What is breast augmentation?
Breast augmentation, or augmentation mammaplasty as it is also known, is a procedure which can enhance the size and shape of a woman's breasts. With the use of an implant, the surgery can increase a woman's breasts by one or more cup sizes.

Who is a candidate for breast augmentation?
Candidates for breast augmentation include women who are looking to enhance the size and/or shape of the breasts. It's also important that breast augmentation patients be in good physical health, psychologically stable and have realistic expectations. Breast augmentation may be a good option for women who have always felt that their breasts were too small, women who are looking to correct breast volume reduction caused by pregnancy, or those looking to even out a difference in breast size. Breast augmentation may also be used to reconstruct the breasts after surgery.

What are breast implants made of?
Most breast implants used today are made of a silicone shell which is filled with either saline or silicone gel.

What occurs during a consultation for breast augmentation?
During the consultation for breast augmentation, you will meet with either Dr. Duboys or Dr. Sirota. After carefully examining your breasts, the doctor will discuss your expectations and the possibilities available to you. All details of the breast augmentation procedure will be explained and any questions that you have answered. Specific topics that may be discussed include the location of the incision, the type of implant and the placement of the implants.

Where is breast augmentation performed?
At Associated Plastic Surgeons & Consultants, Dr. Duboys and Dr. Sirota may perform breast augmentation in their in-office operating room, a state-of-the-art facility that is fully approved by the American Association for the Accreditation of Surgery Facilities (AAAASF) for class A/B/C surgical procedures.

What form of anesthesia is breast augmentation performed with?
Dr. Duboys and Dr. Sirota usually perform breast augmentation with general anesthesia or with local anesthesia and sedation.

How is breast augmentation performed?
Breast augmentation begins with the incisions which may be placed in one of several locations: in the crease beneath the breast, around the areola or in the armpit. The implant is then inserted through the incision and is placed either above or below the chest muscle. The incisions are then closed.

How long is the surgical time for breast augmentation?
Breast augmentation takes an average of one to two hours to perform.

Where are the incisions made for breast augmentation?

Are there scars after breast augmentation?
The incisions made for breast augmentation do result in scars. However, the doctors make special efforts to ensure that the incisions and resulting scars are as inconspicuous as possible.

How much pain is associated with breast augmentation?
There is usually some discomfort that can be expected after breast augmentation. In particular, patients may feel sore during the first few days. Prescription medication can help to manage this.

What sort of recovery is there after breast augmentation?
After breast augmentation, dressings may be applied to the breasts which will be removed within several days. If drainage tubes are used, they will also be removed after several days. Patients can expect some amount of swelling after surgery which will subside within about three to five weeks. A special surgical bra or support bra will need to be worn for a period of time. Some patients also experience a temporary loss of sensation in the nipples and breast skin or a temporary burning sensation in the nipples.

How soon after breast augmentation can patients return to their work?
Most patients are able to return to work and most other normal activities within a few days of undergoing breast augmentation surgery.