Breast Augmentation: Is It For You?

By Khalique Zahir, MD and Roberta F. Palestine, MD
Your Health Magazine – April 2001
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Augmentation, which is the art of enhancing the natural breast contour, is one of the most frequently performed cosmetic procedures in the United States today. The procedure is used to enlarge small breasts, underdeveloped breasts, or breasts that have decreased in size after a woman has had children.

Breast augmentation surgery first gained popularity with silicone gel implants, however, today only the saline (salt-water) filled implants are in general use. Recent studies have supported the safety of saline breast implants. Should a saline implant leak, the body safely reabsorbs the salt water as the implant deflates. Most of the implant companies provide a replacement warranty. Most women can also safely breast feed after augmentation surgery.

While many of us are on a never-ending quest for “the perfect figure”, breast enhancement is one of the few aids used today in achieving your new shape.

The procedure is performed in an outpatient setting using local or general anesthesia. Prior cosmetic evaluation will determine the appropriate shape for each individual. Operative time is about two hours using our surgical techniques with small incisions either below the breast, just below the nipple, or in the crease of the armpit. The endoscopic technique is used to create a pocket for placement of the breast implant. This technique uses small incisions that maximize the aesthetic result. Once the breast implant has been placed in its optimal position the implants are filled with saline solution to achieve the contour best suited for the patient, and the wound is closed with stitches, which do not need to be removed.

Dressings are removed after 24 hours at which time you may bathe or shower as usual. Rest is recommended for the first few days following surgery with a sports bra for comfort during the first few weeks. Most discomfort can be well controlled with oral pain medication. The majority of patients are back to work within the first week and nearly all patients are back to work by the second week.

Breast augmentation is a safe and easily attainable choice that women have today to achieve that fuller figure they desire.