Breast augmentation, also known as mammoplasty, is a surgical enhancement procedure to accentuate the size and shape of a woman's breasts. While breast augmentation will make the breasts larger, the surgery will not move the breasts closer together or lift sagging breasts.  Breast augmentation is tremendous help to patients who desire a fuller profile, who have lost breast volume due to pregnancy or nursing, or who have undergone breast reconstruction and want to gain a more natural look again.

Reasons for Considering Breast Augmentation:

• Enhance body shape if breasts are too small.
• Increase breast volume after pregnancy and nursing.
• Equalize a difference in breast size (cup size) to gain breast symmetry.
• Reconstruct breasts following a mastectomy or injury.

General Procedure

Breast augmentation involves making a small incision to insert a breast implant into the breast area in order to enlarge the breast.  The surgery is commonly performed on an outpatient basis at a hospital or state-of-the-art surgical unit while the patient is under a general anesthesia and asleep.  There are several possible locations for the small incision that will be used for inserting the breast implant.  One technique utilizes an incision made in the lower portion of the breast (inframammary fold).  Another technique, though less frequently used, involves making an incision in the armpit.  A third technique makes an incision around the areola (the darker skin surrounding the nipple).  A newer technique uses an incision in the belly button, thus reducing the chance of scarring in the breast area.  The best technique will be discussed with Dr. Bruno during the consultation.

During surgery, the breast tissue is raised to create an open pocket under the breast tissue or beneath the chest wall muscle (subpectoral); commonly referred to as "behind or under" the muscle.  Inserting an implant behind each breast can increase a woman's breast size by one or more bra cup sizes.  Implants typically contain a saline solution (similar to saltwater) or silicone gel.  Silicone gel implants have been reapproved by the FDA in 2006 for widespread cosmetic use. Surgery typically lasts about one hour.

Recovery Process

Generally, post-operative instructions call for no heavy lifting or strenuous activity with the upper body (nothing greater than 20 pounds) and limited movement in order to speed up the healing process and recovery time.  Bandages are applied right after surgery to aid the healing process and to minimize movement of the breasts.  Once the bandages are removed, a specialized surgical bra with no underwire will need to be worn for four weeks.  Patients sometimes report minor pain or pressure associated with the surgery.  This pain can be treated effectively with oral medication such as vicodin and/or muscle relaxants.  Most patients can be back to work in approximately three days.

Dr. Bruno will be able to explain to you in further detail the recovery process at the time of your consultation.