Update on breast implant safety - click here

Breast augmentation, one of the most gratifying procedures for women, is a surgical procedure to enhance the size and shape of a woman's breast. This will improve the body contour of a woman who, for personal reasons, feels her breast size is too small or would like to enhance their shape. Breast augmentation can also correct a reduction in breast volume after pregnancy, balance a difference in breast size, or as a reconstructive technique following breast surgery.  Many women combine breast augmentation with a tummy tuck for a Mommy Make over.  It is one the most popular surgical procedures that Dr. Carp performs, having placed thousands of implants.

Based on a gentle, more patient-oriented approach Dr. Carp uses meticulous near bloodless techniques, with no traumatic ripping of tissues or touching of the ribs with instruments.

With Dr. Carp's skill and technique recovery time is brief, with most women returning to light activity in 24 to 48 hours and back to normal activity within 3 weeks.

If you're considering breast augmentation, this will give you a basic understanding of the procedure--when it can help, how it's performed, and what results you can expect. It can't answer all of your questions, since a lot depends on your individual circumstances.

Size:  Determining the appropriate implant size is very important, but can also be the most difficult part of the surgical planning.  We encourage patients not to think of breast volume in terms of cup size.  There are no standards in the garment industry and therefore, cup sizing is almost arbitrary.  It is best to understand breast size visually.  Dr. Carp will spend a great deal of time to listen and understand the shape and volume a patient desires.  The final implant size and type will then be carefully planned based on each patients anatomy.  It is very important that the implant not only match a patients overall frame, but the breast itself.

Incision: Implants are placed through either an incision under the breast just above the crease, the lower edge of the areola or an incision in the armpit.  The most common approach is under the breast.  I can provide the most versatile access to the breast with a scar that is place in a less visible location.

Pocket:Using the chosen incision a pocket is created into which the implant will be inserted. The pocket is created either directly behind the breast or underneath the chest wall (pectoralis) muscle. This is referred to as subpectoral placement and is the most common position.  Despite what you may have read or heard, patient's discomfort is well tolerated with either approach.

Implant:  The choice of implant is either saline (salt water) or silicone gel filled.  Both implants have a silicone shell, the difference is what the implant volume is filled with.   The most common implant used today is silicone gel filled using cohesive gel.  Silicone gel implants tend to look and feel more natural and have less rippling when compared to saline filled implants.  To date, there is no evidence that either silicone gel filled or saline implants pose any verified health risks.

The procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia, on an outpatient basis.  General anesthesia is very safe and also provides an exceptional patient experience without injections into the chest and breast as is necessary when done under local anesthesia with sedation.

The best candidates for breast augmentation

Breast augmentation can enhance your appearance and your self-confidence.

One or more of the following feelings or conditions may indicate that you are a good candidate for breast augmentation:

* you are bothered by the feeling that your breasts are too small
* clothes that fit well around your hips are often too large at the bustline
* you feel self-conscious wearing a swimsuit or form-fitting top
* your breasts have become smaller and lost their firmness after having children
* weight loss has changed the size and shape of your breasts
* one of your breasts is noticeably smaller than the other
 

The best candidates for breast augmentation are women who are looking for improvement, to enhance the way they look. If you're physically healthy and realistic in your expectations, you may be a good candidate.

Types of implants

The size and type of breast implant recommended for you will be determined by your goals for breast enhancement, your existing body frame, and mass, your existing breast tissue, and the preferences you and your plastic surgeon discuss. All breast implants include a solid silicone rubber outer shell, called a lumen.

Breast implant options include:

* Saline breast implants: Filled with sterile salt water. Saline are filled at the time of surgery to allow for minor modifications in implant size.

* Silicone filled breast implants: Filled with soft, elastic gel. All silicone breast implants are pre-filled and may require a longer incision for implant placement.  These are the most common implants in use today.

The latest scientific data confirms the safety of both silicone gel filled as well as saline implants.  Surgical techniques for breast augmentation and breast implants themselves are continuously being refined, increasing the safety and reliability of the procedure. Your plastic surgeon will be able to provide you with the latest information.

All surgery carries some uncertainty and risk

Breast augmentation is relatively straightforward. But as with any operation, there are risks associated with surgery and specific complications associated with this procedure.

There is no evidence that breast implants will affect fertility, pregnancy, or your ability to nurse. If, however, you have nursed a baby within the year before augmentation, you may produce milk for a few days after surgery.

Occasionally, breast implants may break or leak. If a saline-filled implant breaks, the salt water will be harmlessly absorbed by the body.

While there is no evidence that breast implants cause breast cancer, they may change the way mammography is done to detect cancer. When you request a routine mammogram, be sure to go to a radiology center where technicians are experienced in the special techniques required to get a reliable x-ray of a breast with an implant. Additional views will be required.

Planning your surgery

In your initial consultation, Dr. Carp will evaluate your health and explain which surgical techniques are most appropriate for you, based on the condition of your breasts and skin tone.

Be sure to discuss your expectations frankly. He should be equally frank with you, describing your alternatives and the risks and limitations of each. Be sure to tell Dr. Carp if you smoke, and if you're taking any medications, vitamins, or other drugs.

Dr. Carp will explain the type of anesthesia to be used, the type of facility where the surgery will be performed, and the costs involved.

Preparing for your surgery

You will be given printed instructions to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding certain vitamins and medications.

While making preparations, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery and to help you out for a few days, if needed.

Where your surgery will be performed

Dr. Carp performs surgery in a hospital outpatient facility. Occasionally, the surgery may be done as an inpatient in a hospital.