Division of Plastic Surgery

Cosmetic Plastic Surgery

Breast Augmentation / Enlargement Surgery

What is breast enlargement surgery?

Concerns about breast implants

With breast augmentation, the surgeon inserts an implant underneath the breast. In the past, implants were made of silicone but because of controversy surrounding the silicone implants and its' effect on the body surgeons now use implants filled with a salt-water solution. New implants made of a substance that can be absorbed by the body in case of ruptures or leaks are currently waiting FDA approval.

Breast augmentation or augmentation mammaplasty is a procedure to reshape the breast in order to make it larger. The procedure can also reconstruct the breast following breast surgery.

Possible complications associated with breast augmentation surgery:

infection
This is most common within a week after surgery. The infection can be treated with antibiotics or, in severe cases, the implant is removed for several months until the infection is gone and then a new implant is inserted.
capsular contracture
This occurs if the scar or capsule around the implant begins to tighten. Treatment can involve either the removal or "scoring" of the scar tissue, or the removal or replacement of the implant.
oversensitive, undersensitive, or numb nipples
Oversensitivity, undersensitivity and/or small patches of numbness near the incisions may occur in some patients. The symptoms usually disappear within time, but may be permanent in some patients.
leaking or rupturing of silicone and gel implants
This can occur as a result of an injury or even from the normal compression and movement of the breast and implant.

A breast implant is a silicone shell filled with either silicone gel or saline.

saline-filled implants
If a saline-filled implant breaks, the implant will deflate in a few hours and the salt water will harmlessly be absorbed by the body.
gel-filled implants
The leak or rupture of a gel-filled implant can cause one of two things. If the shell breaks but the scar capsule around the implant does not, changes may not be detected. If the scar also breaks or tears, especially following extreme pressure, the silicone gel implant may move into surrounding tissue. The gel may collect in the breast and cause a new scar to form around it, or it may migrate to another area of the body. The shape or firmness of the breast may change. Typically, a second operation and replacement of the leaking implant is necessary. And in some ruptures, it may not be possible to remove all of the silicone gel in the breast tissue.

There is no evidence that fertility, pregnancy, or the ability to nurse will be affected by breast implants. However, if you have nursed a baby within the year before breast augmentation, you may produce milk for a few days after surgery. This may cause some discomfort, but can be treated with medication prescribed by a physician.

About the procedure:

Location options include:
- surgeon's office-based surgical facility
- outpatient surgery center
- hospital outpatient
- hospital inpatient
Anesthetic options include:
- general anesthesia
- local anesthesia, combined with a sedative (allows the patient to remain awake but relaxed)
Probable length of procedure: about two hours
Location of incision:
The method of inserting and positioning the implant depends on the patient's anatomy and the surgeon's recommendation. The incision can be made:
- in the crease where the breast meets the chest.
- around the areola (the dark skin surrounding the nipple).
- in the armpit.

Working through the incision, the surgeon lifts the breast tissue and skin to create a pocket, either directly behind the breast tissue or underneath the pectoral muscle in the chest wall. The implants are centered beneath the nipples.

Recovery period:
When the dressings are removed, the patient may be given a surgical bra. Stitches will be removed in a week or so.

This page was last updated on: September 19, 2007.

For more information about UM Division of Plastic Surgery or to make an appointment, please call 1-800-492-5538 or 410-328-2360 (patients) or 1-800-373-4111 (physicians).