Breast Augmentation (Augmentation Mammoplasty)

About the Procedure

Breast augmentation, otherwise known as augmentation mammoplasty, can surgically enhance the size and shape of a woman's breast with the use of a breast implant. A surgeon can enhance the contour and volume of a woman's breasts with these implants. The breast implant consists of a silicone rubber shell filled with a medical grade silicone gel or a salt-water solution called saline. It is one of the most common cosmetic procedures requested by women worldwide.

The implant is inserted through an incision made in the crease beneath the breast, through the armpit or around the edge of the areola. The incisions are then closed with thin, self-dissolving sutures. A breast augmentation surgery usually takes 1.5 hours under general anesthetic and typically involves an overnight stay at the hospital, but in some cases it can be performed on an out-patient basis.

What to Know Before the Procedure

A patient should follow the instructions provided by their doctor in order to prepare for their breast augmentation surgery. If a patient fails to follow their preoperative instructions, they can increase the risk of complications. Typically, patients are asked to avoid aspirin or other anti-inflammatory drugs for a period of about 10 days before their breast augmentation surgery. These medications can thin the blood and make surgery more risky. Patients who smoke will be advised to cease at least two months before the surgery. Smoking can delay the healing process. Patients should obtain the prescriptions they will need before the breast enlargement surgery and bring any medications with them to their operation. On the day of surgery, patients should avoid wearing tight clothing and opt for loose-fitting clothes that can be easily removed. The patient should have someone drive them home after the surgery and assist them for the next 24 to 72 hours.

What to Expect After the Procedure

After the surgery patients may be tired and experience soreness for a few days. They may also have slight swelling and bruising around their breasts. However, most of the discomfort subsides with prescription medication. Directly after the operation, a light dressing is put in place which needs to be kept dry for at least 2 weeks. The dressings are removed after 2 weeks. The wounds are inspected and lightly cleaned. The scars will be firm and pink in color for at least six weeks. They may take up to 2 years to fade. Patients can return to work after just a couple of days. Light activities can be resumed the day after the surgery. However, it is advised that patients avoid strenuous activity for 7-10 days. The average recovery time is about 1-2 weeks.

If you Need to Travel Outside of your Local Hospital

Elective breast surgery operations are sometimes offered at a fraction of the cost overseas. These procedures are very comparable to domestic procedures with similar success rates and service levels. It is possible for patients to obtain world-class breast augmentation procedures domestically as well as internationally.

Cosmetic patients benefit from personalized consultations, medical examinations and preoperative testing which should be taken into consideration when determining whether to have your procedure done domestically or internationally. When choosing to have your breast augmentation done internationally preoperative tests and post-operative care are sometimes deferred to home country doctors.