Plastic Surgery Basics – The 411 on Mammoplasty

The interest in breast augmentation is multifaceted. Many women are not comfortable with shape, size or unevenness in their breast. Other women feel themselves that large breasts are more attractive. Many entertainers have had breast augmentation surgery for professional reasons and have opened up in recent years, sharing their experiences with the public.

Mammoplasty - Image Compliments of NIH

More than 30,000 women had breast enlargements surgery last year. These surgeries replaced or repaired lost breast mass resulting from  mastectomy or lumpectomy surgical procedures. While many women have been helped by this procedure even more have chosen to have elective breast augmentation or breast enlargement to enhance the shape and size of the breast, to balance uneven breasts, and to bring new life and firmness to breasts as they sag with age or after pregnancy.

Breast enlargement or augmentation involves insertion of a breast implant  behind the breast tissue or under the pectoral muscle which will then push the breast tissue forward, making the breast appear fuller. Breast augmentation is performed in a plastic surgery center or a hospital and usually requires general anesthesia. Sometimes an overnight stay in the hospital is needed.

After surgery most patents experience mild to moderate pain and discomfort, and generally a sedative or pain control medication will be proscribed. The patients are, however,  generally active again within two days. Bandages are removed within three days and a surgical support bra is used to stabilize the breast. This will also reduce discomfort and ensure that the incisions are not overstressed. Nipple sensitivity is common but goes away as the bruising dissipates and within about ten days the stitches are removed. Within about five weeks all swelling is usually gone.

As with any type of surgery the best candidates are those who are in good physical, mental and emotional health and have reasonable expectations of the result to be achieved. As with any type of cosmetic surgery a board certified plastic surgeon should be consulted before making final decisions.

While the aesthetician is not a specialist, or even a doctor for that matter, an aesthetician is in an allied profession, often working closely with plastic surgeons and is trusted by her clients. You may find yourself in the position where your client is asking your opinion or seeking general information about mammoplasty, and therefore you should arm yourself with basic information.