Breast Augmentation by Editorial Staff and Contributors

En Español (Spanish Version)

Definition | Reasons for Procedure | Possible Complications | What to Expect | Call Your Doctor

Definition

Breast augmentation is a surgery done to modify the size or shape of your breasts.

Reasons for Procedure

• For cosmetic reasons—to increase breast size, make breasts symmetric, or improve breast shape and/or contour
• To reconstruct a breast that has been been injured or undergone surgery

Possible Complications

Complications are rare but no procedure is completely free of risk. If you are planning to have a breast augmentation, your doctor will review a list of possible complications which may include:

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Abnormal scarring
• Painful and/or restricted arm and shoulder motion
• Uneven appearance to breasts, either due to position or size
• The implant may harden, rupture, or leak
• Presence of an implant may make cancer detection (through mammogram and/or self-exam) more difficult
• Newly reconstructed breast will not have nerve sensation

This is an elective surgery. If you have any illnesses or you are in poor health for any reason, you should not undergo this procedure.

What to Expect

Prior to Procedure

You may be asked to provide the surgeon with a picture of a woman whose breasts you want yours to resemble. Or, you may be asked to look through an album of breast sizes and shapes to help the surgeon understand the outcome you desire.

Anesthesia

General or local anesthesia may be used. With general anesthesia you will be asleep. With local anesthesia the selected area will be numb.

Description of the Procedure

An cut in the skin will be made either underneath your breast, alongside the areola (pigmented area around the nipple), or in your underarm. A pouch containing a gel or saline solution, called an implant or prosthesis, will be slipped through this opening and into your breast. It will be placed either between the skin and the muscle, or underneath the muscle. The incision will be closed with stitches and bandaged. The same procedure may be repeated for the other breast.

How Long Will It Take?

About 1-2 hours.

How Much Will It Hurt?

Anesthesia prevents pain during surgery. You'll have some bruising and tenderness of the breasts for several weeks after surgery. Talk to your doctor about medicine to help manage the pain.

Average Hospital Stay

It may be possible to leave the hospital on the same day of the procedure or you may be asked to stay overnight. Speak to your doctor about your options.

Post-procedure Care

• You will wear a particular bra or bandage to put pressure on the breasts. This will help to support your breasts and decrease the chance of bleeding.
• You may wish to apply ice packs to your breasts to decrease swelling and pain.
• You may be given a prescription for pain medication, or advised to take acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
• Your doctor will advise you regarding return to exercise.
• Be sure to follow your doctor's instructions.

Call Your Doctor

After you leave the hospital, contact your doctor if any of the following occurs:

• Signs of infection including fever and chills
• Redness, swelling, increasing pain, excessive bleeding, or discharge at the incision site
• Nausea and/or vomiting that you can't control with the medications you were given after surgery, or which persist for more than two days after discharge from the hospital
• Pain that you can't control with the medications you've been given
• Your implants grow hard, or you believe that they are leaking
• Cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain
• Pain and/or swelling in your feet, calves, or legs
• Joint pain, fatigue, stiffness, rash, or other new symptoms

In case of an emergency call 911.