Mammoplasty - Breast augmentation

Breast augmentation is changing the shape of the world. Also known as augmentation mammoplasty, breast augmentation has been a growing area of plastic surgery every year for the past 10 years. Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure to cosmetically enhance the size and shape of a woman's breast using implants. Breast augmentation is performed for a number of reasons varying from patient to patient, some cosmetic and some medical. The breast implants used are either a silicone rubber shell filled with either medical grade silicone gel or a salt-water solution known as saline. Breast augmentation is usually performed on an outpatient basis. If this is the case, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery and to stay with you at least the first night following surgery.

The ultimate size of the breast is mainly a personal decision by the patient. Cup size is an inexact estimate of the final size since cup sizes vary with the bra manufacturer and how tight or loose the patient wears her bra as well as how much breast tissue is already present. Describing the preferred cup size does aid the surgeon, but it also helps to look at pictures or photos to show the physician the desired final look. The most accurate method of estimating the implant size (in ounces) is to fill a plastic bag with measured amounts of water and place in a bra with the patient's estimated cup size. One can see with the bra on and covered by a sweater what the final result will approximate.

In some instances, your plastic surgeon may recommend a baseline mammogram before surgery and another mammographic examination some months after surgery. This will help to detect any future changes in your breast tissue. Following breast augmentation, you will still be able to perform breast self-examination. If you are a smoker, you will be asked to stop smoking well in advance of surgery. Aspirin and certain anti-inflammatory drugs can cause increased bleeding, so you should avoid taking these medications for a period of time before surgery. Your surgeon will provide you with additional preoperative instructions.