you get what you pay for. Silicone implants cost somewhat more than do saline implants. A written price quote will be provided during your consultation.
Costs you can expect to incur:
· Surgeon’s fee
· Facility fee
· Anesthesiologist
· Cost of implants
· Medications
· Laboratory tests
In addition, you may finance your surgery, should you desire, through Surgeryloans.com.
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