Guide to Breast Augmentation (Mammoplasty)

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About
Why Get One
Procedure
Preparation
Risks
Recovery
Next Steps

Breast augmentation (augmentation mammoplasty) uses saline or silicone implants to create larger and/or fuller breasts.

Key Facts

  • Breast augmentation is among the most sought-after cosmetic procedures available.
  • The procedure can restore fullness and shape lost due to age, pregnancy, injury, or illness, such as breast cancer.
  • You can customize the procedure to achieve the personalized results you want, with choices that include implant size, shape, and how the implants are placed.

What is Breast Augmentation?

Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure that increases breast size, volume, and symmetry. Also known as augmentation mammoplasty, the procedure can be used to reshape or reconstruct the breast.

Results

Breast Augmentation Pre-opBreast Augmentation Post-op

Breast Augmentation Pre-opBreast Augmentation Post-op

Breast Augmentation Pre-opreast Augmentation Post-op

Breast Augmentation Pre-opBreast Augmentation Post-op

Breast Augmentation Pre-opBreast Augmentation Post-op

Breast Augmentation Pre-opBreast Augmentation Post-op

Why Have a Breast Augmentation Procedure?

There are many different reasons for having a breast augmentation procedure. Some of the most common reasons are:

  • Increase the size of small breasts
  • Increase volume associated with weight loss or pregnancy
  • Improve self-confidence
  • Improve symmetry (Make both breasts closer in size if there is a disparity)
  • Restore fullness and shape lost due to age
  • Reconstruct breasts that have been damaged or removed due to injury or illness, such as breast cancer
  • Create a proportionate balance between the breasts and the rest of the body

Will Breast Augmentation Lift Sagging Breasts?

While breast augmentation surgery can yield excellent results, one area that breast augmentation does not address is severely sagging breasts. If a patient has severely low-hanging breasts, then a breast lift procedure may be the best option. Breast lift surgery can be performed with breast implants to achieve the desired effect.

What Options Do I Have for My Procedure?

Breast augmentation surgery has several personalization options that your surgeon will discuss with you prior to your procedure. Each option should be considered carefully before deciding to move forward with the surgery. Options for implants include:

  • Type of implant (silicone, saline, or cohesive gel)
  • Implant size 
  • Location of surgical incisions
  • Placement of the implants (on top of or underneath the chest muscle)

Being informed and having clear expectations during the consultation process is the best way to ensure that a patient will be satisfied with the breast augmentation procedure results.

How is Breast Augmentation Surgery Performed?

  • Your surgeon will make an incision:
    • Under your breast 
    • Under your arm
    • At your nipple
  • Your surgeon creates a pocket behind or in front of your pectoral (chest muscle)
  • The implant is placed into this pocket and properly positioned
  • The incision is closed with sutures

What Kind of Anesthesia is Used for Breast Augmentation?

Breast augmentation is typically performed under general anesthesia.

How Do I Prepare for My Breast Augmentation Surgery?

  • Avoid taking aspirin, Advil, Motrin, or other aspirin-containing products for two weeks.
  • If you are a smoker, stop smoking to aid in healing.

What are the Risks of Breast Augmentation?

Breast augmentation is a major surgery, and like all surgeries, the procedure carries some risk of complications, including:

  • Bleeding
  • Breast pain
  • Infection
  • Scar Tissue
  • Implant leakage
  • Implant shifting

What is Recovery Like After Breast Augmentation?

  • You will be sore and need to rest for the first few days.
  • Most women can resume regular activity after a few days.
  • You will need to wear a surgical bra or another non-underwire bra for several weeks while the swelling subsides.

How Long Do Implants Last?

The implants used for breast augmentation can last between 10-15 years, although some implants last much longer.

How Will Implants Affect My Breasts?

  • Fertility and pregnancy are unaffected.
  • Breastfeeding is usually possible afterward.
  • Sensation to the nipple and areola may be rarely affected.

Next Steps

If you’d like to learn more about breast augmentation or other cosmetic procedures, our team at Columbia is here to help. Call us at (212) 305-3103 or request an appointment online. We accept a number of insurance plans, and our team can help confirm your coverage.

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