Breast Augmentation

(Augmentation Mammaplasty)

What Is Breast Augmentation?

Breast Augmentation, or augmentation mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure used to enhance the size and/or shape of a woman's breasts. This can be accomplished by inserting an implant, whether it is silicone or saline, behind each breast to enhance the woman's bustline or bra size. We're hoping the information enclosed can help you with your decision making. A personalized consultation with Dr.Kaila would help to answer all your questions, since a lot depends on your individual circumstance. Examples of women who particularly benefit from this procedure are as follows:

• For one reason or another feel that their breasts are too small
• Corrective surgery post mastectomy
• Volume loss post partum
• Asymetrical breasts meaning one is larger or smaller than the other

The Best Candidates For Breast Augmentation

A woman who is looking to improve or replace volume loss in the breasts for any one of the above listed reasons would make an excellent candidate for this surgery. Not only will it improve your own physical appearance but it will also help to enhance your personal feminine self esteem.

Types of Implants

There are currently two types of breast implants available in Canada, saline and silicone cohesive gel. At the time of your initial consult, Dr.Kaila will discuss with you your options, risks, and benefits concerning both styles of implants.

No Surgery Is Without Risk

Hundreds of Breast Augmentations and reconstruction are performed each year at the Blue Water Surgical Centre Ltd. The results of this surgery are usually quite positive. However, there are risks associated with any surgery. Fortunately, most complications are rare and can be prevented by closely following your surgeon's instructions before and after the surgery. However, as much as the healing of surgery is dependent upon your body, there can never be a guarantee of a perfect outcome or a surgery without risk.

Infection and blood clots are rare complications, but they can occur. Drainage and antibiotics can be used to treat infection but may prolong your recovery. The risk of blood clots can be minimized by the use of circumferential compression garments during your surgery and making sure you ambulate as soon as possible after the surgery.

It is also important to note that smokers are at increased risk of decreased blood flow to the operative area, resulting in improper healing and skin breakdown. Hence, smokers are advised to quit smoking three weeks prior to their surgery. Conspicuous scars from poor healing may necessitate a second operation. This is completely unpredictable at the time of surgery.

This is not a complete list of potential complications; therefore,a consult should be made with Dr.Kaila to further discuss risks prior to performing your surgery.

Pre-Operative Planning

Planning your surgery is a complex process that involves many steps. During your initial consultation, Dr. Kaila will evaluate your candidacy for the surgery, both physically and mentally. Physically,the extent of your desired volume or volume loss, asymmetry and careful assessment of your skin tone are critical. Aside from the physical parameters,you will also be assessed mentally to determine if your expectations for such a surgery are realistic. Be frank in discussing your expectations with Dr.Kaila. He will be equally frank with you, describing your risks, benefits, and alternatives for each procedure.

There are a number of options for most people seeking breast augmentation surgery. Whether you decide on saline filled or gel-filled implants or placement above or below the muscle, nipple, underarm or belly button incision, these must be discussed during your initial consultation with Dr. Kaila. Post operative care, post operative activity, limitations and time requirements to return to normal activities are all important parts of planning your breast lift surgery to maximize your final result.

Getting Ready For The Operating Room

You will be given specific instructions on how to prepare for surgery.This will include guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding certain vitamins and medications.

If you smoke, plan to quit at least three weeks before your surgery and not to resume for at least three weeks after your surgery. Avoid overexposure of your breasts to the sun before and after your surgery.Do not go on a stringent diet, as both of these situations can inhibit your ability to heal. If you develop a cold or infection of any kind, your surgery will probably be postponed.

You should always arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery and to help you out for a day or two after you leave the clinic, if needed.

Where Your Surgery Will Be Performed

Most surgeons today who are dedicated to performing cosmetic plastic surgery perform their surgeries in fully accredited private surgical centres. Some surgeons still perform surgery in hospital settings. There are some important differences to note for each. Private surgical centers add an unprecedented level of privacy and comfort to your surgical experience for a number of reasons. If designed well, the centre will usually have a private entrance, exit and waiting area to keep your privacy secured. Most of the nurses and staff in a private surgical centre will also be very accustomed to doing your procedure, unlike public hospital nurses who will rarely do cosmetic plastic surgery. Many of the nurses in the private centre will likely have had the procedure done on themselves and will be able to share their experiences with you. Private surgical facilities can also be as safe as any hospital as long as they are fully accredited surgical centres.In Canada, an accredited surgical centre should be accredited by the CAAASF. In the United States, the AAAASF is the similar accrediting body. Clinics with these accreditations should have sufficient safety equipment and trained personnel to safely perform any cosmetic procedure.

Anesthesia

One of the most critical parts of your surgery is your anesthesia. In most centres in North America, anesthesia is provided either by an M.D. who is specialized in anesthesia or a nurse certified in anesthesia. At the Blue Water Surgical Centre Ltd., your anesthesia is performed by a fully certified anesthesiologist M.D.FRCSC. We believe that this specialist plays as critical a role as does your surgeon in the final outcome. There are four different types of anesthesia routinely used in plastic surgery.

1. General - Complete anesthesia, with intubation and respirations performed by an anesthetic machine.
2. I.V. Sedation - Sedation without airway intubation. You are generally very sleepy and unaware of your surroundings, but still conscious enough to maintain your airway.
3. Spinal - Paralysis and anesthesia of the lower body while completely awake.
4. Local Anesthetic - Anesthesia "numbing" of a specific area while completely awake.

Breast Augmentation can be performed under options 1 through 3. Most Breast Augmentations here at the Blue Water Surgical Center Ltd. are performed under option number 1 with wonderful results.

Details Of The Surgery

Breast Augmentation usually takes one to two hours, depending on the extent of the work required. There are several different incisions to choose from.Incisions can be made under the nipple, under the breast, through the armpit or through the belly button. In any case, every effort will be made to keep the scar as inconspicuous as possible. Once inside the breast, Dr. Kaila will lift the tissue to form a teardropped pocket to rest your implant in, whether you chose to go behind the breast tissue or behind the chest wall muscle (pectoral muscle), the implants are centered symmetrically behind both nipples.

Post-Operative

It is a standard requirement that we recover you in the recovery room for the same length of time you are under anesthesia. When you are conscious, comfortable, and your vital signs are stable, we will get you up, offer you something to drink, dress you (sports bra included) and take you to the bathroom before you depart for home. Post operative instructions will be given to you at the time of your discharge, which will include our 24 hour emergency phone number should a concern arise after normal office hours.

Your breasts will probably be swollen for the first few days and you're likely to feel some pain and discomfort which can be controlled by the medication prescribed to you at the time of surgery.

Your sutures are dissolvable and will not require removal.You may find ends of the suture protruding through your skin; simply leave them in place until your next post operative visit.

Summary

Breast Augmentation and Reconstruction, whether above or below the muscle, silicone or saline filled, produces excellent results for patients with mammary hypoplasia (small breasts). In most cases, the results are long lasting, if you follow the post operative support and massage routine. If you're realistic in your expectations and prepared for a positive bodily image change, then Breast Augmentation may be just the answer for you.