Augmentation Mammoplasty (Breast Enlargement)

Breast enlargement, technically known as augmentation mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure to enhance size and shape of the breasts. The procedure may be performed to correct a reduction in breast size after pregnancy, to balance uneven breast size, to enhance breast size when a woman personally feels her breasts are too small, and to reconstruct a woman’s breast following breast surgery.

How the surgery is performed
The surgeon performs the procedure by inserting a saline-filled implant behind each breast either directly under the breast tissue or beneath the chest wall muscle. Incisions are made in areas such as the breast crease, around the areola, or in the armpit to keep scars as unnoticeable as possible. The method of inserting and positioning your implant will depend on your anatomy and the surgeon’s recommendations.

Breast enlargement surgery usually takes about one to two hours. The surgeon may recommend either general anesthesia or local with sedation. Stitches are used to close the incisions and may have tape applied to the sites for greater support. A gauze bandage and ace wrap may be applied over your breasts to help with healing. The procedure is usually performed on an outpatient basis.

What to expect after surgery
Following the procedure, for the first few days, you may feel tired and sore. After 24- 48 hours, you will find it easier to get up and about. The surgeon will prescribe pain medication for you to manage your discomfort.

Within two to three days, the dressing will be removed and you will be given a surgical bra that you will need to wear at all times. The surgeon will instruct you on this. Your stitches will be removed by the surgeon after a week to ten days. You will find that the post-operative breast swelling will subside after three to five weeks.

Resuming work and other activities
The average time to return to work is four to seven days, depending on the level of activity required for your job. You may want to avoid physical contact with the breasts for three to four weeks as they may be extra sensitive.