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Breast Augmentation |
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| If you are dissatisfied with your breast size, augmentation surgery is a choice to consider. Breast augmentation can: |
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Increase fullness and projection of your breasts |
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Improve the balance of your figure |
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Enhance your self-image and self-confidence |
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| Also known as augmentation mammaplasty, the procedure involves using implants to fulfill your desire for fuller breasts or to restore breast volume lost after weight reduction or pregnancy. |
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| What it won't do |
Breast augmentation does not correct severely drooping breasts. If you want your breasts to look fuller and to be lifted due to sagging, a breast lift may be required in conjunction with breast augmentation.
Breast lifting can often be done at the same time as your augmentation or may require a separate operation. Dr. Vartany will assist you in making this decision. |
| Is it right for me? |
Breast augmentation is a highly individualized procedure and you should do it for yourself, not to fulfill someone else's desires or to try to fit any sort of ideal image.
Breast augmentation may be a good option for you if: |
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You are physically healthy |
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You have realistic expectations |
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Your breasts are fully developed |
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You are bothered by the feeling that your breasts are too small |
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You are dissatisfied with your breasts losing shape and volume after pregnancy, weight loss, or with aging |
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Your breasts vary in size or shape |
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One or both breasts failed to develop normally |
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| What to expect during your consultation |
| The success and safety of your breast augmentation procedure depends very much on your complete candidness during your consultation. Dr. Vartany will ask you a number of questions about your health, desires and lifestyle. |
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Why you want the surgery, your expectations and desired outcome |
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Medical conditions, drug allergies and medical treatments |
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Use of current medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco and drugs |
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Previous surgeries |
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Family history of breast cancer and results of any mammograms or previous biopsies |
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| Dr. Vartany will also: |
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Evaluate your general health status and any pre-existing health conditions or risk factors |
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Examine your breasts, and may take detailed measurements of their size and shape, skin quality, placement of your nipples |
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Take photographs for your medical record |
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Discuss your options and recommend a course of treatment |
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Discuss likely outcomes of breast augmentation and any risks or potential complications |
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Discuss the use of anesthesia during your breast augmentation |
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| Preparing for surgery |
| Prior to surgery, you may be asked to: |
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Get lab testing or a medical evaluation |
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Take certain medications or adjust your current medications |
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Get a baseline mammogram before surgery and another one after surgery to help detect any future changes in your breast tissue |
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Stop smoking well in advance of surgery |
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Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding |
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| Special instructions you receive will cover: |
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What to do on the day of surgery |
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Post-operative care and follow-up |
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Breast implant registry documents (when necessary) |
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| Dr. Vartany will also discuss where your procedure will be performed. Breast augmentation surgery may be performed in an outpatient ambulatory surgical center or a hospital. |
| Procedural Steps: |
| What happens during breast augmentation surgery? |
| Step 1 - Anesthesia |
| You will have general anesthesi for your surgery which will be administered by a Board Certified anesthesiologist. |
| Step 2 - The incision |
Incisions are made in inconspicuous areas to minimize visible scarring. You and Dr. Vartany will discuss which incision options are appropriate for your desired outcome. Incision options include:
Incisions vary based on the type of implant, degree of enlargement desired, your particular anatomy, and patient-surgeon preference. |
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| Step 3 - Implant choice |
Breast size and shape are important, so be honest and open about your expectations when talking to Dr. Vartany.
Implant type and size will be determined not just on your desired increase in size but more importantly on your breast anatomy, skin elasticity and body type. |
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| Options for Breast Implants |
Saline 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 implant will collapse and the saline will be absorbed and naturally expelled by the body.
Silicone 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.
A leaking implant filled with silicone gel may not collapse. If you choose these implants, you may need to visit your plastic surgeon regularly to make sure the implants are functioning properly. An ultrasound or MRI screening can assess the condition of breast implants.
Implant manufacturers occasionally introduce new styles and types of implants, so there may be additional options available.
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Currently Saline implants are FDA-approved for augmentation in women 18 years of age and older.
Currently Silicone implants are FDA-approved for augmentation in women 22 years of age and older.
Saline or silicone implants may be recommended at a younger age if used for reconstruction purposes.
