Procedures: Breast
Breast Augmentation
We know that every woman is unique in both her desires and her own body shape. With this in mind, Dr. Harrison will take the time during your initial consultation to learn what you hope to gain from breast augmentation surgery. The majority of his patients state that they would like C sized breasts that look natural and not fake. Most want to avoid the upper pole ridging, which has a very unnatural shape and projection. After examining your breasts, Dr. Harrison will note any unique characteristics of your own breast shape, which may require modifying your plan in order to achieve a pleasing result. In addition, choices concerning placement of the implant above or below the chest wall muscle, the dimensions and size of the implant and the type of implant will be discussed at length.
In this manner each of our patients enjoy a completely customized treatment plan designed specifically with her goals in mind. If there is too much breast sagging additional procedures (breast lift) may be necessary in order to achieve an aesthetically pleasing result. Other people may have developmental abnormalities referred to as a constricted or tuberous breast deformity. These deformities create challenges, which require more complicated surgical techniques in order to try and enhance the breasts volume and shape.
Saline and Silicone Gel Breast Implants
Breast implants are silicone shells filled with either saline (salt water) or silicone gel. Both implant types are very safe, and each offers its own advantages. Dr. Harrison will help you decide which kind is right for you. During surgery, Dr. Harrison will place the implants behind each breast, underneath either breast tissue or the chest wall muscle.
Breast Augmentation Surgery – Incision Techniques
The breast augmentation procedure lasts one to two hours and is typically performed with general anesthesia. Incisions are made in inconspicuous places on the breast to minimize scar visibility. These may be located:
- In the armpit (transaxillary),
- Around the areola, the dark skin around the nipple (periareolar), or
- In the crease on the underside of the breast (inframammary).
The breast is then lifted, creating a pocket into which the implant is inserted.
Breast Augmentation Surgery - Placement Options
Implant placement beneath the muscle of the chest offers a few advantages over placement beneath the breast tissue only. These include reduced risk of capsular contracture (post-operative tightening around the implant) and less interference with mammogram examinations. Possible disadvantages include: elevated pain in the first few days following surgery and more risk of a dynamic deformity of your breast. Dr. Harrison will discuss which option may be best for you.
After the implants have been inserted and positioned beneath the nipples, the incisions are stitched closed, then taped and bandaged.
Recovery
Most patients feel tired and sore after breast augmentation surgery, but this usually passes in a day or two. Many patients return to work within the week.
Stitches are dissolvable so suture removal is unnecessary. Any post operative pain, swelling and sensitivity will diminish over the first few weeks.
Scars from breast augmentation incisions will begin to fade in a few months and will continue to fade for months or years.
© 2010 Craig E. Harrison, MD, PA and MedNet Technologies, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
