How Are Breast Augmentations Done?

Gone are the days when women had to endure shame and ridicule because of their imperfect breasts. Today, it is possible to have the kind of breasts you desire, thanks to breast augmentation surgery. This surgery helps to resize or change the shape of your breasts. As the field of cosmetic surgery continues to advance, new and more reliable breast augmentation techniques and procedures continue to emerge.

The most common type of breast augmentation procedure is augmentation mammoplasty, which involves the insertion of breast implants under the breast tissue and chest muscles to increase breast size. While most women go for this procedure to improve their appearance and boost their confidence, some use it to reconstruct their breasts after an illness.

Whatever the reason, make sure you understand the whole process and what to expect before you go for breast augmentation. A standard breast augmentation procedure involves these steps:

#1 Anesthesia

Because breast augmentation is an invasive procedure that involves making deep incisions under your breasts, your surgeon will give you sedatives to help you relax and ease the pain. There are two main types of sedation used for this procedure: intravenous sedation and general anesthesia. Your plastic surgeon will determine the one that’s best for you.

#2 Incision

The surgeon will make an incision under your breast or any other inconspicuous area around your breast to avoid leaving a visible scar. Some of the most preferred incision options include the periareolar incision (areolar edge), under the inframammary fold, and the axillary incision (under the armpit). The incision size depends on the degree of enlargement, type of implant required, and body anatomy.

#3 Placing the Implant

Once the incision has been made, the surgeon will insert the breast implant either under your pectoral muscle or directly under the breast tissue (over your pectoral muscle). The process of inserting the implant depends on the type of implant, your body anatomy, and the desired breast size.

#4 Closing the Incision

Your surgeon will use layered sutures to close the incision. They can use skin adhesives or surgical tapes to close the wound. The incision lines are expected to fade over time, depending on your genetics, degree of infection, and nicotine exposure.

#5 Enjoy the Results

Once the wounds are healed, your doctor will remove the wound dressing and surgical tapes to see the results. The quality of results depends on how well you follow your doctor’s instructions during the recovery period.