Breast Augmentation is a common surgical procedure that uses an implant (or fat transfer/auto-fat) to give the breasts added volume and improved shape. Whether the reason is to regain your previous fullness or to enhance your existing breast volume, breast augmentation can be tailored to meet your desired outcome.

The surgery is for anyone who wishes to change the appearance of their breasts, whether that be size, shape, symmetry, post-mastectomy, or all of the above. Women often report an increase in confidence and self-esteem following an augmentation.

At Plastic Surgical Arts, we offer several options for breast implants.

Saline - Implants filled with sterile saline (salt water). Available to patients 18 and older, these are typically inserted into the breast and then filled to the volume desired by the patient. In the event of a ruptured implant, you will notice a flattening of the shape and a decrease in size. While not a health risk, removing the silicone shell does require surgery.

Silicone - Implants made from silicone gel, a common opinion is that these look and feel more natural. Silicone implants are available to people age 22 and older for augmentation. A tear or rupture may not be noticeable initially because the gel tends to stay secured within the scar tissue that forms around the implant. While not usually considered an immediate health risk, if you do suspect a rupture, we recommend contacting your surgeon for an examination.

Fat Transfer - Liposuction can be used to remove fat from other areas of your body and injected into your breasts. This particular method is best for those who are looking for a relatively small increase in breast size and have the fat available, typically from the stomach area, flanks, back, or thighs. e surgery is for anyone who wishes to change the appearance of their breasts, whether that be size, shape, symmetry, or all of the above. Women often report an increase in confidence and self-esteem following an augmentation.

Your surgeon will examine your breasts and take photographs for your medical record. He will consider such factors as the size and shape of your breasts, the quality of your skin and the placement of your nipples and areolas (the pigmented skin surrounding the nipples). If your breasts are sagging, a breast lift may be recommended in conjunction with augmentation.

During the consultation, you should be prepared to discuss your comprehensive medical history. Relevant information includes current and previous medical conditions, drug allergies, previous medical treatments, pregnancy, history, and current medications. Your Plastic Surgical Arts surgeon’s recommendation is based largely on the complete and accurate information you provide during this initial visit. You will be asked whether you have a family history of breast cancer, and about results of any mammograms and breast biopsies.

If you are planning to lose a significant amount of weight, be sure to tell your plastic surgeon. He may recommend that you stabilize your weight prior to undergoing surgery.

If you think that you may want to become pregnant in the future, you should mention this to your surgeon. Pregnancy can alter breast size in an unpredictable way and could affect the long-term results of your breast augmentation. There is no evidence that breast implants will affect pregnancy or your ability to breast-feed, but if you have questions about these matters, please discuss them with your surgeon during the consultation.

Your breast augmentation surgery may be performed at several locations in Lincoln. Check-in is typically 1 1/2 to 2 hours prior to your surgery time. Prior to the procedure, the surgeon will speak with you briefly to discuss the procedure and make any necessary markings. Then a general anesthetic is administered; this type of anesthetic ensures you are asleep throughout the procedure.

Once the surgery is completed, you will be required to remain in the recovery area where you will continue to be closely monitored.  You may be permitted to go home after a few hours unless you and your plastic surgeon have determined that you will stay in the hospital or surgical facility overnight.

Following the procedure, your incisions will be covered with steri-strips and you will be provided with a surgical bra that you can wear throughout your recovery. The steri-strips are to be left on for up to 10 days, or until your surgeon opts to remove them. It is fine to shower with them in place.  You may also wish to wear a soft dressing or unscented sanitary pad over them to keep them dry as well as absorb any drainage.

It is common to hear and feel “sloshing” during your first few weeks following surgery. Do not be alarmed; this is simply fluid resulting from swelling which will absorb on its own. Shooting pains, burning, spasms, and numbness are common and temporary sensations most women experience the few weeks following surgery. Taking minimal pain medicine can help relieve these post-surgical effects. Sleeping on your back or in a reclining position may also be most comfortable and will help relieve pressure on your newly augmented breasts.

Infections are uncommon but can occur. If you are experiencing high fevers, excessive drainage from the incisions, redness, or swelling that is not symmetrical with your other breast, you should contact our office at 402-483-2572.

Initially, you will have some swelling and discoloration; this should disappear quickly, although residual swelling may occur for up to a month’s time. Within two days after your surgery, you should be up and around, although your breasts may feel tight and appear high on your chest.

Over time, your breasts will drop into position and your sutures will be trimmed approximately one week after your procedure.

Depending on your job duties, you may be able to return to work within a few days to a week.

Vigorous activities, especially arm movement, may be restricted for two to three weeks.

Sexual activity should be avoided for at least the first week following surgery.

After that, care must be taken to be extremely gentle with your breasts for at least the next month.

Over time, all implants will deflate. The implants, both saline, and silicone (gel) are safe and will not pose any health risks.

Under most circumstances the manufacturer will incur the costs for replacement implants and may also contribute toward surgical fees for up to 10 years following your augmentation.

There is no scientific evidence that breast augmentation increases the risk of breast cancer.

The presence of breast implants, however, makes it more technically difficult to take and read mammograms. This may be a special consideration for women who are at higher risk for breast cancer due to their family history.

Placement of the implant underneath the pectoral muscle may interfere less with the mammography examination, but other factors may also need to be discussed with your surgeon in regard to implant placement.

Except in the event of implant deflation requiring surgical replacement with a new implant, the results of your breast augmentation surgery will be long-lasting.

Gravity and the effects of aging will eventually alter the size and shape of virtually every woman’s breasts. If, after a period of years, you become dissatisfied with the appearance of your breasts, you may choose to undergo a breast lift to restore a more youthful contour.