Effect
This surgical procedure enhances the size and shape of a woman’s breasts using breast implants. The plastic surgeon inserts one implant behind each breast, increasing the bustline by one or more cup sizes.

Process
Breast enlargement—Augmentation Mammoplasty—can be an outpatient surgery procedure, under local sedation or general anesthesia, lasting about one hour.
Incisions can be under the arm, under the breast fold or under the nipple. The plastic surgeon will create a pocket for the implant, either directly behind the breast tissue—subglandular position—or under the pectoralis muscle—submuscular position. When the implant is positioned within this pocket, the incisions are closed.

After Surgery
Some temporary soreness and swelling can be expected. Medication prescribed by the plastic surgeon will control discomfort, if needed. Expect to be up and walking on the day of surgery, but not driving. Also consider arranging care from a friend or family member for the first 24 hours following surgery, and possibly a day or so longer. Risks for breast enlargement are minimal, but include scarring, changes in nipple sensation, breast hardening due to scar tissue, infection, bleeding, or implant rupture, leakage or shifting that causes a sudden change in size or position. The risks, and what to do if symptoms appear, are discussed in detail before surgery.

Recheck
You will have a follow-up appointment approximately 3-6 days after surgery.

Recovery
Recovery instructions tailored to each woman’s surgery procedure and experience will be provided by the plastic surgeon. These instructions will be very detailed, including everything from the type of bra to be worn to when to return to work and how soon normal activities can be resumed. Generally, plastic surgeons recommend walking around and light activity as soon as possible, but pushing, pulling, lifting, and twisting should be avoided until approved. Expect a return to work in a few days (depending on the level of activity required in your job), moderate exercise in one to two weeks and full activity in four to six weeks. Fading of scarring occurs within several months to a year or more.

Often Asked
Q. Are implants permanent?
A. Breast enlargement with surgically positioned implants is the most permanent choice for enhancing the bustline. The duration of the results achieved through surgery are variable and implants may require removal or replacement. Because there is a potential for leakage, we suggest that our patients come in from time to time so we can monitor the condition of their implants. As always, we encourage our patients to monitor breast health as instructed by their primary care physician.

Q. What effect does breast enlargement have on mammograms?
A. Mammograms should be continued after breast enlargement for women in the appropriate age range. It is very important that you advise the technician about your implants so that specialized techniques can be used and additional views can be taken, if needed.

Q. Will breast enlargement affect breastfeeding?
A. Generally there is no effect on breastfeeding or the ability to produce milk from breast enlargement. Please tell us if breastfeeding is expected to be part of your future.

Q. Where will my surgery be performed?
A. Breast enlargement procedures are performed in our private surgery suite at the Calobrace Breast Center. Our fully equipped, state-of-the-art operating rooms were designed and built especially for these procedures, and for use only by Calobrace plastic surgeons and our highly experienced surgical team.

Q. Could someone who notices my fuller appearance “know” I’ve had surgery?
A. Friends and family will notice the difference when they see you after surgery, but only those you tell will know for certain. People you meet will assume that your fuller shape is the “real” you, and it assuredly is. The source of your fuller shape may be revealed upon touch, since firmness may vary from natural breasts, but this is to be expected from the enlargement procedure and should not be a source of undo concern.

Of Note
The Calobrace Centers surgeons are recognized among the leaders in the nation for breast enlargement procedures. Both surgeons receive patients from across the nation based on referrals from other physicians. As often as his schedule allows, Dr. Calobrace leads national conferences for plastic surgeons about advancements in breast procedures and implant technology. Dr. Mizuguchi, a clinical faculty member of the University of Louisville’s School of Medicine, is among fifty plastic surgeons in the United States evaluating a newly developed gel implant that offers patients a more natural look and feel.

More About Breast Implants
Breast implants are manufactured to exacting standards for medical devices. Implants have a smooth or textured rubber shell that is filled with saline solution (sterile salt water). The choice of implant can enhance breast size, plus the breast’s shape, width and projection. In some cases, they help create cleavage.