Breast augmentation, also known as mammoplasty, is a surgical enhancement procedure to enlarge the size and shape of a woman's breasts through the use of breast implants. Breast augmentation is tremendous help to patients who desire a fuller profile, who have lost breast volume due to pregnancy or nursing, or who have undergone breast reconstruction and want to gain a more natural look again.
Reasons for Considering Breast Augmentation:
To enlarge breasts which never developed to a desirable size after puberty.
To enhance breasts which lost volume and shape after weight loss or pregnancy.
To balance a difference in breast size or shape.
As a reconstructive technique following cancer & breast surgery like mastectomy.
General Procedure Breast augmentation involves making a small incision to insert a breast implant into the breast area in order to enlarge the breast. The surgery is commonly performed on an outpatient basis at a hospital or state-of-the-art surgical unit while the patient is under a general anesthesia and asleep. There are several possible locations for the small incision that will be used for inserting the breast implant. The most frequent technique utilizes an incision made in the lower portion of the breast, which Dr. Shah prefers. Dr. Sachin Shah has also refined the art of breast augmentation surgery by incorporating a technique called the WW Stealth (Invisible) Incision. This is a zig-zag incision placed at the areolar rim of the patient’s nipple that allows the breast implant to be inserted with virtually no scarring at all. The best technique will be decided together between the patient and the surgeon during the consultation.
During surgery, the breast tissue is raised to create an open pocket under the breast tissue or beneath the chest wall muscle. Inserting an implant behind each breast can increase a woman's breast size by one or more bra cup sizes. Implants contain a saline solution (similar to saltwater) or most often the implants can contain a silicone gel. In some circumstances, particularly those in which there is breast asymmetry (uneven breast size), an inflatable implant may be used to allow the surgeon to adjust the level of inflation to attain breast symmetry and balance. Surgery typically lasts from 1 to 3 hours.
Recovery Process Generally, post-operative instructions call for plenty of rest and limited movement in order to speed up the healing process and recovery time. Patients will be asked not to lift anything over 5 lbs for the first two weeks after surgery. We start them on aggressive massages one day post operatively to help keep the pockets open and soft. Minor pain associated with the surgery can be treated effectively with oral medication. While complications are rare, patients can minimize potential problems by carefully following the directions given by the physician after surgery.
