Breast augmentation, or enlargement, is one of the most common procedures in the plastic and cosmetic surgery profession. More than 325,000 women in the U.S. chose this elective procedure in 2006*.
You may be thinking about enlisting the help of a Florida breast augmentation surgeon to help you achieve your personal goals. But how do they perform the procedure?
The first step is meeting with Gainesville plastic surgeons at the University of Florida Health to discuss your goals and expectations, but read on to see what you can expect to experience once you decide to undergo breast augmentation surgery.
1. Initial consultation and implant type
The first thing is discussing with the surgeon what will happen and what you need to do before surgery. This is when you will decide the type of implants you will receive – silicone or saline.
Silicone implants are filled with an elastic gel that moves a lot like natural breast tissue. Choosing these implants may require you to visit your Gainesville breast enhancement surgeon periodically to make sure the implants are functioning properly and not leaking. If the implant leaks, it should not collapse and the gel should remain in the implant shell or escape into the breast implant pocket. Silicone breast implants are approved for women age 22 and over.
Saline breast implants are filled with a sterile salt water solution similar to fluids that make up most of the human body. They are slightly firmer than silicone breasts. Surgeons fill the implant during the procedure and can adjust accordingly for desired firmness, shape and feel. If a leak occurs, the implant will collapse and the fluid absorbed naturally by the body. Saline implants are approved for women age 18 and over.
Your desired breast size increase isn’t the only factor to consider when deciding on which implant to choose, but rather breast anatomy, skin elasticity and body type is far more important.
2. Administration of anesthesia
Anesthesia will be administered so you will remain comfortable during the procedure. Your surgeon will recommend the right type of anesthesia for you. DO NOT EAT BEFORE YOUR PROCEDURE AND FOLLOW ALL PRE-OP INSTRUCTIONS.
3. The incision
Once you are asleep or fully sedated, surgeons will cut the incision where they will insert the new breast implant. Several options are available. Which one you and your surgeon choose depends on how much enlargement you would like to have and your anatomy.
Inframammary incision
Transaxillary incision
Periareolar incision
4. Inserting and positioning the breast implant
After the incision, there are two different ways the breast enlargement surgeon will insert and position the breast implants.
One option is a sub-muscular placement under the pectoral muscle. Essentially, the implant will be placed in between the breast muscle and ribs. The other option places the implant behind the breast tissue over the pectoral muscle, which is also known as a sub-mammary or sub-glandular placement.
The method of inserting and positioning breast implants depends on their type, the degree of desired enlargement, your body type and recommendations of the surgeon.
5. Closing the incisions
Finally, the incisions are closed back up using layered sutures in the breast tissue and the skin is closed up using sutures, skin adhesive or surgical tape. Incision lines will fade over time and you will have your goal of fuller, firmer breasts.
Most people undergoing anesthesia have no problems, but reactions vary from person to person. You may take awhile to wake up or you will abruptly awake and when you do, you may feel hot, cold or a bit numb. You may even feel a little nauseous and go through either a crying or giggling spell. Don’t worry, it’s all normal and surgeons will be there watching you as the anesthesia wears off.
Recovery time is usually pretty short – post-surgical recovery usually lasts 24 to 48 hours with additional reduced activity for a few days. You will likely experience soreness and swelling for a few days. Your breast augmentation surgeon will guide you in your recovery, including any follow up examinations.
Bookmark and check back often with the UF Health Plastic Surgery and Aesthetics Center’s knowledge center for more articles and information concerning breast augmentation surgery and a wide array of plastic and cosmetic surgery options available from University of Florida Health plastic surgeons in Gainesville.
Call 352.265.8402 or contact us today to schedule a consultation.
*Source: American Society of Plastic Surgeons 2006 National Plastic Surgery Statistics