CANDIDATES FOR BREAST AUGMENTATION

Breast size is important to many women for a variety of reasons. If you are dissatisfied with your
breast size, augmentation surgery is a choice to consider.  Often times, women notice a
decrease in breast size or a change in shape after pregnancy and nursing, or after losing weight.
Breast augmentation may enhance your breast size and shape while giving you the more
proportional figure you always wanted.

The implant used for breast augmentation may be filled with saline (dilute salt water) or silicone
which is inserted through a small incision on the edge of the areola or under your breast. Breast
augmentation is an outpatient procedure. You should expect between two to three weeks of
recovery time.

By inserting an implant behind each breast, Dr. Baroody is able to increase your bustline by one
or more bra cup sizes. If you're considering breast augmentation, the following information will
give you a basic understanding of the procedure.


IMPLANT TYPES

A breast implant is a silicone shell filled with either silicone gel or a sterile salt-water solution
called saline.

The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has determined that new gel-filled implants are safe and
may be used for primary breast augmentation.












RISKS AND POTENTIAL COMPLICATIONS OF BREAST AUGMENTATION SURGERY

All surgeries, no matter how common, carry intrinsic risks and potential complications.  Whenever
a foreign object is placed in the body, such as a hip replacement, knee replacement, or breast
implant, scar develops.  The surrounding spherical scar forms a pocket which keeps the implant
in a favorable position.  The scar or capsule around the implant may tighten, causing what is
known as a capsular contracture. This squeezing of the soft implant causes the breast to feel
firm. The condition is treated by removal of the scar tissue and/or implant replacement.

As with any surgical procedure, post-op bleeding may occur causing swelling and discomfort. If
the bleeding continues, a second operation may be required.

A small percentage of women develop an infection around the implant. This may occur at any
time, but is most often seen within a week after surgery. In some cases, the implant may need to
be removed for several months until the infection clears. A new implant can then be inserted.

Some women report that their nipples become oversensitive, undersensitive, or even numb. You
may also notice small patches of numbness near your incisions. These symptoms usually
disappear with time, but may be permanent in some patients.

Occasionally, breast implants may leak. Rupture may occur as a result of injury or more
commonly from everyday compression and movement of your implant. If a
saline-filled implant
leaks, the implant will deflate in a few hours and the saline (salt water) will be harmlessly
absorbed by the body.

If a leak occurs in a
gel-filled implant one of two things may occur. If the shell breaks but the scar
capsule around the implant does not, you may not detect any change. If the scar also breaks or
tears, especially following extreme pressure, silicone gel may move into surrounding tissue. The
gel may collect in the breast and cause a new scar to form around it,. There may be a change in
the shape or firmness of the breast. Both types of leaks will require a second operation and
replacement of the implant.

While there is no evidence that breast implants cause breast cancer, they may change the way
mammography is done to detect cancer. When you request a routine mammogram, be sure to
inform the technician that you have implants. Additional views will be required.

While the majority of women do not experience these complications, you should discuss each of
them with Dr. Baroody to make sure you understand the risks and consequences of breast
augmentation.


PLANNING YOUR SURGERY

In your initial consultation, Dr. Baroody will evaluate your general health and explain which
surgical techniques are most appropriate for you, based on the condition of your breasts and
skin quality. Be sure to mention all medications you are taking including any that are
over-the-counter.  If your breasts are sagging, Dr. Baroody may also recommend a breast lift.

Dr. Baroody will explain the type of anesthesia to be used, the type of facility where the surgery
will be performed, and the fees involved. Because insurance companies do not consider breast
augmentation to be medically necessary, carriers do not cover the fees of this procedure.


PREPARING FOR YOUR SURGERY

Dr. Baroody will give you detailed instructions to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on
eating and drinking, smoking, and avoiding certain vitamins/medications.

While making preparations, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery
and to help you out for a few days, if needed.


WHERE YOUR SURGERY WILL BE PERFORMED

Dr. Baroody performs the operation at Ridgefield Surgery Center in Ridgefield, CT and New
Milford Hospital.


TYPE OF ANESTHESIA

Breast augmentation is performed under general anesthesia. You will be asleep through the
entire operation.


THE SURGERY

The method of inserting and positioning your implant will depend on your anatomy and Dr.
Baroody's recommendation. The incision can be made either in the crease where the breast
meets the chest or around the areola (the dark skin surrounding the nipple). Every effort will be
made to assure that the incision is placed so resulting scars will be as inconspicuous as possible.





















Working through the incision, Dr. Baroody will lift your breast tissue and skin to create a pocket,
either directly behind the breast tissue or underneath your chest wall muscle (the pectoralis
muscle). The implants are then centered beneath your breast mound.

Placing the implants behind your chest muscle may reduce the potential for capsular contracture
which is abnormal scar formation around the implant.  This position allows for easier breast
examinations and mammograms compared to placement directly behind the breast tissue.

