Breast enlargement -
INTRODUCTION
Dr. Harris believes that the patient needs to verbalize her goals during
the breast enlargement consult so that the final decisions of the implant
selection will please the patient not only immediately but also in the
future. The primary decisions that patients may contribute to include:
saline vs silicone, size, and incision site.
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Breast enlargement
INTRODUCTION continued . . .
A woman’s breasts often define her femininity, and with the
vast differences in shape, size, and appearance, breasts further help to
define a woman’s individualism. The breasts undergo changes in response to
factors such as genetics, aging, pregnancy and breast feeding, weight gain
or loss, and hormonal fluctuations. All of these factors can cause the
breast size and shape to change. These changes can be dissatisfying and
can make women feel as if they are losing some of their femininity and
youthful vitality. Breast enlargement alone cannot restore the shape of
the breasts. For those women who would like to increase the size of their
breasts as well as restore a firm, more upright position, a breast
enlargement in combination with a breast lift can improve body contours
and revitalize their appearance.
Breast enlargement - SIZE
One of the most important decisions of breast enlargement surgery is
the size of the implant. Dr. Harris encourages each patient to describe her
goals and expectations of the surgery. After this information is given, the
patient then tries on various sizers which give additional suggestion as to
the patient’s desired size. After breast and chest measurements are taken
during the examination, the patient’s implant size is chosen. The patient is
shown what implants sizes are available and the final decision is made
according to the patient’s goals. Dr. Harris’ patients can rest comfortably
the night before knowing the size of the implant will be the size that was
chosen in the office prior to surgery.
Breast enlargement - INCISIONS
Most patients are given a choice of incisions as well. The primary
incisions are under the arm (endoscopic axillary), lower nipple, or
inframammary crease. Some patient might require a mastopexy or a breast lift
and this incision resembles a ‘lollipop’ circumferentially around the nipple
and extending down vertically at the base of the nipple towards the
inframammary crease. This incision is used primarily on breasts that
demonstrate extreme sagging and downward positioning of the nipple. The
benefits and trade-offs of each of the incisions; axillary, inframammary, or
nipple, are described to each patient and the patient is allowed to make the
decision herself as to her preferred incision if she is a candidate for this
procedure.
Breast enlargement - SALINE VERSUS SILICONE
The saline versus silicone decision will also be discussed with each
patient. The long term follow-ups, post-operative appearance differences,
and current medical information is provided to the patient in detail.
Breast enlargement - ANESTHESIA AND SURGERY CENTER
The anesthesia used for breast enlargement is general endotracheal
anesthesia and this is provided by a board certified doctor of anesthesia in
a certified outpatient surgery center.
Breast enlargement - PHYSICAL LIMITATIONS
Patients usually are off work for one week although this might vary
depending on the physical job description. For instance, mothers might have
difficulty with picking up toddlers or young children during the early weeks
of surgery depending on the child’s weight. Waitresses and hairdressers also
may require longer time for recovery due to the physical nature of their
jobs. Patients who have desk jobs usually are able to return to work after a
week.
Breast enlargement - BREAST FEEDING
Most women are still able to breast feed after the surgery because the milk
ducts are left unharmed during the procedure. There is no guarantee that
women can breast feed after the surgery as some women find it difficult even
without any breast surgery history.
Breast enlargement - HEALING
Most women are able to resume all physical activities by 6 weeks. At this
time, the breast has had time to heal and the implants have begun to settle.
Early in the post-operative course, the implants are somewhat high and tight
and it normally takes 6 to 8 weeks for the breasts to soften and the implant
to take on the anticipated shape.
Breast enlargement - ACTIVITY
Early strenuous activity is not encouraged because it may lead to increased
scarring or bleeding. Patients are usually seen one week, one month and
three months after surgery and precise massage technique, exercise
limitations and use of supportive garments are described to the patient at
that time. Always, if a patient has any concerns, she is to notify the
office and Dr. Harris will see her.
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