What to Expect During Breast Augmentation Surgery?

The first and perhaps most important step in your Breast Augmentation procedure is your consultation with Dr. Parra. Dr. Miguel Parra performs all types of Breast Augmentation-round or anatomical, saline or silicone. Which type of Breast Augmentation is right for you will depend upon several factors, including the overall breast size and shape you are hoping to obtain, your current body frame and anatomy, and your preferred scarring location. Implant brands used include Mentor, Allergen, Silimed and Sivine. Patients are expected to fast for at least 12 hours prior to surgery.

The Operation

Although there are plenty of options available, Dr. Parra’s preferred methods of placement are either cutting around the edge of the nipple (periareolar incision) or in the breast crease (inframammary incision). The first kind of incision, around the nipple, allows for precise creation of the pocket that will house the implant, and is considered to control bleeding effectively. The latter, which follows the crease under the breast, allows the implant to be placed either in front of, partially under or completely under the pectoral muscle wall behind the breast tissue, and its location close to the breast provides good visibility as the surgeon works.

Both incisions are preferred because their location reduces the possibility of visible scarring. Once the incision has been made, a path is cut through the tissue to the final destination of the implant. Implants may be inserted either beneath the chest wall muscle or behind the existing breast tissue. Textured implants are used for above the muscle implant placements, and smooth implants are used for implants placed under the muscle.

Once that path has been created, the tissue and/or muscle (depending on placement) is separated to create a pocket for the implant. Once the implant is positioned, the incision is closed. When implant is done under the breast, patients can expect a scar about 1 inch wide. Breast Augmentation procedures can last from 1 to 2 hours. The surgery is performed under general anesthesia and local anesthesia is applied to the site as well.