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What kinds of implants are used for breast augmentation?
In most cases
saline-filled implants are used. The plastic shell of an implant is
filled with intravenous grade saline (fluid commonly used in various
medications and IV solutions - a mixture of salt and water). In some
cases, patients may be eligible to receive silicone gel-filled
implants through the Silicone Gel Implant Adjunct Study. FDA allows
use of these implants for the patients requiring breast lift
procedures, reconstruction of either inborn or acquired breast
deformities. These implants are also available for patients
replacing already present silicone implants or replacing saline
implants.
How is breast enlargement done?
The procedure consists of creating a pocket under the breast tissue
and placing a soft, natural-feeling implant material underneath the
breast or the pectoral muscle. Exact position of the implant (subglandular
or submuscular) can only be recommended by Dr. Turowski after the
clinical evaluation of the patient. There is a variety of implants
designs and Dr. Turowski will review with you potential advantages
of certain designs during a consultation.
What kind of scars can I expect?
Since the saline implants are inserted deflated and are injected
with saline only while inside the body the incision can be kept to
minimal (usually shorter than an inch). Moreover, although incisions
are minimal, every attempt is made to hide them either in the arm
pit or under the areola, where they can be barely noticeable on the
border of lighter and darker skin. Axillary (armpit) approach
requires minimally invasive endoscopic video techniques which are
readily available to Dr. Turowski.
Am I going to loose nipple sensation?
Minimally invasive techniques utilized by Dr. Turowski very
infrequently result in nipple sensation alteration. Nipple sensation
loss is extremely uncommon and is independent of the incision site
chosen. The nipples may actually be hypersensitive (e.g. more
sensitive) for some time after surgery.
What kind of anesthesia is used for breast augmentation?
With the current
advanced anesthesia techniques the best and safe way to perform
breast augmentation is to do the procedures under deep intravenous
sedation with patient totally unaware of the ongoing surgical action.
This allows for pain-free surgical procedure while permitting
avoidance of
risky chest wall injections for local pain control. Postoperative
nausea is minimized by this approach and there are no complaints of
postoperative sore throat, hoarseness typical for general anesthesia
and tracheal intubations.
How long does the procedure take?
Although the
surgical time for breast augmentation may vary depending on
particular patient's situation, it generally requires less than one
hour of anesthesia time.
Do I have to stay in the hospital?
Breast augmentation is typically an outpatient procedure (patient
returns home after she is recovered from anesthesia). However, to
accommodate some patients’ needs, an overnight stay and nursing
support can be arranged.
What is the typical recovery?
After surgery, the patient is wrapped in a compressive dressing. The
following morning the dressing is removed and she is placed in a
supportive bra. The discomfort after the breast augmentation
procedure can be significant. Therefore, Dr Turowski is using
revolutionary pain control system, the so-called “pain pump” (N-Q
system). This disposable device, which is placed during surgery,
delivers local anesthetic directly to the operative site, providing
over 48 hrs of pain relief. The device is then easily removed in the
comfort of your home. Routine activities can usually be resumed
within few days. Sports and exercises can be resumed within few
weeks.
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