Breast Augmentation

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Breast Augmentation Photo Gallery

Breast augmentation may be right for you if fuller, larger and/or more shapely breasts are what you wish for. You may feel that your breasts simply never developed into a pleasing size or perhaps you just want to get back to what you looked like before pregnancy, weight loss or aging. Breast augmentation is one of the most commonly performed cosmetic procedures in the country. Implants are available as saline-filled or silicone gel-filled, either of which may have benefits tailored to you. Dr. Nichols will be able to give you his recommendations on what options will give you the best result at the time of your consultation. We also offer various pain management options to make your post-operative time a little easier and more comfortable. This procedure is commonly done with the tummy tuck procedure, known as the "mommy makeover."

If you are dissatisfied with your breast size, augmentation surgery is a choice to consider. Breast augmentation can:

• Increase fullness and projection of your breasts
• Improve the balance of your figure
• Enhance your self-image and self-confidence

Also known as augmentation mammaplasty, the procedure involves using implants to fulfill your desire for fuller breasts or to restore breast volume lost after weight reduction or pregnancy.

What it won't do

Breast augmentation does not correct severely drooping breasts. If you want your breasts to look fuller and to be lifted due to sagging, a breast lift may be required in conjunction with breast augmentation.

Is it right for me?

Breast augmentation is a highly individualized procedure and you should do it for yourself, not to fulfill someone else's desires or to try to fit any sort of ideal image.

Breast augmentation may be a good option for you if:

• You are physically healthy
• You have realistic expectations
• Your breasts are fully developed
• You are bothered by the feeling that your breasts are too small
• You are dissatisfied with your breasts losing shape and volume after pregnancy, weight loss, or with aging
• Your breasts vary in size or shape
• One or both breasts failed to develop normally

Prior to surgery, you may be asked to:

• Get lab testing or a medical evaluation
• Take certain medications or adjust your current medications
• Get a baseline mammogram before surgery and another one after surgery to help detect any future changes in your breast tissue
• Stop smoking well in advance of surgery
• Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding

Special instructions you receive will cover:

• What to do on the day of surgery
• Post-operative care and follow-up
• Breast implant registry documents (when necessary)

Dr. Nichols and his staff will also discuss where your procedure will be performed. Breast augmentation surgery is performed at St. Anthony's in Gig Harbor or Allenmore in Tacoma.

You'll need help

Breast augmentation is typically performed on an outpatient basis, so be sure to arrange for someone to drive you to and from surgery and to stay with you for at least the first night following surgery.

What happens during breast augmentation surgery?

Step 1 - Anesthesia

Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedure. The choices include intravenous sedation and general anesthesia. Your anesthesiologist will recommend the best choice for you.

Step 2 - The incision

Incisions are made in inconspicuous areas to minimize visible scarring. You and your plastic surgeon will discuss which incision options are appropriate for your desired outcome. Incision options include inframammary, transaxillary and periareolar. Incisions vary based on the type of implant, degree of enlargement desired, your particular anatomy, and patient-surgeon preference.

Step 3 - Implant choice

Breast size and shape are important, so be honest and open about your expectations when talking with your surgeon.

Implant type and size will be determined not just on your desired increase in size but more importantly on your breast anatomy, skin elasticity and body type.

Options for Breast Implants

Saline implants are filled with sterile salt water. They can be filled with varying amounts of saline which can affect the shape, firmness and feel of the breast. Should the implant shell leak, a saline implant will collapse and the saline will be absorbed and naturally expelled by the body.

Silicone implants are filled with an elastic gel. The gel feels and moves much like natural breast tissue. If the implant leaks, the gel may remain within the implant shell, or may escape into the breast implant pocket.

A leaking implant filled with silicone gel may not collapse. If you choose these implants, you may need to see Dr. Nichols regularly to make sure the implants are functioning properly. An ultrasound or MRI screening can assess the condition of breast implants.

See www.breastimplantsafety.org for more information.

Step 4 - Inserting and placing the implant

After the incision is made, a breast implant is inserted into a pocket either:

• Under the pectoral muscle (a submuscular placement), or
• Directly behind the breast tissue, over the pectoral muscle (a submammary/ subglandular placement)

The method for inserting and positioning implants depends on the type of implant, degree of enlargement desired, your body type, and your surgeon's recommendations.

Step 5 - Closing the incisions

Incisions are closed with layered sutures in the breast tissue and with sutures, skin adhesive or surgical tape to close the skin. Over time the incision lines will fade.

Step 6 - See the results

The results of breast augmentation are immediately visible. Over time, post-surgical swelling will resolve and incision lines will fade. Satisfaction with your new image should continue to grow as you recover and realize the fulfillment of your goal for fuller breasts.

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