Breast Augmentation: What To Expect From Surgery

If you're thinking about getting breast augmentation, you may want to know exactly how it will be performed. Patients vary in this respect. Some want to know every detail of their surgery. Others are interested only in the results. How they get from point A to point B is not only something they aren't interested in, it is something they actively don't want to know. If you aren't squeamish, however, and want to take a more active role in knowing what you're getting into, here is an overview of the procedure. Details will vary from surgeon to surgeon.

Marking

The first step in a breast augmentation will involve the doctor making marks on your chest and the surrounding area. These marks will indicate measurements, incision lines, and other guidelines that will help him perform more accurately and efficiently once the procedure begins.

Anesthesia

It wouldn't be comfortable to go for breast augmentation without the help of anesthesia (in a statement qualifying as a major understatement). Typically, the procedure is done with the patient fully under general anesthesia, although some doctors may choose to use twilight sedation instead, which leaves you able to respond to questions during the procedure. In either case, it's unlikely that you'll remember anything about your operation after it's over. Before the actual work begins, the area of treatment will be cleaned and covered with an antibiotic solution.

Incisions

To perform the work of putting the implants in, the doctor will cut incisions in one of several different areas, depending on which type of procedure you're having. Some prefer to go in through the crease under the breast. Others choose to go through the armpit or in through the navel. This should be discussed during your consultations leading up to the procedure. Regardless of which way the doctor chooses to perform the surgery, an attempt should be made to minimize the size of the incisions and place them in a way that the scarring will be less noticeable.

Implants

After the incisions have been made, the doctor will create a pocket in your tissue to allow the placement of the implant. Again, how and where this will be done will depend on the doctor. Some prefer to go underneath the pectoral muscle, while others go above. After making the pocket, the doctor will place the implants, check for symmetry, and fill them (if using saline implants). They will then place drains if needed and close up the incisions. If drains are placed, you will likely have them removed at your first post-breast augmentation appointment.