One of the most frequently performed cosmetic surgery procedures in the U.S., breast augmentation can give women with small or unevenly sized breasts a fuller, firmer, better-proportioned look through the placement of implants in the breast. Women may elect to undergo breast augmentation for many different medical and aesthetic motivations, including balancing breast size and compensating for reduced breast mass after pregnancy or surgery. The procedure may be combined with others such as a breast lift for more satisfying results.

Implants are silicone shells filled with either silicone gel or saline (salt water) and are placed behind each breast, underneath either breast tissue or the chest wall muscle. The procedure lasts one to two hours and is typically performed with general anesthesia. After surgery the patient’s bustline may be increased by one or more cup sizes.

Incisions are made in inconspicuous places on the breast to minimize scar visibility (in the armpit, in the crease on the underside of the breast, or around the areola, the dark skin around the nipple). The breast is then lifted, creating a pocket into which the implant is inserted.

Placement behind the chest wall muscle offers a few advantages over placement beneath the breast tissue only. These include reduced risk of capsular contracture (post-operative tightening around the implant) and less interference with mammogram examinations. Women may choose to have their implants placed on top of the chest muscle if they have an appropriate amount of breast tissue to adequately redrape over the implant.  Incisions used to place the implants may be located in the crease beneath the breast (inframammary), at the margin of the areola (periareolar), or in the armpit (axillary).

After the implants are placed and centered beneath the nipples, incisions are taped and bandaged. A surgical bra is then placed and the patient is gently awakened from anesthesia. Most patients feel tired and sore after surgery, but this usually passes in a day or two and many patients return to work within the week. Sutures are removed in approximately one week and any pain, swelling and sensitivity will diminish over the first few weeks. Scars will begin to fade in a few months and will continue to fade for months or years.

Complications following breast augmentation surgery are uncommon and usually minimal.  These may include pain and swelling, capsular contracture, or change in nipple sensation.  Infection around the implant is a rare occurrence.  Breakage or leakage of an implant may occure.  In the case of saline implants, implant rupture or leakage results in delfation and absorption of saline by your body.  If a gel implants ruptures or leaks, then the gel content is exposed outside the implant shell.  Distortion of the breast shape may or may not occur.

Breast augmentation is an extremely popular cosmetic surgery procedure with a high degree of patient satisfaction.  During an individual consultation with Dr. Chatson, various options with regard to implant placement, incisions, and implant size are all considered and the best approach is selected.

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