Breast Augmentation

Most women want more than just a bigger size…. They look for a prettier shape, proportional balance, fullness on top, and an enhanced but natural looking appearance. Dr. Duncan’s style is dramatic, yet tasteful. There are a range of sizes that may fit your chest size and personality. As the patient, you have the choice to go conservative and smaller or more dramatic and large. However, there are limitations! The width of the base of the breast determines the implant diameter, and therefore the size. Both saline and silicone gel implants are available. 

Candidates for Breast Augmentation include:

                ● Women with small breasts

                ● Deformity due to child bearing

                ● Significant weight loss

                ● Developmental deformities

Desired improvement usually centers on:

                ● Lack of cleavage

                ● Poor shape or contour

                ● Small size             

                ● Slack or flabby skin

The Procedure:

The implant is placed under the pectoral muscle in the upper portion, but under the breast tissue only at the base. The muscle compresses the implant up top, so there is a smooth transition with no visible hump. In the lower breast, the lack of compression allows for a full, round contour. Dr. Duncan usually uses an incision at the base of the breast, since new data shows 3The implant is placed under the pectoral muscle in the upper portion, but under the breast tissue only at the base. The muscle compresses the implant up top, so there is a smooth transition with no visible hump. In the lower breast, the lack of compression allows for a full, round contour. Dr. Duncan usually uses an incision at the base of the breast, since new data shows 30% more numbness when a periareolar incision is used. The armpit incision is associated with implants that sit too high in the majority of cases, so this is not a preferred approach. 

 

                                                    

 

The diagram above shows that the pocket, or the space that the implant sits in, is slightly larger than the implant itself. This allow for the implant to move a little. The breast is a fluid structure, and should shift and compress without feeling too firm.  Displacement exercises done after surgery will keep the pocket open so a capsular contracture will not occur. 0% more numbness when a periareolar incision is used. The armpit incision is associated with implants that sit too high in the majority of cases, so this is not a preferred approach. 

What can I expect?:

 Patients come in the Monday before their surgery for a history and physical. Surgeries are scheduled for Tuesdays and Wednesdays. The surgery itself takes about 1 hour and the patient is then taken to recovery for about 1 ½ hours before being sent home once your pain is under control. You will need a reliable person to stay with you for at least 24 hours after surgery. Breast pain and muscle spasms usually subside dramatically at 48-72 hours. The first recheck with Dr. Duncan will be scheduled within 2 days. At this recheck, your dressings will be changed and you will be taught how to do your breast displacement exercises. You will return the following week to have your sutures removed and again at 6 weeks for a photo recheck.

RISKS OF SURGERY INCLUDE:

                ● Bleeding with a possible need to return to surgery

                ● Infection

                ● “Hardening” or capsular contracture

                ● Unsatisfactory scarring

                ● Numbness of skin, nipple, or areola

                ● Implant migration or malposition

                ● Size or shape may not be what you expected

                ● Implants DO NOT LAST FOREVER and may need to be replaced

                ● Your mammogram may need to be altered