Many women with shallow breasts desire to have them made fuller for a more attractive figure and better fit of clothes.

Today, thanks to modern technology, many women are able to alter the shapes of their bodies. Some with small, underdeveloped or asymmetrical breasts may choose to undergo breast augmentation, a safe, effective surgical procedure designed to improve the contour of a woman’s body by implanting specially designed materials beneath the breast or chest wall muscles.

BEFORE SURGERY
Prior to surgery a complete medical history is taken in order to evaluate your general health. A thorough examination of the breasts is also made to determine the most effective surgical approach. Dr. Gilmer will describe the type of anesthesia to be used, the procedure, what results might realistically be expected as well as the possible risks and complications.

Mammograms or x-rays may be taken as well as photographs. Preoperative instructions often include the elimination of certain drugs which contain aspirin in order to minimize the possibility of excess bleeding. Birth control and other estrogen containing hormones may also be discontinued temporarily for the same reason. Antibiotics designed to prevent infection may be prescribed for a few days prior to surgery.

THE PROCEDURE
A breast augmentation is usually performed as an outpatient procedure. Dr. Gilmer may choose from a variety of surgical procedures, depending upon what changes are desired.

One of the techniques most frequently used is an incision made in the lower portion of the breast near the chest wall or around the lower portion of the areola (the dark pink area circling the nipple). A location less frequently used is in the armpit. When the incision is made in the lower portion of the breast, breast tissue is raised to create a pocket either under the breast tissue or beneath the chest wall muscle. An implant usually containing a saline solution is inserted into the pocket. Different sizes of implants may be used to correct breast asymmetry. In some cases particularly those in which there is breast asymmetry, an inflatable implant may be used. With this procedure, the surgeon can adjust the amount of inflation.

After the implant is securely in place, small sutures are used to close the incision. A breast augmentation can take two hours or more, depending upon the procedure and extent of the surgery.

FOLLOWING SURGERY
Following surgery, you will wear either bandages or a special garment.

Pain connected with the procedure is minimal to moderate and is controlled with oral medication. Antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent infection. Instructions for the day of surgery include bed rest and limited activities. Dr. Gilmer will determine when normal activities can be resumed; however, strenuous exercises and overhead lifting must be avoided for several weeks.

Sutures are removed in about five to seven days at which time the physician may recommend massage to keep the breast supple. Numbness around the treated area may occur, but this condition is usually temporary. Swelling and discoloration disappear in a few days, and scars from the incisions, although permanent, fade significantly with time.

Complications of infection and slow healing are rare; however there are certain inherent risks connected with every surgical procedure which should be thoroughly discussed with Dr. Gilmer and his staff. You can minimize complications by carefully following directions. In some cases in which the breast becomes too firm due to the formation of scar tissue, a second procedure may be necessary.

If you are interested in learning more about breast augmentation, please contact our office and we will be happy to answer your questions.

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