MediSherpa

A mammoplasty procedure for the emplacement of breast implant devices has three purposes: 1. Primary reconstruction — the replacement of breast tissues damaged by trauma (blunt, penetrating, blast), disease (breast cancer), and failed anatomic development (tuberous breast deformity). 2. Revision and reconstruction — to revise (correct) the outcome of a previous breast reconstruction surgery. 3. Primary augmentation — to aesthetically augment the size, form, and feel of the breasts.

Severe ptosis is a relative contraindication to surgery. Women with significant ptosis may require a mastopexy concomitantly or as a secondary procedure. Women with tubular breasts also are at significant risk of secondary procedures after the augmentation to correct residual deformities. As with any surgery, severe associated medical conditions need to be evaluated on a patient-by-patient basis.

• 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 your breast augmentation surgery • Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding

Anesthesia Medications are administered for your comfort during breast augmentation surgery. The choices include intravenous sedation and general anesthesia. The incision Incisions are made in inconspicuous areas to minimize visible scarring. Inframammary incision Transaxillary incision Periareolar incision Incisions vary based on the type of implant, degree of enlargement desired, your particular anatomy, and patient-surgeon preference.

Saline breast 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 breast implant will collapse and the saline will be absorbed and naturally expelled by the body. Silicone breast 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.

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)

Incisions are closed with layered sutures in the breast tissue and with sutures, skin adhesive or surgical tape to close the skin.

Many patients have questions about breast augmentation and recovery.Although many factors are involved with determining your actual recovery time for breast augmentation, you will likely experience a post-surgical recovery period of 24 to 48 hours and an additional reduced-activity period of a few days, you will likely experience soreness and swelling for a few weeks.

Following your physician’s instructions is key to the success of your surgery. It is important that the surgical incisions are not subjected to excessive force, abrasion, or motion during the time of healing.

The risks of breast implants and complications after breast augmentation include: Unfavorable scarring Bleeding (hematoma) Infection Poor healing of incisions Changes in nipple or breast sensation, may be temporary or permanent Capsular contracture, which is the formation of firm scar tissue around the implant Implant leakage or rupture Wrinkling of the skin over the implant Anesthesia risks Fluid accumulation Blood clots Pain, which may persist Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications Possibility of revisional surgery Although there potentially may be complications with breast implants, they do not impair breast health. Despite the extensive list of potential complications, breast augmentation remains one of the safest and most predictable procedures performed. The surgery provides a balance between the size and shape of the patient's breasts and the rest of her body. The low incidence of complications and the predictability of surgical outcome have prompted an increasing number of individuals to undergo the procedure.