Breast augmentation
Breast augmentation increases the size and improves the shape of the breasts with implants. It is intended for those who are candidates for augmentation with implants and do not need a breast lift (mastopexy). The type of implant is defined at your medical evaluation.
What it involves
Through a small incision, the surgeon creates a space, or pocket, where the implant is placed. The incision can be made in the fold under the breast, along the edge of the areola, or in the armpit. The implant sits behind the breast gland or under the chest muscle.
Breast implants have a silicone shell filled with silicone gel or saline solution, and they come in different sizes and shapes. At the end, the incisions are closed with sutures.
The incision site, the placement, and the type of implant are defined at your medical evaluation, based on your anatomy and the change you are looking for. This surgery, also called augmentation mammoplasty, adds volume but does not correct a sagging breast on its own.
Who it is for
It is usually suited to women in good health with fully developed breasts who want more volume, who have lost it after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight loss, or who have an asymmetry. It is intended for those who do not need a breast lift. Your evaluation confirms whether you are a candidate.
- Small breasts or little volume in proportion to the rest of the body.
- Loss of volume or shape after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight changes.
- A difference in size or shape between one breast and the other.
- Good general health and realistic expectations about the result.
- It is postponed during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and it does not correct a sagging breast on its own.
What to know beforehand
Length of surgery
It usually takes 1 to 2 hours, sometimes a little less, depending on each case. The time depends on the technique, on the placement of the implant, and on whether it is combined with another procedure. Your evaluation gives an estimate for your surgery.
Type of anesthesia
General anesthesia is the usual choice. In some cases it can be done with local anesthesia and sedation. The choice is made for each case at the evaluation, according to your health and the surgical plan.
Hospital stay and recovery
It is usually an outpatient surgery: you go home the same day, once you have recovered from the anesthesia. In some cases an overnight stay for observation is recommended. Discomfort is greatest during the first days and is managed with the prescribed medication; it is normal for the chest to feel tight and swollen.
Light daily activities are usually resumed in the first days and desk work within a few days to a week, depending on how physically demanding it is. Exercise is resumed gradually, generally at around 3 to 4 weeks, and strenuous effort with the chest and arms when your surgeon clears you.
Aftercare
Your medical team gives you the exact instructions for your case. These are the usual ones:
- Wear the support bra day and night for as long as your surgeon indicates; it is usually worn for several weeks.
- Sleep on your back, with your upper body slightly raised, during the first days.
- Take short walks from the first day to lower the risk of blood clots.
- Do not lift heavy objects, push, or strain with your arms until your surgeon clears you.
- Do not smoke: tobacco slows healing and raises the risk of complications.
- Seek care right away for fever, redness, sudden swelling of one breast, or pain that does not ease.
- Keep your follow-up visits and mention your implants before any mammogram, because it requires special views.
Expected results
The increase in volume is visible from the start, but the result is easier to judge once the swelling goes down and the skin adapts, which usually takes a few weeks. Most of the swelling resolves during the first month.
The scars are permanent, although small and placed in areas where they are not very visible. At first they are reddish and firm, and they can take several months to a couple of years to fade. Implants do not necessarily last a lifetime and may need to be replaced. Pregnancy, weight changes, and the passage of time change the breasts.
Frequently asked questions
What are the risks of breast augmentation?
Like any surgery, it carries risks. Possible ones include bleeding or hematoma, infection, fluid buildup, changes in nipple or breast sensation, unfavorable scarring, and asymmetry. Risks specific to implants are capsular contracture, which is a hardening of the tissue around them, implant rupture or displacement, and, very rarely, a type of lymphoma associated with implants. Some complications require another surgery.
Do breast implants last a lifetime?
Not necessarily. Implants are not considered lifetime devices, and at some point they may need to be replaced or removed, for example if they rupture or if capsular contracture develops. That is why regular checkups with the surgeon are recommended, along with imaging studies to check their condition, depending on the type of implant.
Will I be able to breastfeed after surgery?
Many women can breastfeed with implants, but it cannot be assured in every case: difficulty breastfeeding is among the possible risks of the surgery. The incision site and the placement of the implant can play a part. If you are planning a pregnancy or want to breastfeed, mention it at your evaluation so it is taken into account when the surgery is planned.
Do implants interfere with mammograms?
With implants you can still have routine mammograms, but the study requires additional views to see the breast tissue properly. It is best to always mention that you have implants and to go to a center with experience in this kind of study. In some cases the doctor may also order an ultrasound or an MRI.
What if my breasts sag?
Implants add volume, but they do not correct a sagging breast on their own. When the sagging is marked, a breast lift, or mastopexy, may be needed; it is a different surgery and can be done alone or together with the augmentation. This page describes augmentation for those who do not need a lift; your evaluation defines what your case needs.
What type of implant is used?
It is defined at your medical evaluation. In general terms, implants have a silicone shell filled with silicone gel or saline solution, and they vary in size and shape. The choice depends on your anatomy, on the tissue that will cover the implant, and on the result you are looking for, and it is discussed before surgery.
This information is general and does not replace a medical assessment. The timing, technique and recovery for your case are defined in consultation with the surgeon.
Let us talk about your case
Every body needs a personal assessment. Tell us what you are considering and we will review the options that suit you best.