Breast Implant Surgery (Breast Augmentation)

About This Treatment

Breast augmentation, often called breast implant surgery, is an option for women wanting to change the size and shape of their breasts. Breast implants can:

• Create a fuller bust
• Correct breasts that developed unevenly
• Deliver a better fit in your clothes
• Restore breasts that have changed due to childbirth, weight loss or exercise

Surgeons also use breast augmentation to help reconstruct breasts after a mastectomy or lumpectomy.

Franciscan Health's plastic surgeons are experienced and skilled in performing breast augmentation. We achieve natural-looking, beautiful results tailored to meet each patient's needs and goals.

How are breast implants used?

Breast augmentation is the most commonly performed plastic surgery procedure. When completed by a qualified plastic surgeon like those on Franciscan Health's team, it can produce life-changing results. We use breast implants for:

• Breast reconstruction: Implants can restore the look of the breasts following lumpectomy or mastectomy for cancer treatment. Breast implants may be used alone or during breast reconstruction with tissue flaps. The plastic surgeon will work with your oncologist to design a safe and successful treatment plan that takes your unique aesthetic and reconstructive needs into consideration.
• Breast augmentation: Implants restore volume and fullness to deflated and shapeless breasts.
• Breast lift with implants: During a breast lift procedure, the breast surgeon will place the implants into a breast pocket created before closing the incisions with dissolvable sutures.
• Breast revision: In some cases, a woman may no longer be happy with the size and shape of her breasts or may want to replace her implants with another type. Breast revision corrects a prior breast implant procedure.

Fuller, shapelier breasts with breast augmentation

Women who are unhappy with small or deflated breasts due to genetics, pregnancy, nursing or the natural aging process may benefit from breast augmentation. Using breast implants, breast enlargement adds volume and reshapes the breasts for a fuller and more attractive appearance.

It is important to note that breast augmentation alone does not treat breast sag (ptosis). In fact, having larger breasts can worsen breast sag. If you desire perkier breasts, talk with your surgeon about combining breast augmentation with breast lift.

Breast implant options: saline vs. silicone

There are two types of breast implants: saline and silicone. Each type has pros and cons, which your surgeon will discuss in detail during your initial consultation.

One key difference between saline and silicone implants is that because saline implants contain a saltwater solution, they look noticeably deflated if they rupture or leak. In contrast, silicone implants consist of thick silicone gel that retains its shape in the case of a leak or rupture. Many patients prefer silicone gel implants because they look and feel more natural.

Both saline and silicone breast implants are designed to last for many years. Today's implants are very natural-looking and come in several shapes and sizes.

About the breast augmentation procedure

Breast enlargement is an outpatient procedure, meaning you go home the same day. You'll be asleep during surgery (general anesthesia).

The surgeon places breast implants through incisions in front of or behind the chest muscle. The incision technique will depend on your anatomy, lifestyle and personal preferences. During the procedure, the surgeon will:

1. Create a pocket for the implant.
2. Carefully place the implant.
3. Close the incision with sutures.
4. Dress the treatment area with soft bandages and a surgical bra for support and to minimize swelling as the tissues heal.

In a breast augmentation with lift procedure, your surgeon will remove excess, sagging skin and reshape the breast tissue. The surgeon will also lift the breasts higher on the chest. The result is fuller, youthful-looking breasts.

Recovery from breast augmentation surgery

After surgery, you will be taken to a recovery room to rest while the effects of the anesthesia wear off. Once our medical staff clears you, you can go home under a loved one’s care to recover in the comfort of your own home.

The initial recovery period can take anywhere between one and two weeks, depending on your personal healing progress. During this time, you should take time off from work and your normal routine. You will need to refrain from vigorous activities, including exercise, bending and lifting heavy objects.

For a few days after surgery, you'll need to rest in bed, although we encourage small walks around the house to promote proper blood circulation and minimize the risk of developing blood clots.

Initially, your breasts may feel tender or sore. These side effects are temporary. Your surgeon can prescribe medication to ease the discomfort.

At first, the breast implants sit high up on the chest wall. Over time, the implants will settle into a more natural position. Be sure to keep all follow-up appointments so your surgeon can monitor your healing progress and recovery.

Who is a candidate for breast augmentation?

Ideal breast augmentation candidates:

• Have naturally small breasts or deflated breasts due to pregnancy, weight gain, nursing or natural aging
• Have asymmetrical breasts
• Do not smoke
• Are in good overall health
• Have realistic expectations of breast augmentation