Breast augmentation
BREAST AUGMENTATION
Breast augmentation, sometimes referred to as a "breast aug" or "boob job" by patients, involves using breast implants or fat transfer to increase the size of your breasts. This procedure can also restore breast volume lost after weight reduction or pregnancy, achieve a more rounded breast shape or improve natural breast size asymmetry.
Breast augmentation is also referred to as augmentation mammoplasty. When fat from another part of the patient's body is used to create the improved breast volume, the procedure is referred to as fat transfer breast augmentation.
What breast augmentation surgery can do
Increase fullness and projection of your breasts
Improve balance of breast and hip contours
Enhance your self-image and self-confidence
Breast implants may also be used for breast reconstruction after mastectomy or injury.
What breast augmentation surgery can't do
Breast augmentation does not correct severely drooping breasts. A breast lift may be required along with a breast augmentation for sagging breasts to look fuller and lifted.
Breast lifting can often be done at the same time as your augmentation or may require a separate operation. Dr. Rhee will assist you in making this decision.
Types of breast implants
Saline breast implants
Saline breast implants are filled with sterile salt water. Should the implant shell leak, a saline implant will collapse and the saline will be absorbed and naturally expelled by the body.
Saline breast implants provide a uniform shape, firmness and feel, and are FDA-approved for augmentation in women age 18 or older.
Silicone breast implants
Silicone breast implants are filled with silicone gel. The gel feels a bit more like natural breast tissue. If the implant leaks, the gel may remain within the implant shell, or may escape into the breast implant pocket. A leaking implant filled with silicone gel will not collapse.
If you choose silicone implants, you may need to visit your plastic surgeon regularly to make sure the implants are functioning properly. An ultrasound or MRI screening can assess the condition of breast implants.
Silicone breast implants are FDA-approved for augmentation in women age 22 or older.
Anesthesia
The type of anesthesia that is used for breast augmentation depends on the individual patient. However, many breast augmentations can be done comfortably with local anesthesia and light sedation.
Cost
The total cost of breast augmentation depends on the individual patient, but can range from $4500 to $6500.
Recovery
During your breast augmentation recovery, your breasts will be wrapped in gauze dressings and an elastic bandage or support bra will minimize swelling and support the breasts as they heal.
Before leaving, you will be given specific postoperative instructions for your breast implant recovery and a follow-up appointment with Dr. Rhee. Your prescribed medications may include pain pills and an antibiotic to prevent infection.
Wear your support garment (a bra or elastic band, called a bandeau) around the clock as instructed by Dr. Rhee.
Because it is possible to bleed into the pockets around the breast implants for the first several days, take it easy until you have permission to increase your activity level. Acute pain typically subsides after one to five days, but you may experience soreness and swelling for a few weeks. Resume exercise and normal activity according to directions.
Risks
The decision to have plastic surgery is extremely personal and you will have to weigh the potential benefits in achieving your goals with the risks and potential complications of surgery. Only you can make that decision for yourself.
You will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure that you fully understand the procedure and any risks and potential complications.
Possible breast augmentation surgery risks include:
Anesthesia risks
Bleeding
Hematoma
Infection
Changes in nipple or breast sensation
Poor scarring
Wrong or faulty position of the implant
Implant leakage or rupture
The formation of tight scar tissue around the implant (capsular contracture)
Fluid accumulation (seroma)
Wrinkling of the skin over the implant
Persistent pain
Possibility of revision surgery
These risks and others will be fully discussed prior to your consent. It is important that you address all your questions directly with Dr. Rhee.
Breast implant safety
Careful reviews of scientific research by independent groups such as the Institute of Medicine have found no link between breast implants and autoimmune or other systemic diseases.
Other important considerations:
Breast implants are not guaranteed to last a lifetime and future surgery may be required to replace one or both implants
Pregnancy, weight loss and menopause may influence the appearance of augmented breasts over the course of your lifetime
Breast augmentation requires regular examinations of your breasts' health and to evaluate the condition of your breast implants