During your consultation, Dr. Baroody will discuss all the pros and cons of the various options
and you both will decide the best option for you.

The surgery usually takes one to two hours to complete.  The stitches used to close the incisions
will dissolve. A gauze bandage may be applied over your breasts to help with healing.


AFTER YOUR SURGERY

You will likely feel tired and sore for a few days following your surgery, but you will be up and
around in 24 to 48 hours. Most of your discomfort can be controlled by medication prescribed by
Dr. Baroody.

The following day, the gauze dressings, if you have them, will be removed, and you may be given
a surgical bra. You may also experience a burning sensation in your nipples for about two weeks,
but this will likely subside within a month after surgery.

The swelling in your breasts may take three to five weeks to resolve.


GETTING BACK TO NORMAL

You should be able to return to work within a few days, depending on the level of activity required
for your job.

Follow Dr. Baroody's advice on when to begin exercises and normal activities. Your breasts will
probably be sensitive to direct stimulation for two to three weeks, so avoid physical contact. After
that, breast contact is fine once your breasts are no longer sore, usually three to four weeks
after surgery.

Your scars will be firm and pink for at least six weeks. After several months, your scars will begin
to fade, although they will never disappear completely.

Routine mammograms should be continued after breast augmentation for women who are in the
appropriate age group.


YOUR NEW LOOK

For many women, the result of breast augmentation can be satisfying, even exhilarating, as they
learn to appreciate their fuller appearance.

Your decision to have breast augmentation is a highly personal one that not everyone will
understand. The important thing is how you feel about it. If you've met your goals, then your
surgery is a success.
Why did my breasts get smaller and droop after pregnancy?
The breast tissue enlarges with pregnancy which stretches the overlying skin.  After pregnancy,
the breast tissue regresses producing less volume and excess skin.  Loss of volume with a small
amount of sagging may be corrected with breast augmentation surgery alone. For an excessive
degree of sagging, a mastopexy or 'breast lift' may be the solution with or without an implant.  I
typically perform an incision around the areola with a small vertical extension to correct drooping
of the breast (or breast ptosis).  With this correction, the size of the areola may be reduced if
needed.


How much can my breasts be enlarged? Why is it limited? How big should I go?
The degree of enlargement is based on your anatomy. Saline-filled implants require placement
underneath the muscle layer of the chest to achieve a natural result.  The width of your chest
limit the maximum volume of an implant that may be used.  I can help you determine the best size
of implant for you at the time of your consultation.

The size of breast augmentation is also determined by evaluating your entire body frame.  The
goal is to achieve a proportionate enlargement.


Will I be able to breast feed after breast augmentation surgery?
Breast augmentation may affect your ability to breast feed.  Less than 20% of women reported in
a recent study were unable to make enough milk to effectively breast feed.  Although the
chances are in your favor, this should be taken into consideration.


What happens if an implant ruptures?
Implants are not permanent devices.  Mechanical failures do occur.  If your implant is filled with
saline you will notice an immediate deflation and the implant will need to be replaced.  With
silicone filled implants, the rupture is less obvious and an MRI will be required to verify a rupture.  
The companies which manufacture the implants have specific warranties that you may discuss
with Dr. Baroody.


Do I have to have my implants changed after a certain number of years?
No. You do not need to change your implants unless there is a problem.  If you have silicone
implants the FDA recommends that you have the implants exchanged at 10 years, however, that
is not mandatory.  We will evaluate the implants at that time and make a decision together.


What can you do to correct asymmetries or differences between the breasts?
Nearly every women has some asymmetry of her breasts; whether subtle or more pronounced.  
Procedure may be performed to achieve better symmetry, however perfection cannot be
obtained.  Lifting the nipple, altering the inframammary crease, or enlarging/reducing one breast
more than the other are all techniques used to produce a more aesthetic result.



Dr. Baroody is a member of
Baroody Plastic Surgery Breast Augmentation Before and After Pictures
Baroody Plastic Surgery
Ask Dr. Baroody

51- 53 Kenosia Avenue . Danbury, CT 06810
120 Park Lane Road . Unit B 202 . New Milford, CT 06776

203-790-5700


2006-2011 Baroody Plastic Surgery - All Rights Reserved
Breast Augmentation, Breast Reduction, Breast Lift, etc.
Vivite, Obagi, Anti-aging Skin Care
Before and After Plastic Surgery Pictures
Abdominoplasty, Tummy Tuck, Liposuction, Body Lift, etc.
Face Lift, Rhinoplasty, Eyelids, Brow Lift, Cheek Lift, Botox, etc.
Implant over the chest
muscle
Locations of the possible incisions; the areola, the
axilla, and most commonly beneath the breast
Phone
*Preferred
Contact
E-mail
Reduce Bruising and
Swelling with SinEcch (Arnica)
Implant beneath the
chest muscle