Breast Augmentation - Minimal Incision

For many women, breast size is an important part of feeling good, desirable and normal. Most women compare themselves to a cultural idea of beauty. Having a breast augmentation procedure can greatly improve self-esteem for many women. It can make a woman feel more like the ideal and can drastically improve the way she views herself.

Cosmetic breast surgery

Breast enhancement or augmentation is one of the most frequently performed cosmetic procedures in the United States today. It can dramatically improve the appearance of a woman's breasts. The enhancement procedure is used to enlarge small breasts, underdeveloped breasts, or breasts that have decreased in size after a woman has had children.

Recent studies have supported the safety of breast implants. Should these saline implants leak, the saline is safely reabsorbed by the body as the implants deflate. Most of the implant companies provide replacement warranty.

Is breast surgery for you?

During your conference with your surgeon, discuss your goals and expectations of the surgery. Your surgeon will assess the nature of your breasts, your expectations, and explain the probable outcome of your procedure.

You may be shown several before and after treatment photographs of patients having similar breasts, and your surgeon will explain the treatment you can expect to receive. You may also try some different size implants on in a bra to give you an idea as to the look you desire. Often a mammography (X-Ray) will be required pre-operatively.

The procedure

Minimal Incision breast augmentation is performed on an out-patient basis using a general or local anesthesia. This popular way of performing breast augmentation is through an incision in the armpit. Utilizing this technique, no incisions are made on the breast or into the breast tissue. The incision is about 1 inch in length and heals in a small non-revealing fold in the armpit. The procedure usually takes less than two hours.

Through this tiny incision, a space or pocket is made under the pectoral chest muscle to accommodate the saline implant. Placing the implant below the muscle helps it appear and feel more natural. For this procedure the surgeon utilizes an endoscope. This device is a small diameter tube containing a camera that is inserted into the pocket. The space is visualized on a monitor so that an exact pocket dimension can be created and any bleeding controlled. An empty saline implant is placed in the pocket and then filled with IV sterile saline. The surgeon then can adjust the amount of saline injected into the implant based on the size you have selected and correct any asymmetry of your breasts.

What is recovery from Minimal Incision breast surgery like?

Rest is recommended for the first few days following surgery. A post-surgical bra is usually worn for several weeks. Most discomfort associated with breast surgery can be controlled with oral medication prescribed by your surgeon. Antibiotics may also be prescribed. Most women experience some degree of swelling, bruising and tenderness. These symptoms should subside in a short time. All sutures are removed within 1 - 2 weeks. Your surgeon will advise you on a proper schedule for returning to your normal activities. Most patients are back to work within the first week. Regular physical activity may be resumed in 4 - 6 weeks.

Following your cosmetic breast surgery, you will enjoy a new, more pleasing shape, with more comfortable breasts that are in better proportion to your physique.

This information is intended to supplement, not replace, a consultation with a board certified physician. To find out if you could be a candidate for one of these procedures or to learn more information about these procedures, we invite you to contact one of our doctors for a private consultation.

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