What About the Surgery Itself?
Beyond any discussion of breast shape and size, your surgeon will want to evaluate
your current physical health and health history before scheduling you for surgery.
Breast augmentation is elective surgery. Before you proceed, you and your surgeon
will have to decide whether the benefits of breast augmentation surgery outweigh
the risks in your particular case.
If you have any condition that could compromise
the healing process, or if surgery could
jeopardize any pre-existing condition, your surgeon
may prefer not to operate until the condition
is resolved. Pre-existing infections, a history
of poor wound healing, and some medications
may be reasons not to operate.
The surgery will be performed in an operating
room, either in the surgeon's office, or at a nearby
hospital. The surgery is usually performed on
an outpatient basis, whereby you will return
home the same day. General anesthesia is most
commonly used, although local anesthesia may
also be an option. Your surgeon can discuss the
choice of anesthesia with you in more detail.
To permit the smallest possible incision, the implant is typically inserted empty, and then filled with saline. You should discuss with your surgeon, the pros and cons for the incision site specifically recommended for you. There are three common incision sites: under the arm (axillary), around the nipple (periareolar), or within the breast fold (inframammary). If the
incision is made under the arm, the surgeon may use a probe fitted with a miniature camera, along with minimally invasive (very small) instruments, to create a "pocket" for the breast implant.
The surgery usually lasts one to two hours. Your
surgeon will make an incision and create a
pocket for the breast implant (see pages 4 and
5 to review these methods). Then, the breast
implant will be placed in the pocket, filled, and
positioned. Finally, the incision will be closed,
usually with stitches, and possibly taped.