Areola Technique Introduction
Breast augmentation, or augmentation mammoplasty, is one of the most common plastic surgery procedures performed today. Over time, factors such as age, genetics, pregnancy, weight changes, sun exposure, and gravity can cause the size and shape of the breast to change. Women who are dissatisfied with the size of their breasts, or have experienced changes in breast appearance can achieve a fuller, shapelier breast with breast augmentation. During breast augmentation, a breast implant is placed inside a pocket formed in the breast tissue. This can help to increase or balance the size of the breast, restore breast volume, or restore the shape of the breast after partial or total loss. It is important to realize that breast augmentation cannot correct significantly sagging or drooping breasts. In these instances, a breast lift is often necessary, which may be performed in conjunction with this procedure.
Re-approved by the FDA in 2006, silicone implants are made of a silicone rubber shell and are filled with silicone gel. There is no significant evidence that suggests silicone implants increase your risk for breast cancer, connective tissue disorders, or autoimmune disease.
The breast consists of glands and milk ducts, surrounded by fatty tissue which provides its shape and soft form. The elasticity of your skin also contributes to its shape. As you know, certain factors such as age and pregnancy can affect the elasticity of your skin and breast tissue, which results in changes to shape and appearance.
Breast augmentation procedures typically last approximately one to two hours. Prior to the start of your procedure the treatment area will be thoroughly cleansed and an anesthetic will be administered. Depending on the surgeon’s preferences and the nature of the procedure, a local anesthetic in combination with intravenous sedation or general anesthesia will be used.
The surgeon will carefully separate the breast tissue with a minimally invasive cautery device and a scalpel, in order to reach the area of the breast in which the pocket will be formed. Using an instrument known as an elevator and their fingers, the surgeon will carefully create a pocket in which to place the breast implant.
Unlike saline implants, which are usually inserted empty, silicone implants are pre-filled. As silicone implants are pre-filled, they generally require a slightly larger incision than saline implants. The surgeon will insert the implant into the pocket and visually inspect your breasts to ensure that they are symmetric. They may adjust the pocket and the position of the breast implant itself to ensure that the desired look is achieved.
The incisions will be closed using sutures in the breast tissue. Sutures, skin adhesive or surgical tape may be used to close the skin. Your surgeon may choose to use non-dissolving sutures, which will be removed in seven to ten days. The scars from the incisions will fade slowly over several months, but it may take up to a year for them to refine completely. As with any surgery, you will most likely experience some pain and swelling after surgery. The majority of the swelling will likely subside within a few days. However, some swelling may persist for several weeks.
Your physician may place you in a special bra or compression garment to aid in the healing process. Compression garments provide support and comfort, minimize swelling, and help to maintain the position of the implants. This is why it is important that you wear the compression garment as recommended by your physician.
You will most likely be able to return to work within three to seven days after your procedure. However, it is important that you avoid any strenuous activity and lifting for approximately three to four weeks. Doing so may delay healing and could damage the implants. You will be able to notice the final results from your procedure once the implants have settled and the swelling has subsided completely.