Breast Augmentation
Women seek breast augmentation (enlargement) for a variety of reasons. Some women have always desired larger breasts. More clothing style options and a desire to restore breast volume that has been lost due to pregnancy or weight loss are other reasons women seek breast augmentation. Breasts that are proportional to a woman's body size and shape may lead to improved self image and self confidence.
Breast augmentation is obtained with the use of silicone or saline filled implants. Silicone implants were re-approved by the FDA for cosmetic use in the United States in November, 2006. During your consultation you will have the opportunity to place different sized implants in your bra and under a shirt. This will give you an idea of what your postoperative size and shape will be. Choosing the best implant type and size can be overwhelming, but with the assistance of our skilled board certified plastic surgeons you are sure to obtain your desired result.
Breast augmentation is performed under general anesthesia in the Green Bay Surgical Center. Our privately owned surgery center is certified by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC). The procedure typically takes about two hours. An access incision is made in the breast crease, around the areola, or in the underarm. Your surgeon will discuss these options with you during your consultation. Most commonly the implant is placed in a pocket under the chest muscle.
Patients recover for several hours in the surgical center prior to discharge. During your consultation and preoperative exam your physician will discuss your options for postoperative pain control. Some patients elect to have a "pain pump" placed during surgery that will give a continual flow of a local anesthetic agent to the breasts for up to two days following the surgery. You will need to have a companion drive you home following surgery. You will be given an appointment to follow up with your surgeon a few days after your surgery.
The type of work you perform will determine how soon you can return to your job duties. Allowing enough time to properly recover is strongly encouraged and varies from patient to patient. Your surgeon will help you decide when it is appropriate to return to normal activities including work.
It is important to understand that breast implants are long-lasting but not permanent. For this reason, patients need to accept the possibility that they may require additional procedures in the future.