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Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation, technically
known as augmentation mammoplasty,
is a surgical procedure to enhance
the size and shape of a woman's
breast. This will enhance the body
contour of a woman who, for personal
reasons, feels her breast size is
too small.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The procedure is typically performed
under general anesthesia, on an
outpatient basis.
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.
As result many women are able to
return to light daily activities in
24-48 hours with limited discomfort.
Women are commonly surprised how
smooth and rapid the recovery period
progress is, and how comfortable
they feel.
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The best candidates
for breast augmentation
Breast augmentation can
enhance your appearance
and your
self-confidence.
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. |
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Types of implants
A breast implant is a
silicone shell filled
with either silicone gel
or a salt-water solution
known as saline.
Saline-filled implants
continue to be available
to breast augmentation
patients on an
unrestricted basis. You
should ask your doctor
more about the
specifics. |
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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.
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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, in which case
you can plan on staying
for a day or two.
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