Undergoing the Surgical Procedure
“You’re going to do WHAT?”
Nervous about what the surgical procedure is like?
Although your plastic surgeon will go over all the details with
you, here is a general step-by-step guide to the breast augmentation
procedure:
 1.
You will receive the general anaesthesia. However, some doctors
may use a local anaesthetic along with a sedative.
2. The surgeon will begin by making the incision. The incision
will be made either under the armpit, below the breast, or around
the nipple.
3. The surgeon will lift the breast tissue to create a “pocket”
for the breast implant.
4. The breast implant will be inserted within this pocket.
The implant can be placed either directly below the breast tissue
or beneath the chest muscle.
5. If you have chosen a saline implant, the implant will now
be filled with a saline solution. This is the preferred method
seeing as it permits the smallest possible incision.
6. The surgeon will position the implants.
7. The incision is stitched closed, and possible taped.
8. The breasts are wrapped with gauze bandages for protection
and support.
9. A small drainage tube may be placed at the incision to drain
any excess fluid.
For some extra information on breast augmentation surgery, read
through the following frequently asked questions:
How long does the surgery take?
Breast augmentation surgery takes anywhere between one to three
hours to complete. The length of the procedure is determined
by implant placement, type of incision, and type of anaesthesia.
How long do I have to stay in the hospital for?
The good news is that most breast augmentation surgeries are performed
as outpatient procedures. Considering that the procedure went well,
you will be able to return home within the first few hours that
you wake up.
How large is the incision?
Typically, the incision for inserting a breast implant is not very
large. It usually measure between 3 – 4cm (1 –1.5
inches).
Does the incision leave a permanent scar?
Although your doctor will make every effort to ensure that your
incision is well hidden, a permanent scar will remain. At first,
you scar will be red and raised. Over 3 – 6 months, it will
gradually start to get lighter in color, and will flatten out.
What is the most commonly used incision?
The most common incision used for a breast augmentation is the infra-mammary
incision. This is placed slightly above the crease that rests under
the breast. It is the most preferred incision simply because it
allows for direct access to the implant pocket, and leaves breast
tissue completely undisturbed. It also hides the incision scars
very well.
Next Page: Healing
Introduction - Step
1 - Step 2 - Step 3
- Step 4 - Step
5 - Conclusions - Site
Map
|
