Breast Augmentation

For many women, the results of breast augmentation can be satisfying, even exhilarating, as they learn to appreciate their new, fuller appearance.

Breast augmentation, technically known as Augmentation Mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure to enhance the size and shape of a woman's breast for a number of reasons:

• To enhance the body contour of a woman who, for personal reasons, feels that her breast size is too small.
• To restore breast volume lost due to weight loss or following pregnancy
• To achieve better symmetry when breasts are moderately disproportionate in size and shape
• To improve the shape of breasts that are sagging or have lost firmness, sometimes used in conjunction with a breast lift procedure
• To provide the foundation of a breast contour when a breast has been removed or disfigured by surgery to treat breast cancer
• To improve breast appearance or create the appearance of a breast that is missing or disfigured due to trauma or congenital and developmental abnormalities

The choice of implant filler, implant size, shape and other features will be determined based on your breast anatomy, body type and your desired increase in size. Your lifestyle, goals and personal preferences, as well as Dr. Grenley’s recommendations and sound surgical judgment, are also determining factors.

Breast implants vary both by filler (saline vs. silicone gel) and in size, but there are additional features to consider:

• Texture: the implant shell may be smooth or textured
• Shape: the implant may have a round profile or one that is anatomic (teardrop or tapered shape)
• Profile: the implant may have a low, medium or high projection (the depth of the implant from the base to the highest or most forward point of the implant curve)
• Diameter: the width of the implant measured across its base (the side of the implant that will be positioned over the chest wall)

You'll want to discuss the pros and cons of these alternatives before surgery to make sure you fully understand the implications of the procedure Dr. Grenley recommends for you. You should be aware that breast implants are not guaranteed to last a lifetime and future surgery may be required to replace one or both implants.

Breast implants do not generally interfere with a woman's ability to breast feed, nor do they present a health hazard during pregnancy to a woman or her baby. However, pregnancy and the associated changes to a woman's body may alter the results of any breast surgery, including surgery to place breast implants.

The method of inserting and positioning your implant will depend on your anatomy and Dr. Grenley’s recommendation. The incision can be made either in the underlying crease where the breast meets the chest or around the areola (the dark skin surrounding the nipple). Every effort will be made to assure that the incision is placed so resulting scars will be as inconspicuous as possible.

Working through the incision, he will lift your breast tissue and skin to create a pocket, either directly behind the breast tissue (sub-mammary or sub-glandular placement) or beneath the pectoral muscle and on top of the chest wall (sub-pectoral placement). Once the implant is positioned within this pocket, the incisions are closed with sutures and covered with surgical tape. A mildly compressive gauze bandage will be applied over your breasts to help with healing.

The surgery usually takes approximately two hours to complete. You're likely to feel tired and sore for a few days following your surgery, but you'll be up and around in 24 to 48 hours. There are restrictions in heavy lifting and exercise for the first two weeks, and certain exercises are avoided for 6 weeks.

Within a few days, the gauze dressings will be removed and you will be placed into a surgical bra. You should wear it as directed. You may also experience a burning sensation in your nipples for about two weeks, but this will subside on its own. Your stitches are absorbable and beneath the skin, so they will not require removal. The swelling in your breasts may take a few weeks to disappear and, over this time, your breasts will become more natural in appearance and feel.

You should be able to return to work within approximately one week, depending on the level of activity required for your job.

Your scars will become pink in color over several weeks. After several months, your scars will begin to fade, although they will never disappear completely.