| Dr. Roberta Gartside 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?
This is a surgery to enlarge or enhance the appearance of the breasts. It involves the insertion of a medical device, a breast implant made of a silicone envelop and filled with either saline (salt water) or silicone gel , under the breast tissue and/or chest muscle. It is an outpatient procedure that does not involve an overnight stay in a hospital
Q. How should one prepare for breast augmentation surgery?
There isn't a specific preparation. One should have a clear objective in mind as to the size of the desired enlargement. A woman should also think carefully about the reasons she is seeking the surgery. Consult with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. All Members of the ASPS are Board Certified and agree to participate in continuing medical education of a regular basis. They also have agreed that they will only operate in accredited facilities, that means their surgical facility has been inspected to the appropriate equipment including that for emergencies and found to be compliant with standards set.
Q. What are the possible immediate post-operative effects in breast augmentation surgery?
The risk of any surgery include reaction of medications, infection, bleeding, discomfort and scars. The breasts themselves will be swollen for about 2-3 weeks and feel firm and stiff during the first month or two. Because most of the healing will occur during these first several weeks, vigorous activity is to be avoided.
Q. What are the possible longer-term, local effects in breast augmentation surgery?
There are two major long term issues to discuss with your surgeon as it relates to breast implants. One is what is known as capsular contracture. This is a buildup of "scar" tissue around the implant that results is a breast feeling hard. It is not the implant that hardens. There is no test to predict it's occurrence. Treatment is based on symptoms and no therapy is 100% effective. The second long term issue is breakage of the implant. The rule is if it's not broken, don't fix it. One does not need to replace their implants unless they have been found to be broken on an imaging study or they personally desire a change in size or removal. Please note that the saline implant when broken, deflates, do detection is simpler. Sometimes a rupture of a silicone implant may be detect to suspected on a mammogram The FDA recommends women who have silicone gel implant have and MRI scan every 3 years.
Q. Who is a good candidate for breast augmentation?
A good candidate is a women over the age of 18 with small to moderate sized breast and desires enlargement. The majority of women seeking breast augmentation are on average between 35 and 45 years old and have already had their children. One consideration for women after child bearing, breast feeding and even weight loss is whether or not a breast lift in addition to implants may be required to meet their goals. A general rule of thumb is if the nipple has dropped below the level of the crease under the breast, your surgeon may recommend a lift.
Q. What is the recovery time for breast augmentation?
Breast augmentation is an outpatient procedure. By the end of five to seven days, a majority of women are back to caring for themselves. After two to three weeks, your energy level returns to normal. You should not participate in highly athletic activities or engage in heavy lifting for one month after the surgery. Driving may be resumed when not taking narcotic for pain, usually after the first week.
Q. How much does breast augmentation cost?
This is a variable amount depending on geographic location, type of implant and facility. The national average for physician's fee is around $3000, not including implant, anesthesia or facility fees. Saline implants are about half the cost of silicone gel implants.
|
