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.