Make sure to understand all risks before undergoing surgery
Breast Enlargement
Also Known as Breast Augmentation
Breast enlargement and shaping of the breast can be done by surgically inserting a special prosthesis known as a breast implant. There are two primary types of breast implants: saline-filled and silicone-gel-filled. Saline filled implants are currently the most commonly used because the saline can be safely absorbed by the body if the implant leaks or ruptures. Make sure to discuss with your plastic surgeon what type of implants work best for you.
There are different ways to perform this surgery; the implants can be placed behind or in front of the chest wall muscle. Make sure to discuss all options with your surgeon. Get a second opinion if you are not sure what surgery to have.
When the surgeon positions the implant, an incision is made either at the bottom crease of the breast, the armpit, or along the lower edge of the areola (the colored area surrounding the nipple). After the implant has been carefully adjusted to the correct shape and position, the incision is closed with stitches. Many women chose to get a breast lift (mastopexy) delete at the same time as the breast enlargement. A breast lift can help to correct sagging or drooping breasts.
Most of the time, patients have the surgery done at a surgery center (it takes about 1–2 hours) and go home afterwards to recover.
Before the surgery, make sure you understand what to expect during recovery and allow yourself time to heal.
The most common reasons that women decide on this surgery are either cosmetic or to reconstruct the breast after mastectomy (breast cancer surgery). According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, breast enlargement today is the most commonly performed cosmetic procedure in the United States. In 2006, 329,000 women chose to undergo this surgery to look better. Today, over 2 million American women have implants.
Dr. Bodai strongly recommends that women who undergo breast surgery inform themselves well about the procedure, so that they fully understand the risks and how to recover afterwards. Visit the American Society of Plastic Surgeons to learn more about the procedure or go to Imaginis.com, the women’s online health resource that explains complicated medical terms in everyday language.
When choosing a doctor, make sure your plastic surgeon is certified by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). Click here.
Breast Reduction
Also Known as Mammoplasty
Breast reduction surgery is for women with large breasts who suffer chronic back, neck and shoulder pain, skin rashes under the breasts, restriction of movement or low self-esteem.
During the surgery, excess breast fat, glandular tissue and skin is removed to achieve a breast size in proportion with the body.
Dr. Bodai strongly recommends that women who plan to undergo breast surgery inform themselves well about the procedure, so that they fully understand the risks and how to recover afterwards. Visit the American Society of Plastic Surgeons to learn more about the procedure or go to Imaginis.com, the women online
health resource that explains complicated medical terms in everyday language.
When choosing a doctor, make sure your plastic surgeons is certified by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).
Breast reduction today is also a common surgery. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, more than 104,000 breast reduction surgeries were performed in 2006.
Important to know
Breast implants won’t stop your breasts from going through their natural process. Consequently, there will be some sagging and drooping as you age, gain or lose weight or have babies.
If a woman enlarges her breasts for cosmetic reasons, insurance will not cover the cost of surgery. Also, most insurance companies do not cover the costs of treatment if there are complications during or after surgery or for future surgeries to remove or replace the implants. It is important to check with your insurance company before the surgery to see what you are covered for.
BE AWARE: Breast implants require specialized mammograms. Therefore it is crucial when scheduling
a mammogram to tell the technician what kind of implants you have (saline or silicone) and whether they are behind or in front of the chest muscle. Women with implants often require additional views as provided in a mammogram.
Often women with breast implants do not get mammograms because they are scared that due to the pressure their implants may rupture. Dr. Bodai wants you to know that this very rarely happens and having regular mammograms after the age of 40 is a must for all women with or without implants!
