Cosmetic Plastic Surgery - Breast Enlargement

Breast enlargement, technically called enlargement mammoplasty, is a cosmetic surgical procedure to improve the size and shape of the female breast.  Before undertaking this surgery, carefully think about your expectations and discuss them with your physician.

Benefits
The best candidates for surgery are women who want to improve their physical appearance.

Procedure
Enlargement mammoplasty is a relatively safe surgery. Nevertheless as in other surgical procedures, there are risks.

Breast enlargement surgery may lead to capsular contracture. As a result of the body’s natural reaction to a foreign substance, capsular contracture may occur at the implant site and the contracture may press against the implant causing the breast to harden. This condition can be treated in many ways. Sometimes it will be necessary to remove or open the capsule and, at other times, the implant has to be replaced or taken out.

Health problems, as in any other type of surgery, might arise: excessive bleeding can cause pain and inflammation. If bleeding does not stop, the patient must be operated upon to remove blood. A small percentage of women may develop infection around the implant. In these cases, the implant should be removed for several months until the infection clears. Afterwards a new implant may be considered.

Some women experience increase or loss of sensibility around the nipples, but these symptoms usually disappear very fast. There is no evidence that breast enlargement affects fertility, pregnancy, breastfeeding or that it can cause cancer.

Rupture could also occur. You should be aware of changes in shape and consistency. As a consequence of this condition, the patient will be operated upon and the implant replaced.

Some women have experienced symptoms similar to those caused by diseases of the immune system, like scleroderma or other arthritic-related conditions. These symptoms can include pain or swollen joints, fever, fatigue or breast pain. Scientific studies around the world have not shown a direct relationship between silicone implants and these alterations in the connective tissue.

In your first consultation, the surgeon will evaluate your physical condition and will explain the appropriate technique for you. The assessment will take into consideration your breast formation and skin pigmentation.

Discuss your expectations with your physician. Be honest; let him know whether you smoke, take medication, vitamins or use any drugs. The plastic surgeon should also let you know the type of anaesthesia needed, the facilities provided and cost. Since insurance companies do not consider breast enlargement a medically necessary procedure, they do not cover the costs.

Hospitalization
Breast enlargement is an ambulatory surgical procedure, so make sure someone goes with you to help you get home afterwards.