Breast Augmentation

Aside from breast enlargement, the common goal for breast augmentation surgery is to improve body proportion and increase femininity and self-confidence. At The University of Kansas Health System, our plastic surgery services include a full range of breast implant types, shapes and sizes to ensure a natural-looking result that meets your cosmetic goals.

Breast augmentation surgery typically involves the insertion of breast implants as a way to increase breast size or shapeliness. Another way to increase breast size and shape during breast augmentation, especially for moderate increases, is to transfer autogenous tissues like fat or muscle from other parts of the body to the breast.

Many women combine breast augmentation with a tummy tuck or other body contouring procedures as part of a mommy makeover.

Women who are dissatisfied with their breast size may benefit from breast augmentation surgery. These women often experience a lack of body proportion due to the small size of their chest, breast asymmetry or tuberous breasts.

Other important criteria that indicate a woman's candidacy include:

• Capable of weighing risks and benefits
• In good general health
• Makes the decision for surgery independently
• Understands that implants are not guaranteed to last a lifetime

There are many variables to consider in breast augmentation surgery. Among these are implant size, material, shape, texture, placement and incision location. Prior to surgery, you and your surgeon will meet to discuss your goals, as well as the implant type and approach that will work best for meeting your particular goals.

As you consider breast augmentation, one of the most important decisions you'll need to make involves the selection of the implant itself. That's why we're always bringing you the newest and safest implants. Breast implants are available with either saline or silicone filler, and each has advantages and disadvantages.

As with any surgery, breast augmentation carries risks associated with anesthesia, infection, bleeding, scarring and other potential complications. Getting breast implants may also require revision surgery later on, as breast implants are not considered lifetime devices.

Your surgical risks are greatly reduced when you work with an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon. If you have any concerns about the safety of breast implants or your likely results, please talk with your plastic surgeon during your consultation.

Breast augmentation surgery takes approximately 1-2 hours and is performed in either a hospital or office setting. General anesthesia is used for the majority of breast augmentation patients.

Depending on the goals for surgery and your anatomy, incisions are made within the breast crease, armpit, belly button or at the bottom of the areola. In order to create a pocket for the implant, the surgeon lifts the breast tissue and skin, and then places the implant either above or beneath the pectoral muscle, centered just below the nipple. The incisions are then closed with sutures, and tape and dressings are applied.

Depending on the extent of your surgery, you may immediately go home after surgery or spend a night in the hospital. You can expect to feel discomfort and tightness in your chest during the days following surgery. It is important that you walk every couple of hours to prevent blood clots in your legs and speed up the healing process. You will be asked to wear a special bra designed to give you support as you recover.

Sutures will be removed within 10 days, and recovery is typically achieved within 1-2 weeks after surgery. Your final results will continue developing over the following weeks and months.