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Breast Augmentation
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| | Breast augmentation is an enhancement of breast size using saline filled breast implants. |
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Breast Lift / Mastopexy
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| | Improve the shape of the breasts. |
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Q.
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Does breast augmentation have to hurt?
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A.
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No. In fact, if the proper technique is used by the surgeon, there often is very little discomfort. There is a common misconception by many surgeons that to minimize the pain, the implant must be placed above the muscle, thus missing all the advantages of placing the implant under the muscle. Actually, if the correct technique is utilized not only will there be less pain and a shorter recovery, but also many of the possible problems after surgery will be lessened, like bruising, bleeding, scar tissue formation and infection.
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Q.
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What size should I go?
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A.
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When patients say size they can often mean bra size or they can mean implant size.
As for bra size, lets wait on this. According to studies most women don't wear the correct bra size to begin with. Furthermore, they may not know exactly what size they may "want" to be actually means. Most women usually have a visual image of what they truly want to look like. The best way that I can understand this desire is to let the women "try" on implants at the consultation. Although not perfect, this is the best that we currently have.
As for implant size, you may have seen photos on the internet or have a friend who has had implants. You may or may not like what they look like. Keep in mind, direct comparisons can be difficult if not impossible. All women start off with different breast shape and volumes. All womens chests are different. Some are taller, some are heavier. You can keep in mind what they "look" like, but try not to just think of their implant size. Again, I have found the best way to determine what you truly want is to try them on as mentioned above.
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Q.
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How big is too big?
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A.
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To some extent "big" is in the eye of the beholder. Some studies show that sizes over mid-300 cc implants have negative effect on the tissues of the breast. Some of these issues can include: thinning of the skin and breast tissues, increased visability and "feel" of implant ripples, increased and progressive droop or "ptosis" of the breast, increased incidence of lowering or drooping to far of the implants.
So your results will depend on your skin and breast tissues and also on what your desires are. Keep in mind that as you go over the mid 300s the risks will also increase. Some women will not be happy keeping with the recommended sizes, as long as she understands and accepts the increased risks, variances can be allowed.
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Q.
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Will breast augmentation affect my ability to breast feed?
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A.
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First, not all women are able to breast feed. If you are, and although this depends partially on the placement of the incision, breast augmentation should not affect this. At a consultation, you will be able to discuss the incisions as well as the placement of the implant and any effects they may have on your ability to breast feed.
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Q.
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How do I know whether I need breast implants or a lift?
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A.
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These two procedure are quite different, although both can enhance the appearance of the breast. Breast augmentation is in its simplest terms, placement of an implant beneath the breast tissue or muscle to make the breast appear larger. Breast augmentation does not change the shape of the breast, reposition the nipple on the breast or tighten the skin of the breast. Breast Lift, on the other hand, does accomplish these last three. Often times, the breast may appear slightly smaller after a breast lift, even though very little or no tissue may be removed.
How surgeons decide on what might be recommended varies from surgeon to surgeon. One method relates the crease beneath the breast to the breast tissue and nipple. In a "normal" breast all breast tissue and the nipple remain above the crease in a standing position. A breast implant procedure alone is all that is needed. If the nipple is at a position below the inframammary fold (crease beneath the breast) then usually a breast lift procedure is necessary. Between these two extremes is where the questions remain. If the nipple is even with the crease or slightly above the crease, and the breast tissue is drooping beneath the crease, it is the amount of tissue beneath the crease that is important. Usually when this is 2 cm (nearly an inch) then a breast lift procedure is recommended. Another way to determine if someone might need a lift, is the distance from the nipple to the crease. Once this length of skin exceeds 11 cm than a breast implant alone likely won't be sufficient.
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