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 Before
Surgery
Prior to surgery, a complete medical history is taken in order
to evaluate the general health of the patient. A thorough
examination of the breasts is also made to determine the most
effective surgical approach. Dr. Edds will discuss with you
the type of anesthesia to be used, the procedure, what results
might realistically be expected and the possible risks and
complications.
Mammograms are required on all patients
over thirty. Preoperative instructions often include
the elimination of certain drugs which contain aspirin in
order to minimize the possibility of excess bleeding.
Antibiotics designed to prevent infection may be prescribed.
The
Procedure
A breast augmentation is usually performed in our accredited
outpatient surgical center. The physician may choose from
a variety of surgical procedures, depending upon what changes
are desired. Prior to surgery, pre-medication is administered
to relax you and the breasts are carefully marked to indicate
where incisions are to be made.
One of the techniques most frequently used
is an incision made in the lower portion of the breast near
the chest wall or around the lower portion of the areola (the
dark pink area circling the nipple). When the incision is
made in the lower portion of the breast, breast tissue is
raised to create a pocket beneath the chest wall muscle. An
implant containing a saline solution is inserted into the
pocket. Different sizes of implants may be used to correct
breast asymmetry.
After the implant is securely in place,
small sutures are used to close the incision. A breast augmentation
normally takes approximately one hour, depending upon the
procedure and extent of the surgery.
Following
Surgery
Following surgery, you will have a dressing, surgical bra
and strap. Pain connected with the
procedure is treated with oral medication. Antibiotics
will be prescribed to prevent infection. Instructions for
the day of surgery include bed rest and limited activities.
Dr. Edds determines when normal activities can be resumed;
however, strenuous exercise and overhead
lifting must be avoided in the early postoperative period.
Sutures are removed
in seven days, at which time Dr. Edds may recommend massage
to keep the breast supple. Numbness around the treated area
may occur, but this condition is usually temporary. Swelling
and discoloration disappear in a few days, and scars from
the incisions, although permanent, fade significantly with
time.
Complications of infection and slow healing
are rare; however there are certain inherent risks connected
with every surgical procedure, which should be thoroughly
discussed with Dr. Edds. You can minimize complications by
carefully following directions given by the physician. In
some cases in which the breast becomes too firm due to formation
of scar tissue, a second procedure may be necessary.
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