Breast Augmentation

 

 

Many females with small breasts have a dissatisfaction with their body image and feel limited in their fashion choices. Breast Augmentation is a cosmetic procedure designed to enlarge a woman's breast through the surgical placement of a breast implant.

The Goals of Breast Augmentation

The primary goal of this procedure is to enhance breast fullness and projection and secondly to place the chest and body in a more proportional state. Clinically referred to as augmentation mammoplasty, this cosmetic procedure aims to:

• Enlarge a naturally small breast, which is most commonly the result of an inherited condition
• Restore breast volume lost following pregnancy, as a result of breast-feeding or weight loss
• Achieve better symmetry when breasts are moderately disproportionate in size and shape

Breast augmentation does not however, correct the sagging of breasts. In those women who desire an improved contour as well as increased fullness, a breast lift in conjunction with breast augmentation may be the proper choice.

Adult woman of any age can benefit from breast augmentation. It is recommended however, that breasts be fully developed prior to breast augmentation. It should be noted that breast augmentation does not generally interfere with a woman's ability to breast feed.

The woman that is motivated by her own personal desire to enhance breast size and contour is most likely to be satisfied with the result of this procedure. Good candidates are defined as:

1. Women who choose breast augmentation to fulfill their own desire for enhanced breast size, not the desire of others.
2. Healthy women who do not have a life-threatening illness or medical condition that can hamper healing.
3. Women with a positive outlook and specific goals in mind for improving their own body image.

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What gives the breast it's shape?

 

The breast consists of milk ducts and glands, surrounded by fatty tissue that provides its shape and soft feel. Situated beneath the breast is the pectoralis major muscle. The skin envelope surrounds the breast mound and the nipple areola complex is connected to the underlying system of milk ducts.

Your Consultation

Before undergoing breast augmentation surgery, all patients will need a pre-operative consultation. At this time we review your medical history and perform a physical examination to ascertain if you are indeed a candidate for augmentation mammoplasty. During your initial consultation, the procedure, recovery, expected outcome and risk of possible complications are discussed with each patient.

Experienced Plastic and Cosmetic Surgeon

Dr. Rucker completed his Plastic Surgery Residency in 1984 and pursued a desire to devote a large portion of his practice to Restorative Breast Surgery. He chose to attend a fellowship in Breast Surgery in Atlanta, Georgia, became board certified in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in 1986 and attained the position of Fellow in the American College of Surgeons in 1989. During his 22 years of practice in west central Wisconsin, Dr. Rucker has performed approximately 800 breast augmentation procedures.

Planning your Breast Augmentation

Our office will provide you with information regarding potential dates for performing the procedure, a detailed list of pre and postoperative instructions, as well as highlighting any preoperative testing that may be required.

If you would like to talk with someone who has already undergone this procedure, our office will direct you to another patient who may be able to answer additional personal questions you may have. Our staff is available to provide you with information on the type of anesthetic that will be used, where the surgery will take place and a more detailed outline of what to expect after your breast augmentation.

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The Procedure

Breast Augmentation is performed under a general anesthetic in a local hospital on an Out Patient basis. In the preoperative holding area any last minute concerns are discussed with the patient and the chest wall is then carefully marked to ensure accurate implant placement. Although there are several ways to insert the implant, Dr. Rucker prefers to make a small (2 inch) incision beneath the breast. The implant is then placed behind the chest wall muscle. In most cases Dr. Rucker prefers this approach for several reasons:

• It is easier to develop the pocket to house the implant from this approach
• The avoidance of the nerve which gives sensation to the nipple is easier with this approach
• There is no nipple areola distortion, which may occur when placing the entrance incision around the nipple.
• The placement of the implant behind the chest wall muscle, Dr. Rucker feels, gives a more natural (not operated on) look. (see above diagram)
  

The procedure takes about one hour to perform. Care is taken to make the breasts symmetrical and to preserve sensation to the nipple. Following the procedure, a support bra is placed on the patient and they are subsequently discharged home about 2 hours after the procedure.

What about breast implants?

Breast implants are made of a silicone elastomer shell with a valve for filling with saline (salt water solution).

The implants come in varying sizes and shapes. Most implants come in either a round or tear-dropped shape. However, there are several fundamental limitations with the use of implants

1. In thin very small breasted women, they may be able to feel the implant, which can give the sensation of folds and rippling.
2. Because of the use of the implant there is a slightly higher risk of infection.
3. Occasionally the body may attempt to wall off the implant, resulting in a capsular contraction around the implant. This resulting scar formation will be different for each person and its presence may cause a distortion of the shape of the reconstructed breast.
4. There is a risk of implant leakage. If the implant is filled with the nontoxic saltwater (saline solution) the solution is safely absorbed by the body and poses no health hazard and if desired, an implant can be easily replaced.
   

CLICK ON A LINK BELOW TO VIEW ANIMATION OF THE PROCEDURE:

• Armpit Incision (saline)
• Areola Incision (saline)
  
• Under The Breast Incision (saline)
  
• Armpit Incision (silicone)
  
• Areola Incision (silicone)
  
• Under The Breast Incision (silicone)

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The Recovery

Most patients rate the pain level as a 5 on a scale of 1 to 10. All patients are given detailed postoperative written instructions and prescriptions for pain control and an antibiotic. Light activity is tolerated well in the first week. Most patients are never so incapacitated that they can't take care of their own basic needs. We see you one week after your procedure. At that time, all of your dressing and your sutures are carefully removed, your postoperative recovery and activity levels are again reviewed and an anticipated date for your return to work is discussed. Light employment is tolerated after two weeks with heavy lifting and regular activity in 3 to 5 weeks. You are also given detailed instructions for care of your suture lines so as to help prevent excessive scarring. Your final consultation usually occurs 5 months after your procedure.

Closing

Dr. Rucker, and the staff of the Restorative Breast Center, hope that this information will be of help to you if you are considering breast augmentation surgery. Our staff has gained a considerable amount of knowledge regarding breast augmentation because of their experience in helping nearly 600 patients undergoing this procedure. Your inquiries are welcome.

 

Risks

There is a potential for complications in any operative procedure. The most common being infection, scarring and sensation changes. During your consultation a detailed discussion of these potential risks will be given to you.

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