Breast Enlargement (Augmentation Mammoplasty)

Breast enlargement, or augmentation mammoplasty, enhances the body contour of a woman who is unhappy with her small breast size. Other purposes of this procedure include:

• To correct reduction in breast volume after pregnancy.
• To balance small difference in breast size.

Augmentation mammoplasty is done on an outpatient basis in our surgical center, usually under general anesthesia. An implant (prosthesis) is placed, under the breast tissue or under the muscle. The incision can be made under the breast, around the nipple or under the arm. A breast implant is composed of an outer silicone shell filled with saline (the FDA has restricted the use of silicone gel implants). Please feel free to call us if you have any questions about breast enlargement in Metairie, LA, 504.883.8900.

Augmentation mammoplasty is a safe procedure that has produced pleasing and satisfying results for many women.

Determining Implant Size

The shape of your augmented breasts depends primarily on what your breasts looked like prior to surgery and the size of implant used. Factors such as the size and shape of your breasts as well as the position of the breast on the chest wall and the degree of ptosis all influence the appearance of your breasts after surgery.

Realistic expectations of this procedure are important. Women often think of breast size in terms of bra cup size. If you are currently a size “A” and wish to be a size “C”, there must be adequate existing breast tissue coverage; otherwise you will be warned of visible or palpable implant edges and other possible risks.

Post Operative Care

You must have someone drive you home and stay with you for 24 hours after surgery. You will experience some pain the first few days that is easily controlled with pain pills. Some tightness in the breast area is also normal as your body adjusts to the implants.

You can move about freely after surgery. Wear a bra at all times (except when showering) during the first 2 weeks following surgery. Avoid heavy lifting for 2-6 weeks. Moderate exercise such as walking or stationary biking is allowed after the second week. Vigorous exercise such as jogging or aerobics may be resumed at 6 weeks. You will most likely be able to return to work within a few days, but you will need to avoid any strenuous activity for at least a couple of weeks.

During recovery, the breasts will be somewhat swollen. Within a few weeks, the actual shape and size will be evident. You may notice some asymmetry; however most breasts are naturally somewhat asymmetrical.

Possible Complications

Delayed wound healing may occur in persons diabetes, history of radiation, autoimmune disease or smokers. Other complications include, but are not limited to, capsular contracture, bleeding, infection, rippling, irregularities of the skin, decreased nipple sensation, interference with breast feeding, and interference with mammography. It is important to have a thorough medical evaluation beforehand to address these potential risks. Women over the age of 35 are also required to have a pre-operative mammogram.

About silicone gel implants: The FDA placed a hold on silicone implants in 1992 to further investigate their safety and effectiveness. They have since been replaced by saline (salt water) implants. There has been much discussion about the possibility of silicone and in particular silicone gel, being related to autoimmune disease. However, a large study of women with and without breast implants conducted at the Mayo Clinic showed that autoimmune disease occurred with the same frequency in both groups. It is not known what causes autoimmune diseases, seen in middle-age women.

Conclusion

Augmentation mammoplasty is a safe procedure that has produced pleasing and satisfying results for many women. Those who are psychologically stable and have realistic expectations benefit the most. A preliminary consultation can help you determine whether breast augmentation is right for you.