How is a Breast Implant Augmentation Surgery Performed?

There are several different surgical approaches to the incision for breast implants. The most popular include Periareolar (around the nipple), Inframammary (beneath the fold of the breast), and Axillary ( in the crease of the arm-pit). A small incision is made in the chosen location, and the implant is placed either under the breast tissue or under the muscle. You and your surgeon, Dr. Murphy or Dr. Strand, will decide which incision is best for you.

What type of implant is used?

There are two main types of implants used in breast  implant augmentation surgery.  Those filled with saline and those filled with a silicone gel.  Saline implants are filled with a sloution that is similar to the fluid in the human body. In 2006 the FDA approved silicone breast implants, after two decades of reserch and testing all over the world. Silicone gel implants are filled with a cohesive substance that is more like a solid than a liquid. Implants can be round or tear-drop shaped, smooth or textured.  During your personal consultation with Dr. Murphy or Dr. Strand, he will determine which implant is best for you.

Are Breast Implants safe?

After reviewing years of evidence and research concerning silicone gel-filled breast implants, the Institute of Medicine found that “evidence suggests diseases or conditions such as connective tissue diesases, cancer, neurological diseases or other systemic complaints or conditions are no more common in wormen with breast implants than in women without implants.”

How will I feel after surgery?

Immediately after surgery you will have some swelling, soreness, and bruising. Your surgeon will prescribe pain medications for the discomfort.  You will be up and about the next day, but very conservatively. No lifting you arms above your head, or lifting any heavy objects.  Stitches are generally removed a week later.

You will experience some swelling and bruising for a few weeks, but reducing over time.  Incisions will be red to pink, but fade out to light pink or white over time. We do have a Cutera laser, that can minimize the discoloration of the scars quicker, if the patient chooses.  You will continue to wear a good support bra, 23 hours a day.

You will notice an immediate result and increase in breast size, but keep in mind, you have some swelling at this point. You will need to do some massage exercises to the breasts, to help get the surgical pocket where you implants were placed, to relax. New implants tend to “ride high” at first, then relax into a natural placement over time.  You will probably have more realistic results after about 3 months.

After 4-6 weeks you may resume more vigorous exercise and full range of motion with your arms.   Follow-up care will occur within a week after surgery, and approximately every 3 months for the first year.

Dr. Murphy and Dr. Strand will call you the first night or following day after surgery, to make sure you are doing well. We are on-call for you 24 hours a day, if necessary.