Breast Augmentation (Mammaplasty):

Physical beauty is determined by the values of each society. In our western culture during the late 1890's for example, the large breasted woman with the small waist was the ideal. In the "flapper" era of the 1920's, women wanted slim bodies and very small breasts. In the past, an individual's body build has been determined for the most part by achieving the look they want through diet and exercise alone. Today women are able to alter the shapes of their bodies. Women with small, underdeveloped or asymmetrical breasts will like this safe, effective, surgical procedure designed to improve the contour of a woman's body by implanting either saline or silicone implants beneath the breast or chest wall muscles.

BEFORE SURGERY
Prior to surgery, a complete medical history is taken in order to evaluate your general health. A thorough examination of the breasts is also done to document your "geography" and determine the most effective surgical plan. Dr. Gordon describes the procedure that he believes to be best, what results might realistically be expected, and the possible risks and complications.

Photographs will be taken as well as mammograms or x-rays (if medical history necessitates). Preoperative instructions often include the elimination of certain drugs which contain aspirin in order to minimize the possibility of excess bleeding. Antibiotics and other medications designed to prevent infection will be prescribed for a few days prior to surgery, as well as a special medical cleansing solution. Homeopathic regimens and basic lab work will be prescribed as well.

THE PROCEDURE
Your breast augmentation is performed in our private Outpatient Ambulatory Surgical Facility under general anesthesia.

The breasts are carefully marked to indicate where incisions are to be made. One of the techniques most frequently used is an incision made in the breast fold or around the lower portion of the areola (the dark pink area circling the nipple). Another location frequently used is in the armpit as well as the navel. (Fig. A). Breast tissue is raised to create a pocket either under the breast tissue (Fig. B) or beneath the chest wall muscle. (Fig. C). An implant is inserted into the pocket.

Occasionally different sizes of implants are used to correct breast asymmetry. In other cases of breast asymmetry fold position may need adjustment, or a breast lift may be recommended.

After the implant is securely in place, dissolvable sutures are used to close the incision. The breast augmentation takes 45 minutes to one hour to complete, depending upon the procedure and extent of the surgery. You are usually in the recovery area for 45 minutes and discharged to go home with your caretaker.

FOLLOWING SURGERY
Following the surgery, Dr. Gordon applies steri-strips to the incisions. These stay on for about two or three weeks and showering daily with antibacterial solution will be required. Antibiotics will be continued to prevent infection.

Pain connected with the procedure is minimal to moderate and is controlled with oral medication. Instructions for the day of surgery include bed rest and limited activities. Dr. Gordon determines when normal activities can be resumed; however, strenuous exercises and overhead lifting must be avoided for about two weeks.

Sutures are dissolvable and will disappear in about 4 to 6 weeks Dr. Gordon will recommend massage to keep the breast supple. Numbness around the treated area may occur, but this condition is usually temporary (could remain for up to 12 months or longer). Swelling and discoloration disappears in a few days, and scars from the incisions, although permanent, fade significantly with time.

As a result of utilizing special techniques, specific post-operative instructions, and honestly educating you will experience a more rapid recovery. Patients can go back to work within three to seven days! (May vary based on career).

Complications of infection and slow healing are rare; however there are certain inherent risks connected with every surgical procedure and will be thoroughly discussed by Dr. Gordon and/or the nursing staff. In some cases in which the breast becomes too firm due to the formation of scar tissue, a second procedure may be necessary.

If you are interested in learning more about breast augmentation, please contact our office and we will be happy to schedule a consultation for you.