Breast Augmentation
What is Breast Augmentation?
 Augmentation mammoplasty, or
"breast augmentation," is a procedure to increase the size and enhance the shape of a woman's breasts and is one of the most common cosmetic procedures performed. It is designed to balance breasts of differing sizes, correct a reduction in breast volume after
pregnancy or enhance the bustline of a woman who personally feels her breast size is too small. Most women undergo breast enlargement to add balance or proportion to their bodies. Many have difficulty getting clothing to fit the way they would like. The vast majority are thrilled by the results of breast augmentation, but the decision to undergo surgery is extremely personal. The best candidates for this procedure have realistic expectations about the outcome and understand that while surgery can improve your appearance, there is no such thing as a "perfect" body.
Types of Implants
 Breast implants are sealed silicone bags filled with one of two materials. Implants filled with saline are the most commonly used today while those filled with silicone gel have a much more restricted availability and use. The implants can have a textured "fuzzy" outer shell or they can be smooth. They come in a round shape or a "tear-drop" contour. The deflated implants are inserted into the body through a small incision and then inflated with saline once in place. Determining the implant that is best for you is part of the pre-operative planning.
Preparing For Your Surgery
Pre-operatively, Dr. Corey will provide you with specific instructions regarding diet, smoking and medications, and you will be given any necessary prescriptions. Most women
approaching 40 or with a family history of breast cancer
usually obtain a pre-operative screening mammogram to allow for comparison in the future, and Dr. Corey's staff can help you arrange that. You will need to provide someone to drive you home after the surgery. You may also want to ask someone to be available as a "helping hand" during the first few days of your recuperation.
During Your Surgery
 Your surgery will be performed under general anesthesia (meaning you will be asleep throughout the procedure) at an outpatient surgical facility, so you will go home the same day of the surgery. Dr. Corey will determine the method of inserting and positioning your implant based on your anatomy and other considerations. The incision is most often made in the armpit, but it could also be in the crease underneath the breast or around the areola (the darker-colored skin surrounding the nipple).
 Dr. Corey is very conscious of scarring and will make every effort to place incisions where scars will be the least noticeable. A pocket is created either behind the breast tissue or underneath the pectoral muscle (the muscle in your chest wall), and the implant is placed into that pocket and centered behind the nipple. You and Dr. Corey will discuss the option of placing the implant underneath the pectoral muscle and make the final determination.
Most of the time, Dr. Corey uses the endoscope to create the
pocket for the implant. Your incisions will be closed with stitches. Surgical tape and a gauze bandage may be added to provide greater support and encourage healing. The surgery usually takes one to two hours.
Post-Operative Care
Post-operatively, you should be up and around within 24 to 36 hours following your surgery, but you will most likely feel somewhat tired and sore for a few days. Dr. Corey
will prescribe medication to help control your discomfort. The day after surgery, your gauze dressings will be removed and you will begin wearing a sports bra. Dr. Corey will give you instructions on how and when to wear the sports bra. Your stitches will dissolve on their own. Right after surgery, your breasts will appear very firm and a bit high riding. This is normal. Over the next one to four months, they should soften and settle to a more natural position. Dr. Corey will instruct you on exercises to do to help this process along. Actual breast swelling may take up to two to four weeks to dissipate.
After a few days, you should be able to return to work. Dr. Corey will advise you on when to resume exercises and other activities. Direct physical contact with your breasts will probably cause discomfort for three to four weeks following surgery. Dr. Corey will follow your progress closely over the next six months and schedule you for a yearly visit thereafter. If you are in the appropriate age group, you should continue getting routine mammograms. A special technique is used for women with breast implants, so remember to inform the mammogram technician to ensure that you get a reliable reading.
For More Information
See Before/After photographs.
If you would like more information about breast augmentation, please Contact Me.
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