Breast Enlargement

General Description

Breast enlargement, technically called enlargement mammoplasty, is a cosmetic surgical procedure to improve the size and shape of female breasts. 
Before undertaking this surgery, carefully think about your expectations and discuss them with your physician.

Benefits

Best candidates for surgery are women who want to improve their physical appearance.

Procedure

Enlargement mammoplasty is a relatively safe surgery. Nevertheless, there are risks, like in any other surgical procedure.
Breast enlargement surgery might cause capsular contracture around the implant as a way for the organism to fight a foreign body. This capsule presses the implant, which causes the breast to harden. Capsular contracture can be treated in many ways. Sometimes it will be necessary to remove or open the capsule and other times the implant has to be replaced or taken out.

Discuss your expectations with your physician. Be honest; let him know whether you smoke, take medication, vitamins or use any drugs. The plastic surgeon should also let you know the type of anesthesia needed, the facilities provided and cost. Since insurance companies do not consider breast enlargement a medically necessary procedure, they do not cover the costs.

Possible Complications

Health problems, like in any other type of surgery, might arise: excessive bleeding can cause pain and inflammation. If bleeding does not stop, the patient must be operated to remove blood. A small percentage of women might develop infection around the implant. In these cases, the implant should be removed for several months until infection stops, and then, a new implant will be placed.
Some women experience increase or loss of sensibility around the nipples, but these symptoms usually disappear very fast. There is no evidence that breast enlargement affects fertility, pregnancy, breastfeeding or that it can cause cancer.
Rupture could also occur. You should be aware of changes in shape and consistency. Like a consequence, the patient will be operated to replace the implant.
Some women have experienced symptoms similar to the ones caused by diseases in the immune system, like scleroderma or other arthritic-related. These symptoms can include pain or swollen joints, fever, fatigue or breast pain. Scientific studies around the world have not shown a direct relationship between silicon implants and these alterations in the connective tissue.
In your first consultation, the surgeon will evaluate your physical condition and will explain the appropriate technique for you taking into consideration your breasts and skin pigmentation.

Hospitalization

Breast enlargement is an ambulatory surgical procedure, so make sure someone goes with you to help you get home afterwards.