Breast Augmentation

Introduction:

The breast is an important part of a woman’s body image and self esteem. There are several options available to you to improve the breast ranging from breast augmentation, breast lift, or breast reduction. The most common reason for a woman to request a breast augmentation is to increase the size of her breasts. Depending on the shape and size of your breasts, a breast augmentation can be combined with other procedures such as a breast lift to improve size, shape, symmetry, and position

Who is the beast candidate for breast augmentation?:

Breast augmentation uses an implant, usually placed behind the pectoralis muscle, to increase the size of the breasts. Breast augmentation, as an isolated procedure, is ideal for women who are relatively symmetrical in size and shape and have minimal to mild sagging (ptosis) of the breast. Usually an implant can also provide a mild lift for sagging breasts. If you have moderate or severe sagging of the breasts or if the breasts are a different size or shape, breast augmentation can be combined with other corrective surgeries such as a breast lift to allow you to achieve an increase in size but also improve shape and symmetry. A consultation with Dr. Gonyon will help determine which procedure is right for you.

Choices in Breast Augmentation:

There are several options that are available to women who choose breast augmentation. Some of the choices include implant type (saline or silicone), implant size, implant shape, and the choice of location of the surgical incision for the placement of the implant. Each of these different options are discussed below:

Implant Size and Shape:

Both saline and silicone implants are made in different diameters and heights and well as different shapes. Dr. Gonyon uses only round implants as current data suggests that “anatomical shapes” or “teardrop” shaped implants, although initially teardrop shaped, become round over time, and therefore provide no advantage. In addition to providing no advantage, they are more expensive.

Determining your goal size is one of the most difficult decisions for patients to make. Dr. Gonyon will discuss with you your goal size and shape during your consultation. Dr. Gonyon will take several measurements of your breasts and chest wall and these measurements will be used to determine the best implant size and shape for you. One of the most common complaints from breast augmentation is that the implants are positioned too far toward the sides of the chest and hit the arms during physical activity. With the advent of new implant diameters, Dr. Gonyon can choose the implant diameter and volume that will increase the size of your breasts to the desired size without making the breast excessively wide.

During you consultation, Dr. Gonyon uses an implant sizing bra to help you determine which size implant will provide you with your desired increase in size. You will be fitted with a special bra that has a pocket to hold implants and then various sizes of implants will be placed in the bra, beneath you normal clothing. Although there is no perfect way to determine exactly what a specific implant volume will look like on you, this method has been shown to be very accurate for helping a woman determine her goal implant size.

Common Questions

 

“Is silicone safe?”

After studying silicone implants thoroughly for the past decade, the FDA has determined that silicone implants are safe and has made silicone implants available for women who desire cosmetic breast augmentation. To review the FDA’s data, please visit their website (www.fda.gov/cdrh/breastimplants/).

“Which implant is better?”

This choice is highly patient and physician-specific. During your consultation with Dr. Gonyon he will show you examples of both types of implants. Most plastic surgeons agree that a good result can be obtained with either implant. Dr. Gonyon feels that silicone implants are preferable in certain patients such as those who desire a large increase in size or those with very little normal breast tissue. During your consultation, Dr. Gonyon will discuss with you your preferences and specific anatomy of your breast that may make saline or silicone implants more preferable.

Planning your surgery:

Once you have made a decision to have surgery, Dr. Gonyon’s office will provide you with the necessary information to plan for your surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding certain vitamins and medications. A mammogram may be recommended prior to your procedure to ensure breast health and serve as a baseline for future comparison. In general, if you are a female over the age of 40, you should have an annual screening mammogram.

You will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure that you fully understand the procedure you will undergo and any risks and potential complications of your surgery. There may be a waiting period of several days to weeks from the time of your consent to the day of surgery.

In addition to explaining your surgical procedure, Dr. Gonyon will discuss anesthesia, the recovery process and your obligations as a patient. You will also discuss where your procedure will be performed. Dr. Gonyon performs surgery at Harmony Ambulatory Surgery Center ( Fort Collins), North Colorado Surgery Center, Medical Center of the Rockies, and the soon to be opened 25-34 Aesthetic Surgery Center (located at the I25 – 34 junction). You may choose to have surgery at any of these locations.

Surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia, so you'll sleep through the entire operation. For some surgeries, you may choose to have sedation with a local anesthetic.

What to Expect Immediately After Surgery:

You're likely to feel tired and sore for 3 to 7 days following your surgery. Most patients notice a tight feeling due to the stretching of the pectoralis muscles. You will be provided with a muscle relaxant to help alleviate some of this discomfort. You should be performing only light activities for the first week. You will be seen by Dr. Gonyon within a week of surgery and may increase activity at that time if you are having a normal recovery.

Gauze is placed over your incisions. You may remove these 48 hours after surgery and shower as normal. You should wear only the bra that is provided to you for the first 3 weeks after surgery. Dr. Gonyon uses absorbable sutures and no sutures will need to be removed.

Resuming normal activities:

You should be able to return to light work within a few days. Most women can resume regular exercise that does not involve the pectoralis muscles at 3 weeks. Full exercise can be resumed at 6 weeks. As you increase your activity, you may notice temporary increased swelling. This will usually subside over 2 to 3 months.

Your breasts will likely be sensitive to direct stimulation for two to three weeks, so you should avoid direct physical contact. Once your breasts are no longer tender, you may resume regular breast physical contact, usually three weeks after surgery.

Your scars will be firm and pink for at least six weeks. After approximately 6 months, your scars will begin to fade.

Routine mammograms should be continued after breast augmentation for women who are in the appropriate age group, although the mammographic technician should use a special technique to assure that you get a reliable reading, as discussed earlier.

Your Results!

The vast majority of women are very satisfied with the results of breast augmentation. You will have regular scheduled visits with Dr. Gonyon to ensure that your implants are functioning correctly and that you have achieved a good result.