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Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation, also referred to as breast enlargement or breast enhancement, is one of the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures in the U.S. Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure in which saline or silicone implants are placed in the breast in order to enlarge them and enhance their appearance. Breast augmentation is often sought by women with small breasts or breasts which have lost their fullness and shape from age, pregnancy, breast feeding or weight loss. The surgery can also balance out breasts which are different in size or shape and it can be used to reconstruct the breast following mastectomy or due to congenital breast deformity. Enlarging and reshaping the breasts can help to make them more proportionate to the rest of the body.

Candidates for breast augmentation include women over the age of 18 who are in generally good health and have realistic expectations for improving their breast size or shape. Breast augmentation is sometimes combined with other procedure such as a breast lift. There are many different options available in breast augmentation today, including differences in the implants themselves, the implant location, and the incision location. At Gotham Plastic Surgery of New York City, Dr. Miller and Dr. Steinbrech understand that every woman is unique. They believe in a customized treatment approach to breast augmentation, and the doctors will take the time during the pre-operative consultation to fully understand what you hope to gain from your surgery. They will help you to decide which implant type, implant placement and incision location are most appropriate for your individual circumstances.

Dr. Steinbrech perform breast augmentation surgery on an outpatient basis at their JCAHO accredited office-based surgery facility at Gotham Plastic Surgery of New York City. General anesthesia or local anesthesia may be used and the surgery typically takes between one and three hours to perform. The incision may be located in one of several locations: under the armpit (axillary), within the crease below the breast (inframammary), around the nipple (periareolar), or endoscopically through the navel (TUBA). Through one of these incisions, the implants are then inserted and placed either beneath the chest muscle (submuscular) or above the chest muscle (subglandular). Note that with the TUBA approach, the implants can only be placed in the subglandular location. Either saline filled or silicone gel filled implants may be used. The incisions are then closed with sutures, and tape, gauze, bandages or a surgical bra may be applied to the breasts.

Patients may feel sore, tired or stiff following breast augmentation surgery, and these symptoms may last for several days. Any pain or discomfort that results can be relieved with medication. Bandages applied after surgery are often removed within a few days, though a compression bandage or support bra may need to be worn for a longer period of time. If drainage tubes were inserted after surgery, they are often removed within a day or two. Swelling and bruising may occur which will fade within several weeks, and the breasts may feel extra sensitive to physical contact. Arm extensions should be kept to a minimum during the first few days. The breasts may feel hard for a period of time after surgery but they will eventually soften. Stitches are removed within seven to ten days. Patients are often able to return to work and other normal activities within a few days, though physical activity should be postponed for several weeks.