Breast Augmentation Surgery
The Importance of Body Image
The way in which we envision ourselves and how we are perceived by others is important socially, professionally, and privately. Confidence in our appearance, knowing that we are the best that we can be during all stages of our lives, is central to our personal self-esteem. If you are “comfortable in your own skin” and confident in the way you present to the world you may be inclined to remain just as you are.
Cosmetic surgery is not for everyone though for many it provides the appropriate answer to the question of, “How can I become my best self?” The answer to that question is two-fold because, no operation, despite the improvement it lends to physical appearance, can substitute for the inner beauty to which we all aspire. Nevertheless, scientific studies have shown that when a person exudes confidence, radiates a healthy appearance, likes herself and the way she looks, a holistic effect occurs which instills an overall sense of well-being and personal satisfaction. The effects of Cosmetic Surgery are psychological as well as physical.
Physical appearance does matter and it often determines the image someone projects and therefore dictates the impression made on others. First impressions are important and they can be based on ones attitude as well as clothing. The best way to decide to have cosmetic surgery is by believing in yourself, to recognize your desire for self- improvement, to want to fulfill your need to be content with yourself and not merely because you want the approval of others. As the Chinese sage wrote, “Because one accepts oneself, the whole world accepts them.”
The Female Breast
The female breast in Western Culture signifies femininity as well as eroticism. The female breast comes in many shapes and sizes. It consists of glandular, fatty, and connective tissue.
Enhancing the female breast has become the norm. Breast augmentation surgery is the most sought after and the most common cosmetic operation performed in The United States. Influencers thorough TV, magazines, cinemas and the persuasion of social media have informed the public as to available procedures to enhance body proportions and achieve idealized contours. It is a surgery the patient most frequently decides upon to satisfy herself, not from pressure or encouragement from someone else.
Why Breast Augmentation Surgery?
The younger, fully developed women may decide to have genetically smaller breasts enlarged to correct disproportion of the contours of her body. An increase in breast size builds confidence and self-esteem.
Women with breast asymmetry, breasts that are different in size, shape and positioning often decide on breast enlargement to correct the discrepancy.
Childbearing and breast feeding alter the appearance of the breasts, since the hormones of pregnancy have a direct effect on the glandular elements of the breast by an increase in the size and number of breast cells. Following childbirth and weaning breasts become smaller through loss of volume and frequently the skin that has been stretched sags.
Significant weight loss has a direct change in the volume of the breast. Deflation of the breast occurs as fat cells shrink in size and number. Skin has sustained a loss of elasticity and droops.
Breast reconstruction following treatment for breast cancer often involves the use of breast implants. Negative psychological and physical changes alter the manner in which a woman perceives her femininity and makes her unduly self-conscious. Reconstruction of the breast restores a sense of the self and confidence is re-enforced.
All of these reasons encourage women to opt for breast augmentation surgery.
Your Introduction to Breast Augmentation Begins with a Personal Consultation by Doctor Moynahan
Upon entering the Doctor’s office, you will be greeted pleasantly and made comfortable in an environment that is welcoming and professional. During the consultation, you will be given the opportunity to express your concerns and your ultimate goals. The consultation is relaxed and unhurried.
Small breasts(hypomastia) are due to a variety of causes. All contributing factors will be evaluated. The patient is frequently unhappy with her appearance due to disproportionate contours of her breasts and hips. Clothing selection is restricted, inhibiting a woman’s wardrobe. Alterations and adjustments of clothing are necessary to create an acceptable fit.
Breasts that are small may impact leisure activities, clothing that fits comfortably, formal engagements, and intimate relationships which may undermine self-assurance.
The disproportionate contours of the breasts and hips are balanced through augmentation mammaplasty resulting in an enhancement of body contour.
A thorough medical, surgical and family history is obtained, during the consultation which includes a history of breast cancer and allergies. If pregnancy is anticipated with or without breast feeding, the timing of your augmentation mammaplasty will be scheduled accordingly. Your medications, botanicals and food supplements are evaluated and documented.
A physical examination is performed and pre-operative photographs are taken. A previous mammogram within the past year serves as a “baseline” and detects any abnormality which may be present.
The risk benefits, alternatives including no surgery and possible complications of the surgical procedure and the choice of implants are explained.
You are given the opportunity to ask questions and have them answered to your satisfaction. Information is power and you will be provided with abundant information so your decision to have surgery or not will be made upon the basis of knowledge and information pertinent to you as an individual.
