About the Procedure

The implants that are now widely available for breast augmentation are solid silicone shells filled with a salt-water solution. These "saline implants" have been shown to be safe and effective. During the procedure, the surgeon will create a "pocket," either directly beneath your breast tissue, or underneath the pectoral chest muscle. The implants are then inserted into the pocket and centered behind your nipples. The incision can be made in the crease where the breast meets the chest, on the undersurface of the areola (the dark skin surrounding the nipple), or under the arm. The physician's goal is to create optimal results while ensuring the strategic placement of the scars.

Recovery and Healing

You should be up and about within a couple of days after surgery. However, you will be sore. It's a good idea to buy a new bra in your planned size that opens and closes in the front, so that while recovering you won't have to lift your arms behind your back. Dressings are removed in two days and stitches in about a week following surgery.

Risks

Expect initial swelling to subside within a month. Following surgery you will likely feel tired and sore for about a week. Your physician will prescribe medication to control your discomfort. As with any surgical procedure, there is always a possibility of infection, or reaction to the anesthesia. Sometimes, a condition known as capsular contraction occurs, which is the over-formation of scar tissue around the implant. This can make your breast feel firm or even hard.

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