See www.breastimplantsafety.org for current information. |
| Step 4 - Inserting and placing the implant |
| After the incision is made, a breast implant is inserted into a pocket either: |
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Under the pectoral muscle (a submuscular placement), or |
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Directly behind the breast tissue, over the pectoral muscle (a submammary/ subglandular placement) |
| Dr. Vartany prefers placing the implant under the muscle because this method usually achieves more natural results. |
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| Step 5 - Closing the incisions |
| Incisions are closed with layered sutures in the breast tissue and with sutures, skin adhesive or surgical tape to close the skin. Over time the incision lines will fade. |
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| Step 6 - See the results |
| The results of breast augmentation are immediately visible. Over time, post-surgical swelling will resolve and incision lines will fade. Satisfaction with your new image should continue to grow as you recover and realize the fulfillment of your goal for fuller breasts. |
| Important facts about the safety and risks of breast augmentation |
The decision to have breast augmentation surgery is extremely personal and you'll have to decide if the benefits will achieve your goals and if the risks and potential complications are acceptable.
Dr. Vartany will explain in detail the risks associated with surgery. You will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure that you fully understand the procedure you will undergo and any risks or potential complications. |
| The risks include: |
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Unfavorable scarring |
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Bleeding (hematoma) |
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Infection |
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Poor healing of incisions |
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Changes in nipple or breast sensation, may be temporary or permanent |
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Capsular contracture, which is the formation of firm scar tissue around the implant |
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Implant leakage or rupture |
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Wrinkling of the skin over the implant |
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Anesthesia risks |
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Fluid accumulation |
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Blood clots |
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Pain, which may persist |
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Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications |
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Possibility of revisional surgery |
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| Breast implants do not impair breast health. Careful review of scientific research conducted by independent groups such as the Institute of Medicine has found no proven link between breast implants and autoimmune or other systemic diseases. |
| Other important considerations: |
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Breast implants are not guaranteed to last a lifetime and future surgery may be required to replace one or both implants. |
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Pregnancy, weight loss and menopause may influence the appearance of augmented breasts over the course of your lifetime. |
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| My recovery |
After 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.
Exercise and normal activity can resume at about one month after surgery. Over time, post-surgical swelling will decrease and incision lines will fade. |
| When you go home |
If you experience shortness of breath, chest pains, or unusual heart beats, call Dr. Vartany immediately. Should any of these complications occur, you may require hospitalization and additional treatment.
The practice of medicine and surgery is not an exact science. Although good results are expected, there is no guarantee. In some situations, it may not be possible to achieve optimal results with a single surgical procedure and another surgery may be necessary. |
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| The results will be long-lasting |
The results of your breast augmentation surgery will be long-lasting. You will find it easier to wear certain styles of clothing and swim wear.
Like many women who have had breast augmentation, you may also have a boost in self confidence. |
| Implants may need to be replaced or revised |
It's important to know that your breast implants are not permanent and may require replacement during your lifetime.
Over time, your breasts can change due to aging, weight fluctuations, hormonal factors and gravity. If, after a period of years, you become dissatisfied with the appearance of your breasts, you may choose to undergo a breast lift or implant exchange to restore a more youthful contour. |
| Words to know |
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Areola: Pigmented skin surrounding the nipple. |
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Augmentation mammaplasty: Breast enlargement by surgery. |
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Breast Augmentation: Also known as augmentation mammaplasty; breast enlargement by surgery. |
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Breast Implants: Medical devices placed in your body to enhance an existing breast size or to reconstruct your breast. Breast implants can be filled with either salt water (saline) or silicone (elastic gel). |
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Capsular contracture: A complication of breast implant surgery which occurs when scar tissue that normally forms around the implant tightens and squeezes the implant and becomes firm. |
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General anesthesia: Drugs and/or gases used during an operation to relieve pain and alter consciousness. |
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Hematoma: Blood pooling beneath the skin. |
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Inframammary incision: An incision made in the fold under the breast. |
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Intravenous sedation: Sedatives administered by injection into a vein to help you relax. |
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Local anesthesia: A drug injected directly to the site of an incision during an operation to relieve pain. |
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Mammogram: An x-ray image of the breast. |
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Mastectomy: The removal of breast tissue, typically to rid the body of cancer. |
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MRI: Magnetic Resonance Imaging; a painless test to view tissue similar to an x-ray. |
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Periareolar incision: An incision made at the edge of the areola. |
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Saline implants: Breast implants filled with salt water. |
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Silicone implants: Breast implants filled with an elastic gel. |
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Submammary or subglandular placement: Breast implants placed directly behind the breast tissue, over the pectoral muscle. |
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Submuscular or subpectoral placement: Breast implants placed under the pectoral muscle, which is located between the breast tissue and chest wall. |
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Sutures: Stitches used by surgeons to hold skin and tissue together. |
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Transaxillary incision: An incision made in the underarm area. |
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Ultrasound: A diagnostic procedure that projects high frequency sound waves into the body and records the echoes as pictures. |
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