What is Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation, breast enhancement and “boob job” are descriptive terms which define breast enlargement surgery. Literally and figuratively these terms refer to adding volume and projection to the breasts. A fuller and well-shaped breast results. If minimal sagging is an issue breast enlargement often provides lifting. Significant sagging would not only require breast enlargement but a mastopexy (breast lift) where the NAC (nipple areolar complex) is moved upward and the excessive skin is excised. The results of the surgery produces proportionate contours and an esthetically enhanced silhouette.
Where is Surgery Performed?
Surgery is performed in an accredited outpatient facility under general or MAC (monitored anesthesia care). The operation is usually completed within one to two hours. Your operation is not rushed. Meticulous attention is accorded to every detail. Prior to applying the dressing, you are placed in a sitting position and the results of the surgery are evaluated. Position of the implants, the location of the NAC (nipple areola complex) in relationship to the breast mound and inframammary crease and the overall symmetry is determined. Only then is the dressing applied in the surgical suite, subsequently you are transferred to the PACU (post anesthesia care unit).
Recovery room nurses are at your side. They carefully monitor your vital signs as well as your overall recovery. Attention to your comfort as you awaken is addressed.
At the appropriate time discharge commences and your personally selected, responsible adult will take you home to spend overnight with you as your recovery process proceeds.
Post Operative Care
A follow up visit has been scheduled at which time the surgical dressing is removed and replaced with a supportive bra.
Where are the Incisions for Surgery Located?
The incisions for breast augmentation surgery are located in anatomical areas most conducive to camouflaging the resultant scarring. All incisions made through the skin trigger the body’s protective reaction to heal, resulting in scar tissue. The most common locations are in the crease beneath the breast (inframammary crease) or around the NAC (nipple areolar complex). Other options include an axillary approach or a trans-umbilical augmentation mammaplasty (TUBA).
Where are the implants placed?
The implants may be placed beneath the breast (subglandular) , or under the pectoralis major muscle (the muscle that is beneath the breast and overlies the ribs). The unique anatomy of the patient is considered when the determination of the location of the implant is made.
Are there different types of breast implants and what are my choices my of breast implants?
The sizes, styles and shapes of implants are varied as are the envelopes that contain silicone or saline.
Basically, there are two different types of breast implants. Silicone gel filled mammary implants and saline filled mammary implants are available. The silicone gel mammary implant is most commonly used. During your consultation with Doctor Moynahan and following examination of your breast, a detailed explanation of various breast implants is provided. You will be advised of your options regarding what implant would be most fulfilling to your expectations and why. The decision of what implant is used depends upon the Doctor’s advice and your choice. A natural look and a soft feel are the desired result. The FDA reapproved silicone gel implants during November 2006.
Saline filled implants are also popular and they are filled at the time of the surgery. Adjustments in size are possible during the operation.
Post- Op Healing
After surgery strenuous activity must be avoided, however, walking and moving about after your operation is encouraged to avoid blood clots. Exercises such as running, weight lifting, stretching and other forms of strenuous activity are to be avoided for at least here weeks following breast enhancement and in certain circumstances a bit longer. It is necessary to adhere to these directives in order to avoid complications.
Your Future
Once healing is completed you return to normal daily living to enjoy the results of your surgery.
The benefits of plastic surgery are more than physical.
- Many satisfied patients experience increased confidence
- A rise in self-esteem then follows.
- Patients have reported being “happier” and looking and feeling their “best.”
- Many said they felt a positive impact on their quality of life.
Recovery After Breast Augmentation
Recovery is considered a vital aspect of any plastic surgical procedure. Following your post-operative directions can help prevent complications and support proper healing . Closely adhering to recovery instructions is the best way to navigate your breast augmentation procedure.
Complying with these instructions can minimize scaring and soreness during the first few days. Post-operative instructions are intended to facilitate your comfort and hasten the healing process.
After a breast augmentation procedure you will be provided with specific instructions pertinent to your body to assist you with your care and recovery. Instructions are meant to provide general information, not as hard and fast rules, but as guidelines.
General Guidelines (not rules)
- Caring for Your Incisions: Washing your hands and protecting your incisions, safe guarding steri-strips and applying ice packs if needed.
- Diet Instructions: In some cases diet instructions are appropriate such as eating foods with fiber to prevent constipation, drinking water for hydration and a bland diet of soup and crackers.
- Activity Instructions: Avoid strenuous activity, lifting heavy objects and driving.
- Medication and Pain Control Methods: Following your personalized medication regimen can help reduce pain symptoms associated with your surgery.
- Setting Aside Time to Recover is Recommended: Taking time off from work , especially if your job demands physical labor and excessive activity.
You are unique as an individual and you will always be treated first and foremost as a unique person. Therefore, the direction you receive for post-surgical care will be tailored to your particular needs.
Before & After Photos
