Q-What is breast augmentation?
A-Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure involving the insertion of saline-filled implants in order to enhance the size of the breasts. Though breast augmentation may be performed solely for cosmetic purposes, it is often used to reconstruct the breasts after mastectomy or for those with congenital deformities
Q-How do I know if I’m a good candidate for breast enlargement?
A-Good candidates for breast augmentation include women who are physically healthy, realistic in their expectations, and interested in improving the size and/or shape of the breasts.
Q-What are breast implants made of?
A-Most breast implants used today are made of a silicone shell that is then filled with a saline solution. Because of continuing safety concerns, silicone gel-filled implants are currently restricted for use with women participating in approved studies.
Q-Are all implants the same or are there different types?
A-There are different types of implants. They can be filled with either silicone gel or a saline solution, though silicone gel-filled implants are currently restricted for use with women participating in approved studies. Implants also come in a variety of sizes, shapes (contoured and round), and textures (smooth and textured).
Q-What are contoured implants and are they better than round implants?
A-Contoured implants are shaped like a tear drop as opposed to being round like round implants. There are advantages and disadvantages to both and choosing the one that is right for you is best done with the help of your surgeon.
Q-Are textured implants better than non-textured ones?
A-Implants can be either smooth or textures, and there are advantages and disadvantages to each. Textured implants were originally created in order to reduce the risk of capsular contracture though there isn’t enough evidence to support that they actually do. The choice between textured and smooth implants is best made with the help of your surgeon.
Q-How is implant size determined?
A-Choosing the size of the implant can be a difficult decision for many women. Certain factors, such as your body type, must be taken into account and your surgeon can help you to make the best choice. One way to get an idea of the size that you would like is to buy several bras in different sizes and then try them out with padding.
Q-What are the two different locations for implant placement?
A-The implants can be placed in the submuscular location, which is below the chest muscle, or in the subglandular location, which is above the chest muscle. There are advantages and disadvantages to both and the choice of implant placement is best made with the help of your surgeon.
Q-Are silicone implants being used?
A-Due to continued safety concerns, the use of new silicone gel-filled implants is currently limited by the FDA to women participating in approved studies.
Q-Where does breast augmentation surgery take place?
A-Breast augmentation surgery may be performed in a surgeon’s office-based facility, a hospital, or an outpatient surgical center.
Q-What type of anesthesia is used for breast augmentation?
A-Breast augmentation is most often performed with either general anesthesia or with local anesthesia and sedation.
Q-How is breast augmentation performed?
A-Once the anesthesia is administered and the incisions are made, the breast tissue is lifted and the implant is inserted. The implants are then filled to the desired size with a saline solution and the incisions are closed with stitches.
Q-How long does breast augmentation surgery take?
A-Breast augmentation typically take one to two hours to complete.
Q-Where are the incisions made for breast augmentation?
A-There are several possible locations for the incision, including beneath the armpit (axillary), within the crease below the breast (inframammary), and around the nipple (periareolar). The incision location that is right for you depends upon several factors and is best determined with the help of you surgeon.
Q-Is breast augmentation a painful procedure?
A-Some amount of pain or discomfort can occur for the first few days after breast augmentation and this can be controlled with prescription pain medication.
Q-What is the recovery like after breast augmentation?
A-Immediately after surgery the breasts may be taped and wrapped with gauze or bandages, and a drainage tube may be inserted beneath the skin. Some amount of discomfort is common and can be controlled with prescription pain medication. Swelling is common and tends to fade within a few weeks. The breast may feel more sensitive to physical contact for several months. Drainage tubes are usually removed within one to two days after surgery while the bandages are typically removed within a few days after surgery,
though a support bra or compression bandage may need to be worn.
Q-How much time will I need to take off from work after breast augmentation surgery?
A-Most patients find that they can return to work within a few days after breast augmentation surgery.
Q-When can I exercise after my breast augmentation procedure?
A-Exercise and strenuous activity should be postponed for several weeks, and physical contact with the breasts should be avoided for three to four weeks
Q-When are the stitches removed after the breast augmentation procedure?
A-The stitches are usually removed within seven to ten days after the breast augmentation procedure.
Q-What are the risks or complications associated with breast augmentation?
A-The potential complications that can occur with breast augmentation may include adverse anesthesia reactions, breast feeding complications, breast tissue atrophy, calcium deposits, capsular contracture, changes in breast and nipple sensation, delayed wound healing, excessive bleeding, hematoma/seroma, implant deflation or rupture, implant extrusion, implant shifting, infection, mammogram interference, necrosis, pain, rippling, toxic shock syndrome, and the need for additional surgery.
Q-Does insurance ever cover the cost of breast augmentation?
A-Breast augmentation procedures performed solely for cosmetic purposes are typically not covered by insurance. However, procedures used after mastectomy or to treat a congenital deformity may be covered to some degree by insurance. Patients should be sure to check with their own insurance carrier.
Q-Is financing available for breast augmentation?
A-Financing is available for many plastic surgery procedures.
Q-Are the results of breast augmentation permanent?
A-Patients should be aware that the implants may require removal and/or replacement at any time and, in most cases, are not intended to last a lifetime.
Contact Dr. Mingrone to learn more about breast augmentation surgery or to schedule a consultation.
Dr. Mingrone's office in Los Gatos, San Jose, CA is conveniently located near the following:
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