Breast augmentation, also called breast enlargement, is a surgical procedure to enhance the size and shape of a woman's breast and is one of the most popular cosmetic surgical procedures in the United States.

 

Surgery involves placing a saline or silicone implant under the breast tissue or muscle, or reshaping of natural tissue to improve the size or shape of the breast. This is often for aesthetic reasons, or reconstructive surgery for women who have lost one or both breasts to cancer. Breast implants are usually the best way to have a long-lasting, safe, and natural looking augmentation of your breasts.

 

At Saint Luke’s Hospital board certified plastic & reconstructive surgeons Dr. Miguelangelo Gonzales and Dr. Marco Marroquin specializes in aesthetic and reconstructive surgery. They blend surgical skills with artistic talent to transform the breast area into natural and very feminine curves. You get the very best results at the most affordable prices.

Procedure

Before your breast implant procedure, you will meet with your surgeon for a medical evaluation. You can discuss what you want and your surgeon will advise you what you can expect. He may ask you to stop smoking and to avoid certain medications a few days or weeks before your surgery.

 

Breast augmentation is usually done as an outpatient procedure, or you may have an overnight stay in the hospital. The procedure normally takes one to two hours and usually you will be given general anesthesia during surgery.

 

To start the surgeon will create a small incision along the crease under your breasts, in your armpit, or your nipple area, and will depend on your body, the type of implant, and how much enlargement is to be done. The surgeon will place the breast implant into a pocket above or below your chest muscle. Once the implant is in place, the surgeon will close the incisions with sutures or surgical tape.

 

Risks

Most surgery carries some risk, and you should be aware of the medical risks of breast augmentation before you consent to surgery. The surgeon will discuss these risks with you at your consultation.

 

Risks vary from patient to patient depending on several factors. The following risks are possible risks associated with this type of surgery and are listed regardless of how slight the possibility:

 

   •  Bleeding and blood clot formation.

   •  Accumulation of fluid.

   •  Infections.

   •  Poor healing of the incisions.

   •  A change in the sensitivity of nipples which may be temporary or permanent.

   •  Leakage of implant or rupture.

   •  Slight pain, which may be persistent.

   •  Risks associated with anesthesia and the possibility of revision surgery.

 

This information should be used only as a guide to your medical procedure. All specifics will be discussed with the surgeon at your consultation. For more information about our package for breast surgery at Saint Luke's, contact us by using the “Ask a Question” form on this page.