Breast Augmentation

• If you want a better proportioned or more appealing figure
• If you wish your clothes fit better
• When pregnancy, weight loss or aging has affected the size and shape of your breasts
• To restore symmetry if one of your breasts is smaller than the other

The following are some common reasons why you may want to consider breast augmentation:

• You believe your breasts are too small for your body.
• You feel self-conscious wearing a swimsuit or form-fitting or low-cut tops.
• Clothes that fit your hips are too large at the bust line.
• Your breasts have become smaller or less firm after you've had children.
• Your breasts have become smaller due to weight loss.
• One of your breasts is noticeably smaller than the other.

In breast augmentation using implants, your surgeon makes an incision, lifts the breast tissue, creates a pocket in the chest/breast area and places an implant in the pocket.

An additional option for breast augmentation is autologous fat transfer, a process in which your surgeon removes your own fat, using liposuction, from a fat-yielding body part (such as your abdomen, thighs, or flanks) processes it and then injects it into your breasts. This procedure is currently considered experimental, due to a limited history of data, but the process has shown promise.

There have never been more choices for breast augmentation. The following options are available, depending on your medical history, body shape and aesthetic goals.

• Saline-filled breast implants are filled with sterile salt water. They may be prefilled at a predetermined size or filled at the time of surgery to allow for minor modifications in implant size.


• Structured saline-filled breast implants are filled with sterile salt water, but contain a structure inside so they behave as if filled with soft, elastic silicone gel. This structure enables them to hold their shape better than traditional saline implants.


• Silicone gel-filled breast implants are filled with soft, elastic gel and are available in a variety of shapes. All silicone gel breast implants are pre-filled and may require a longer incision for implant placement.


• Cohesive gel silicone gel-filled breast implants, also known as “gummy bear” or “form stable” implants, are filled with a cohesive gel, made of crosslinked molecules of silicone, which makes them a bit thicker and firmer than traditional silicone gel implants. This enables them to hold their shape better.


• Autologous fat transfer removes fat through liposuction from an area of your body in which there are abundant fat cells, such as your thighs, abdomen and hips. After a process of preparation and refinement, the fat cells are injected into your breast. This is a less common method than breast implant augmentation and is still undergoing clinical studies and research for safety and effectiveness.

It is important for women with breast implants to keep in mind that while breast implants are intended to last your lifetime, replacement may become necessary. After breast implant surgery, you should have periodic examination by a board-certified plastic surgeon to monitor your implants.

Surgical techniques for breast augmentation and all breast implants are continually being refined, increasing the safety and reliability of the procedure. Ask your plastic surgeon to provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision.

Choose your surgeon based on quality, training and experience—not cost. It's important that you choose a right surgeon based on:

• Education, training and certification
• Experience with breast augmentation surgery
• Your comfort level with him or her

After finding a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area who is experienced in performing breast augmentation, you will need to make an appointment for your consultation. Generally, because of the in-depth nature of the consultation, there is a cost associated with the initial visit.

Your breast augmentation surgery may be performed in an accredited hospital, free-standing ambulatory facility or office-based surgical suite. Most breast augmentation procedures take at least one to three hours.

• Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedure.
• General anesthesia is commonly used during your breast augmentation procedure, although local anesthesia or intravenous sedation may be desirable in some instances.
• For your safety during the surgery, various monitors will be used to check your heart, blood pressure, pulse and the amount of oxygen circulating in your blood.
• Your surgeon will follow the surgical plan discussed with you before surgery.
• After your procedure is completed, you will be taken into a recovery area, where you will continue to be closely monitored.

Dr. Nageshwari will discuss how long it will be before you can return to your normal level of activity and work. After surgery, you and your caregiver will receive detailed instructions about your postsurgical care. Breast augmentation surgery stretches the breast tissue and can be painful—especially when implants have been placed under the chest muscle. Typically, the most pain is experienced within the first 48 hours after breast augmentation surgery. Your level of pain will typically decrease each day and may be effectively treated with various pain medications.

You should be able to walk without assistance immediately after breast augmentation surgery. It is very important that you walk a few minutes every few hours to reduce the risk of blood clot formation in your legs.

You should minimize excessive physical activity for at least the first couple of weeks after surgery. After that, take care to be extremely gentle with your breasts for at least the next month. Intimate contact will be guided by your comfort.

Under normal circumstances, the results of your breast augmentation surgery will be long-lasting; however, it’s important to know that breast implants need to be replaced if they leak. Routine follow-up with your surgeon is important.

After several years, if you become less satisfied with the appearance of your breasts, you may choose to undergo a breast revision to exchange your implants, or a breast lift to restore a more youthful shape and contour.

All surgical procedures have some degree of risk. Some of the potential complications of all surgeries are:

• Adverse reaction to anesthesia
• Hematoma or seroma (an accumulation of blood or fluid under the skin that may require removal)
• Infection and bleeding
• Changes in sensation
• Scarring
• Allergic reactions
• Damage to underlying structures
• Unsatisfactory results that may necessitate additional procedures