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Breast Enlargement (Breast Augmentation) |
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Breast
Augmentation or Augmentation
Mammoplasty involves placement
of an implant to increase
the volume and enhance the
shape of the breasts. This
operation is expected to make
you feel more confident about
your appearance. |
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| Who
is a Good Candidate? |
One
or more of the following conditions
may indicate that you are a good
candidate for this operation: |
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Breasts
are smaller than desired. |
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Clothing
fits well around the hips are
too large for the bustline. |
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You
feel self conscious wearing
a swimming suit. |
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One
of your breasts is noticeably
smaller than the other. |
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| Private
Consultation: |
During
your initial consultation you will discuss
with your plastic surgeon your past and
present medical conditions and current
medications used. He should be made aware
if you have hypertension, thyroid problems
or diabetes or if you may be pregnant.
He should also know about your past surgeries,
personal habits, such as smoking and drinking.
You should reveal any past surgeries or
allergies to any medications. It is of
utmost importance to mention the history
of breast cancer in your family. A physical
examination will be performed and preoperative
photographs will be taken. You may be
shown before and after photographs. Lab
tests, x-rays or EKG may be ordered depending
on your general health. A baseline mammogram
is suggested for women over 35 years old.
After the conclusion of your consultation
and physical examination the fees will
be discussed with you by the doctor and
his staff. |
| Preparing
for surgery: |
It
is advisable to stop smoking two weeks
prior to and two weeks following surgery.
Do not drink any alcoholic beverage two
days prior to and one week following surgery.
Have
your mammogram and any lab work done at
least two weeks prior to surgery if you
are over 35 years old or if there is any
history of breast cancer in your family.
Avoid
taking aspirin
and aspirin
containing products such as Advil and
avoid garlic and garlic products two weeks
prior to surgery. These products can prolong
bleeding and increase bruising. Tylenol
may be taken during this period.
For
a period of two days before surgery you
wash your upper torso from neck to waist
with Betadine soap for 15 minutes twice
per day. An additional wash should be
done right before the surgery. No skin
product should be used two days prior
to the surgery. Do not eat or drink anything
after midnight before surgery. You may,
however, take prescriptive medication
with a small amount of water and brush
your teeth the morning of surgery. Wear
a loose fitting blouse or dress that does
not pull over your head to the surgical
suite. Loose sweats are recommended as
you will be in a compression garment after
surgery and they may be difficult to get
on. Do not wear jewelry or bring valuables
when coming for surgery.
Please
plan to have someone bring you to and
take you home from surgery and stay with
you at least the first 24 hours. Notify
the office staff of this person's name
and telephone number prior to surgery.
Have all prescriptions filled a few days
before surgery, so they will be available
for you when you arrive home from surgery. |
The
Procedure: |
The
operation is usually performed under general
anesthesia and occasionally under local
anesthesia with conscious sedation as
an outpatient. There are different approaches
and each surgeon has his or her own choice.
I approach the breasts mostly through
an incision on the lower border of the
areola, (the dark skin around the nipple),
however it can be performed through the
under arm or under the breast as well.
The implant can be placed in front of
or behind the chest muscles. I usually
place them behind the muscles and occasionally,
in front of the muscle. |
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Surgical
Risks:
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This
operation is performed on millions of
women with success, but anyone undergoing
the procedure, however, should be aware
of the benefits and risks. Potential complications
include reaction to the anesthesia, blood
collection that may need drainage or re-surgery,
infection, which may require removal and
later replacement of the implants, change
in sensation of the nipple and surrounding
skin, which is usually temporary. The
scar is usually unnoticeable, but on occasion
it may be noticeable and may require a
minor procedure for improvement. The capsule,
which is a natural scar formation around
the implants may undergo contracture (shrinkage)
and make the breast firm. By placing the
implant behind the muscle, this risk decreases.
It can be corrected by surgical release
of the capsule.
If
the saline filled implant leaks, it causes
no harm and the saline will be absorbed
by the body within hours.The implant can
be replaced with no difficulty.
There
is no scientific evidence that breast
augmentation increases the risk of breast
cancer, however, presence of breast implants
makes it more difficult to take and read
the mammograms. Placement of the implant
beneath the chest muscle may improve this
interference.
After
breast augmentation it is possible to
return to work in about a week or so depending
on your job. Vigorous activities, especially
movement of the arms may be restricted
for one to three weeks. Recovery time
varies from person to person depending
on the patient's motivation. Most patients
should be able to drive within three to
five days after surgery. Strenuous exercise
and aerobics should resume no earlier
than three to four weeks after surgery.
Sexual activity should be avoided for
at least two weeks after surgery and one
should be extremely gentle with the breasts
for the first month or so. Self examination
or examination by your physician can be
resumed approximately one month following
surgery. |
Postoperative
Care: |
| Rest
the night after surgery on your back on
one or two pillows.
You
may experience moderate pain for the first
two to three days following surgery. Pain
medication is given to reduce the pain
during your recovery period. A slight
fever is normal during the first few days
following surgery.
You
will have bandages in place for about
three days. These bandages should remain
intact without getting them wet. You may
remove them and take a shower on the third
or fourth day after surgery. You will
have sutures in place for 7 - 10 days.
You may experience bruising and swelling
for one to two weeks. Please bring an
underwire bra with you on your first postoperative
visit in case any minor adjustments are
needed.
You
are encouraged to call the office if you
have any questions. |
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Fees:
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It
is customary that the fees for surgery
to be paid two weeks prior to surgery.
This assures that the patient is sincere
in his or her motivation. The fees include
the surgeon's fee, the facility charge,
which is private and fully accredited
with high tech equipment, and anesthesiologist
or certified nurse anesthetist, if general
anesthesia is used. Also included in these
fees are any laboratory tests performed
in the office or use of special equipment.
It is very rare that insurance plans cover
cosmetic surgery. Please feel free to
ask the office staff if you have any questions
in that regard.
We
understand this is a very important decision
in your life and you would like to do
this for yourself. In your private consultation
with Dr. Zandi, who is a Board Certified
plastic surgeon, you may discuss your
needs and also obtain additional information. |
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