| Dr. Bruce K. Smith 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 the size of the breast. It usually involves placing an implant, (either silicone gel or saline filled) into a pocket created underneath the breast tissue or under the pectoralis major muscle.
Q. How is a breast augmentation surgery performed?
A. Through a small incision, a pocket is created either underneath the breast tissue or under the pectoralis major muscle. Into this pocket, an implant, (either silicone gel or saline) is placed. A very popular technique in my practice is to use an endoscope through a small incision under the arm to create the pocket and place the implant. The incision heals with a faint scar under the arm so that there is no scar on the breast. I call the technique "the BEWISE procedure" which stands for "Breast Enhancement With Invisible Scars Endoscopically."
Q. Who is a good candidate for breast augmentation?
A. I see two groups of women that are interested in breast augmentation. One is a young woman (age 18 to 30), usually single, whose breasts never developed. The second group, which is more common in my practice, is a more mature woman who has lost volume in the breast following pregnancy and breast feeding.
Q. What type of anesthetic is used for breast augmentation surgery?
A. Even though the procedure could be performed under local anesthesia with sedation, I prefer that patients have a light general anesthesia to ensure that they are comfortable. A new type of device to assist with anesthesia called an LMA fits in the back of the mouth, so that no breathing tube, (which can cause a sore throat) is required.
Q. What are the risks associated with breast augmentation?
A. Breast augmentation surgery usually takes less than 60 to 90 minutes to perform and is associated with several days of soreness that is usually controlled with mild pain medication or analgesics. As with other surgical procedures, there are risks of bleeding, infection, and poor wound healing, however the risks are less than 1 to 2 percent. Capsule contracture which is related to excessive scar tissue which forms around the implant occurs in 1 to 2 % of saline implants and 9-10% of silicone gel implants. All implants will eventually need to be replaced when they "wear out." The implants being used presently, should last at least 10 years.
Q. What is the recovery time for breast augmentation?
A. I recommend one week of recovery time even though many patients require fewer days: others require more time. Normal activities including physical and recreational activities can usually be resumed three to four weeks after surgery.
Q. How much does breast augmentation cost?
A. Breast augmentation costs $5000 to $6000, which usually includes the surgery, anesthesia, facility fees, lab work and follow-up visits.
Q. How to contact Dr. Smith if we have further questions?
A. Office number is 713-659-2700.More information is available at my website: smithplasticsurgery.com, or you may e-mail my patient care coordinator at sherrykerr@attglobal.net |
