Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation, also known as augmentation mammoplasty, is a surgical enhancement procedure that accentuates the size and shape of a woman's breasts. Breast augmentation with implants gives Rapid City, SD, women a fuller profile and can increase breast volume that is lost due to pregnancy or nursing.
Reasons for Considering Breast Augmentation
Women choose breast augmentation for their own personal reasons including:
- Enhancing body shape if breasts are too small.
- Increasing breast volume after pregnancy and nursing.
- Equalizing a difference in breast size to achieve breast symmetry.
While breast augmentation will make the breasts larger, the surgery will not move the breasts closer together or lift sagging breasts. Many patients choose additional procedures, such as breast lift and liposuction, to complement their breast augmentation surgery. Breast implants are also commonly used to rebuild the breasts during breast reconstruction for patients who have experienced breast cancer.
Meet Dr. Snyder
Dr. Snyder is certified by both the American Board
of Plastic Surgery and the American Board
of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery.
General Procedure
When Dr. Mary Snyder performs breast augmentation, she begins by inserting each implant through a small incision. She commonly performs the surgery on an outpatient basis at a hospital or surgery center while the patient is under a general anesthesia and asleep. Several possible locations for the small incision can be used for inserting the breast implant. The most frequent technique utilizes an incision made in the lower portion of the breast. An alternate technique makes an incision around the areola (the darker skin surrounding the nipple). The best technique will be decided together between the patient and the surgeon during the consultation.
During surgery, the breast tissue is raised to create an open pocket under the breast tissue or beneath the chest wall muscle. Inserting an implant behind each breast can increase a woman's breast size by one or more bra cup sizes. Implants typically contain a saline solution (similar to saltwater) or a silicone gel. Surgery typically lasts 1 to 2 hours.
Recovery for Breast Augmentation Patients
Generally, post-operative instructions call for rest and limited movement in order to speed up the healing process and recovery time for Rapid City, SD, and Gillette, WY, women. Breast augmentation patients must wear a specialized surgical bra for several weeks. Most patients are allowed to return to work within one week of surgery. Discomfort after surgery is treated with oral pain medication. While complications are rare, patients can minimize potential problems by carefully following the directions given by the physician after surgery.
Getting Started
Would you like to learn more about breast agumentation? Request an appointment online with Dr. Mary Snyder or call her at the office of Monument Plastic Surgery at (605) 721-5065.
