Breast Augmentation

What is Breast Augmentation Surgery?
Also known as augmentation mammoplasty, breast augmentation surgery involves using breast implants to fulfill your desire for fuller breasts (breast enlargement) or to restore breast volume lost after weight reduction or pregnancy (breast enhancement). Implants also may be used to reconstruct a breast after mastectomy or injury.
If you are dissatisfied with your breast size, breast augmentation surgery (either breast enhancement or breast enlargement) is a choice to consider. Breast augmentation can:
   Increase fullness and projection of your breasts
   Improve the balance of your figure
   Enhance your self-image and self-confidence

What it won't do
Breast augmentation does not correct severely drooping breasts. If you want your breasts to look fuller and to be lifted due to sagging, a breast lift may be required in conjunction with breast augmentation. Breast lifting can often be done at the same time as your augmentation or may require a separate operation. Your plastic surgeon will assist you in making this decision.

Is it right for me?
Breast augmentation is a highly individualized procedure and you should do it for yourself, not to fulfill someone else's desires or to try to fit any sort of ideal image. Pictures of breast augmentation procedures may help you in the decision-making process.
Breast augmentation may be a good option for you if:
   You are physically healthy
   You have realistic expectations
   Your breasts are fully developed
   You are bothered by the feeling that your breasts are too small
   You are dissatisfied with your breasts losing shape and volume after pregnancy, weight loss,
       or with aging
   Your breasts vary in size or shape
   One or both breasts failed to develop normally

What You Should Know Before Breast Augmentation Surgery
The success and safety of your breast augmentation procedure depends very much on your being completely candid during your consultation. By being actively involved your consultation about breast augmentation, problems, concerns and questions you may have can be addressed by Dr. Haugen. You'll be asked a number of questions about your health, desires and lifestyle.

Be prepared to discuss:
   Why you want breast augmentation surgery, your expectations and desired outcome
   Medical conditions, drug allergies and medical treatments
   Use of current medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco and drugs
   Previous surgeries
   Family history of breast cancer and results of any mammograms or previous biopsies

Dr. Haugen may also:
   Evaluate your general health status and any pre-existing health conditions or risk factors
   Examine your breasts, and may take detailed measurements of their size and shape, skin quality,
       placement of your nipples
   Take photographs for your medical record
   Discuss your options and recommend a course of treatment
   Discuss likely outcomes of breast augmentation surgery and any risks or potential complications
   Discuss the use of anesthesia during your breast augmentation procedure

Preparing for Breast Augmentation Surgery
After researching the basics about breast enhancement or breast enlargement, many patients want to know what to expect before breast augmentation surgery.

Prior to breast surgery, Dr. Haugen will ask you to:
   Get lab testing or a medical evaluation
   Take certain medications or adjust your current medications
   Get a baseline mammogram before surgery and another one after surgery to help detect any future
      changes in your breast tissue
   Stop smoking well in advance of your breast augmentation surgery
   Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements as they can
       increase bleeding

Special instructions you receive will cover:
   What to do on the day of surgery
   Post-operative care and follow-up
   Breast implant registry documents (when necessary)
Dr. Haugen will also discuss where your procedure will be performed. Breast augmentation surgery may be performed in an accredited office-based surgical center, outpatient ambulatory surgical center or a hospital.

Important Facts about Breast Augmentation Risks and Complications
The decision to have breast augmentation surgery is extremely personal and you’ll have to decide if the benefits will achieve your goals and if the risks of breast implant safety and potential complications are acceptable. Dr. Haugen will explain in detail the risks associated with surgery. You will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure that you fully understand the procedure you will undergo and any risks or potential complications.

The risks of breast implants and complications after breast augmentation include:
   Unfavorable scarring
   Bleeding (hematoma)
   Infection
   Poor healing of incisions
   Changes in nipple or breast sensation, may be temporary or permanent
   Capsular contracture, which is the formation of firm scar tissue around the implant
   Implant leakage or rupture
   Wrinkling of the skin over the implant
   Anesthesia risks
   Fluid accumulation
   Blood clots
   Pain, which may persist
   Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications
   Possibility of revisional surgery
Although there potentially may be complications with breast implants, they do not impair breast health. Careful review of scientific research conducted by independent groups such as the Institute of Medicine has found no proven link between breast implants and autoimmune or other systemic diseases.

Other important considerations:
   Breast implants are not guaranteed to last a lifetime and future surgery may be required to replace
      one or both implants.
   Pregnancy, weight loss and menopause may influence the appearance of augmented breasts over
      the course of your lifetime.
The results of your breast augmentation surgery will be long-lasting. You will find it easier to wear certain styles of clothing and swim wear. Like many women who have had breast augmentation, you may also have a boost in self confidence.

Implants may need to be replaced or revised
It's important to know that after receiving breast implants, results are not permanent and they may require replacement during your lifetime. You should expect to have future visits with your plastic surgeon to discuss changes in your breasts. Over time, your breasts can change due to aging, weight fluctuations, hormonal factors and gravity. If, after a period of years, you become dissatisfied with the appearance of your breasts, you may choose to undergo a breast lift or implant exchange to restore a more youthful contour.