Breast augmentation is one of the most common procedures performed by Dr. James Lacey. This surgical procedure is designed to enlarge the size of a woman’s breasts and enhance her overall shape. To learn more about breast augmentation, including recovery time and costs, contact Dr. James Lacey's Ottawa, Ontario, office today.
So far, there has been no evidence to suggest that breast implants affect your fertility, pregnancy, or ability to nurse, nor is there any evidence indicating that breast implants cause breast cancer. Breast implants do however, make it technically difficult to get or read X-rays of the breast (mammograms), and for this reason, special mammogram views or extra examinations by ultrasound may be needed for patients with implants.
The Procedure
Augmentation is usually performed in an outpatient setting, or in some cases within a hospital facility, using local or general anesthesia. There are a variety of surgical access sites utilized to insert the implants, which may include an incision around the areola, in the armpit or in the crease of the breasts (Diagram A).
Regardless of the approach chosen, the incisions are relatively small and generally heal extremely well.
Women requesting this particular procedure, do so for various reasons which may include those individuals who basically present with genetically small (hypoplastic) breasts. Alternatively, a large percentage of women requesting this type of surgery do so because they have lost a considerable volume of breast tissue, secondary to pregnancy, weight loss or simply as a result of aging. Some patients actually seek this type of surgery in order to improve breast symmetry (one breast being a different size than the other) due to a congenital problem or following a mastectomy for breast cancer.
The silastic shelled implants (which are routinely filled with a sterile salt-water solution) are referred to as a saline implant. These are presently used more frequently than the better known silicone gel-filled implants, although this trend is gradually being reversed due to Health Canada’s approval of silicone cohesive gel implants. Soya-Bean oil filled implants are now being used in Europe but are not yet approved for use in North America. In addition to implants being available in various sizes, there are also implants of different shapes (tear drop, low profile, high profile) and texture.
More recently, a postoperative self adjustable type implant has become available. The decision regarding the most appropriate size and shape of breast implant is based upon individual preferences but is also determined by specific anatomical variables which will all be reviewed at the time of your initial consultation. The overlying skin quality and amount of residual breast tissue are important parameters in making the most appropriate decision.
In most cases the implants are placed deep into the overlying chest muscle (pectoralis) (Diagram B) but on occasion may be positioned on top of the muscle, under the breast tissue itself (Diagram C).
Specifics regarding the procedure used for the incision site, the type and size of implant and whether or not the implant should be placed above or below the pectoralis muscle will all be reviewed with you.
The Surgery
The surgery itself usually takes one to two hours to complete with the majority of patients returning to work within a few days, depending of course on the extent of surgical intervention and individual patient discomfort thresholds. As with all cosmetic surgery procedures, there are inherent potential risks, limitations and specific expectations of this surgery which have to be reviewed in detail with Dr. James Lacey prior to contemplating surgical intervention.
Contact Us
Contact our office today and schedule an appointment with Dr. James Lacey to learn more.
