Breast Augmentation Surgery
Breast augmentation surgery is a surgical procedure used to enlarge, reconstruct, or reshape the breasts. It is one of the most common cosmetic surgery procedures in the country, with roughly 250,000 procedures performed yearly. While most breast augmentation surgeries are completed without major complications, it is still surgery and, as such, has some risks. Learning about the procedure and following your doctor's instructions for before and after surgery can help to reduce these risks and give the desired results.
What Happens During Breast Augmentation Surgery?
Most breast augmentations are performed under general anesthesia on an outpatient basis, although some surgeons do use conscious sedation with local anesthesia depending on the case. Prior to the procedure, your surgeon will discuss the type and size of the implant you desire, as well as the placement, shape, and site of incision. Once you are anesthetized, your breast augmentation surgery will consist of:
� The surgeon making the incision either under your breast, in the arm pit, around the nipple, or in the navel.� A pocket will be created for the implant above the muscle, partially behind the muscle, or completely behind the muscle, depending on which location is best for your body and build.
� The implant is inserted, positioned, and filled if using saline, and the incision is closed.
What Happens After Breast Augmentation Surgery?
If drainage tubes are placed, it is important that you understand how to care for them. Additionally, you should take care that your sutures remain clean and dry. If your doctor prescribes antibiotics, be sure to take the entire prescription. You may experience some pain and discomfort; your doctor will provide you with a pain medication prescription to manage this.
As with any surgery, allowing the body sufficient time to recover is critical. You should sleep on your back at a slightly elevated angle and avoid bending or lifting. Post-operative checkups are very important, as they will allow your surgeon to monitor your progress and catch any minor complications before they become major ones. Swelling may persist for several months as the breasts continue to heal, but most swelling should be gone by 6 months post-surgery.
If you follow your doctor's post breast augmentation surgery instructions and take care of your new breasts, you will likely experience very few problems, if any. If at any time you are concerned, however, you should contact your surgeon immediately.
Writing regularly in both print and online media on plastic surgery and aesthetic issues, Dr. Bruce A. Mast offers easy-to-understand, expert insight into various ways available for enhancing patients' outward appearance. Possessing decades of experience helping men and women accomplish their goals of a more vibrant and youthful look, Dr. Mast offers compassionate, personable care as chief of the Plastic Surgery unit at UF Florida Center for Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics. Dr. Mast carefully listens to patient concerns and goals to provide the most effective treatment for your individual situation. In addition to addressing concerns about appearance, the Florida plastic surgeon also help those affected by disease and accidents regain their prior look.
Find the best treatment and care for addressing issues with your appearance � whether they're simple aesthetic concerns or stem from an accident or illness � by visiting the offices of Dr. Bruce A. Mast at U.F. Or browse around for more insights into how you can safely enhance your outward appearance through plastic surgery and non-surgical, aesthetic treatments. Besides offering the best hands-on care, Dr. Mast also helps the public at large better understand plastic and cosmetic treatments and what to expect.