According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons,
breast augmentation or breast implant surgery is a leading cosmetic surgical procedure performed
in the United States. It is a major decision for a woman to select this
surgery, but in most cases the outcome is highly positive. Apart from
the primary benefit of an improved physical appearance, breast augmentation
also results in an enhancement of self-esteem and a happier married life
in many cases.
Dr. Lane Smith is one of the leading plastic surgeons in Las Vegas, NV for breast augmentation procedure. With his extensive experience in plastic surgery and aesthetic surgery, Dr. Smith is able to ensure outstanding results for his patients.
Procedure
Breast augmentation surgery involves placement of an implant underneath the breast tissue or the chest muscle below the breast. The implant may be silicone or saline based, depending on the choice and needs of the patient. The surgeon will begin by making an incision under the breast crease, the armpit or around the areola, in order to insert and position the implant through it. Once the implant has been placed appropriately and adjusted to provide the desired breast shape and position, the surgeon will close the incision with stitches.
Sometimes the breast augmentation surgery may be accompanied by a breast lift. This is essential if the breasts are drooping or sagging substantially. Breast lift procedure help raise the position of the nipple and areola to give the breasts a younger and firmer look. The incisions in case of a breast lift may extend from the areola to the bottom crease of the breast. Both breast augmentation and breast lift may be performed as an outpatient procedure unless there is a complication during the surgery. The entire procedure may take two to three hours, depending on the extent of surgery required.
Recovery
The surgeon will cover the stitched incisions with gauze and wrap the breasts with a supportive bra or bandages. The stitches are usually removed within a week after the procedure. The patient may experience minor soreness, bruising and swelling in the breasts for a few days. Over the counter painkiller medications can be used to provide comfort for the first few days following the surgery. The supportive bra should be worn 24 hours a day for several weeks to help reduce soreness and swelling during the healing process.
Most patients are able to go back to their normal work routine and social life within a few days. However, strenuous physical exercises and heavy lifting should be avoided for at least one month. Scarring is expected after this procedure, but a skilled plastic surgeon will ensure that the scars are concealed well. Scars will begin to fade over a period of time in any case. If the patient has opted for breast lift along with breast augmentation, more visible scars may be expected.
Purpose of Breast Enlargement
Different patients may need to undergo breast augmentation procedure for different reasons. Some of the common reasons why patients choose breast augmentation include the following:
- The patient may perceive her breasts to be too small, and may have a need to enlarge them. Each patient will have a different perception of ‘big’ and ‘small’ and most patients would desire their breast size to be in proportion to the rest of their body.
- The patient may have experienced a substantial weight loss or gone through childbirth. These conditions may result in significant changes in breast size and appearance, leading to the need for breast enlargement.
- One breast may be larger than the other breast, causing an unpleasant appearance. Breast enhancement can be used to make the two breasts evenly sized.
- Following mastectomy or breast cancer surgery, the patient may have a need to undergo breast reconstruction, which may involve breast implants.
Results and Risks
Breast enlargement is effective in increasing the breast size by at least one bra cup size or more. It is also effective in making the two breasts evenly sized and minimizing the differences in shape between the breasts. However, it is important to remember that breast enlargement is not the right procedure if you are looking to raise sagging breast. Similarly, in case there is a pregnancy or weight loss or gain in the future, the breasts may sag even with implants.
One of the common risks with breast implants is capsular contracture. This situation occurs when the tissue around the implant begins to harden and causes a squeeze on the implant. This may lead to shape change in the breast, ripples in the breast skin or hardening of breast tissue. If the condition is more pronounced, the surgeon may recommend a surgery to remove the scar tissue. If capsular contracture occurs, the implant will have to be replaced.
Considerations
Patients with realistic expectations and a clear idea of the probable results from breast augmentation are usually most satisfied with the outcome. Patient should keep in mind that breast augmentation does not guarantee future changes in the body and weight condition. The U.S. FDA recommends a breast MRI should be conducted every two years for a woman who has undergone breast implants. This is the best preventive measure to evaluate the condition of the implant and the breast tissue. Patients should also make a careful choice between silicone and saline implants in consultation with the plastic surgeon.
Dr. Lane Smith provides breast augmentation surgery in Las Vegas, NV. He has the necessary expertise and training in plastic surgery as well as aesthetic surgery to ensure that the final results are both natural and beautiful. Dr. Smith understands the unique needs of each patient, and provides the most appropriate treatment plan to match those needs. He sees his patients at his state of the art surgical center in Las Vegas, which is equipped to provide a full complement of aesthetic surgery services. Patients in and around Las Vegas may avail the benefit of Dr. Smith’s experience in breast augmentation surgery.
