Our cost for saline implant breast augmentation is $3900
*which includes surgery center, anesthesia, plastic surgeon fees
and implants. For details call our office at 316-315-0820
for information and to schedule an appointment. *see disclaimer
at the bottom of the page.
Breast augmentation, technically known as augmentation mammoplasty, is
a surgical procedure to enhance the size and shape of a woman's breast
for a number of reasons:
To enhance the body contour of a woman who, for personal
reasons, feels her breast size is too small.
To correct a reduction in breast volume after pregnancy.
To balance a difference in breast size.
As a reconstructive technique following breast surgery.
By inserting an implant behind each breast, surgeons are able to
increase a woman's bust line by one or more bra cup sizes. If you're
considering breast augmentation, this will give you a basic
understanding of the procedure--when it can help, how it's performed,
and what results you can expect. It can't answer all of your
questions, since a lot depends on your individual circumstances.
Please ask your surgeon if there is anything you don't understand
about the procedure.
The best candidates for breast augmentation
Breast augmentation can enhance your appearance and your
self-confidence, but it won't necessarily change your looks to match
your ideal, or cause other people to treat you differently. Before you
decide to have surgery, think carefully about your expectations and
discuss them with your surgeon.
The best candidates for breast augmentation are women who are looking
for improvement, not perfection, in the way they look. If you're
physically healthy and realistic in your expectations, you may be a
good candidate.
Breast augmentation is usually done to
balance a difference in breast size, to
improve body contour, or as a reconstructive
technique following surgery.
Types of implants Saline versus Silicone gel
A breast implant be filled with saline or silicone gel. The shell is a
soft solid silicone.
A recent article in the American Journal of Plastic Surgery reviews
and compares the two different types of breast implants. Click here
to read this well written article.
All surgery carries some uncertainty and risk
Breast augmentation is relatively straightforward. But as with any
operation, there are risks associated with surgery and specific
complications associated with this procedure.
The most common problem, capsular contracture, occurs if the scar or
capsule around the implant begins to tighten. This squeezing of the
soft implant can cause the breast to feel hard. Capsular contracture
can be treated in several ways, and sometimes requires either removal
or "scoring" of the scar tissue, or perhaps removal or replacement of
the implant.
As with any surgical procedure, excessive bleeding following the
operation may cause some swelling and pain. If excessive bleeding
continues, another operation may be needed to control the bleeding and
remove the accumulated blood.
A small percentage of women develop an infection around an implant.
This may occur at any time, but is most often seen within a week after
surgery. In some cases, the implant may need to be removed for several
months until the infection clears. A new implant can then be inserted.
Some women report that their nipples become oversensitive,
under sensitive, or even numb. You may also notice small patches of
numbness near your incisions. These symptoms usually disappear within
time, but may be permanent in some patients.
There is no evidence that breast implants will affect fertility,
pregnancy, or your ability to nurse. If, however, you have nursed a
baby within the year before augmentation, you may produce milk for a
few days after surgery. This may cause some discomfort, but can be
treated with medication prescribed by your doctor.
Occasionally, breast implants may break or leak. Rupture can occur as
a result of injury or even from the normal compression and movement of
your breast and implant, causing the man-made shell to leak. If a
saline-filled implant breaks, the implant will deflate in a few hours
and the salt water will be harmlessly absorbed by the body.
If a break occurs in a gel-filled implant, however, one of two things
may occur. If the shell breaks but the scar capsule around the implant
does not, you may not detect any change. If the scar also breaks or
tears, especially following extreme pressure, silicone gel may move
into surrounding tissue. The gel may collect in the breast and cause a
new scar to form around it, or it may migrate to another area of the
body. There may be a change in the shape or firmness of the breast.
Both types of breaks may require a second operation and replacement of
the leaking implant. In some cases, it may not be possible to remove
all of the silicone gel in the breast tissue if a rupture should
occur.
A few women with breast implants have reported symptoms similar to
diseases of the immune system, such as scleroderma and other
arthritis-like conditions. These symptoms may include joint pain or
swelling, fever, fatigue, or breast pain. Research has found no clear
link between silicone breast implants and the symptoms of what doctors
refer to as "connective-tissue disorders," but the FDA has requested
further study.
While there is no evidence that breast implants cause breast cancer,
they may change the way mammography is done to detect cancer. When you
request a routine mammogram, be sure to go to a radiology center where
technicians are experienced in the special techniques required to get
a reliable x-ray of a breast with an implant. Additional views will be
required. Ultrasound examinations may be of benefit in some women with
implants to detect breast lumps or to evaluate the implant.
While the majority of women do not experience these complications, you
should discuss each of them with your physician to make sure you
understand the risks and consequences of breast augmentation.
Planning your surgery
In your initial consultation, your surgeon will evaluate your health
and explain which surgical techniques are most appropriate for you,
based on the condition of your breasts and skin tone. If your breasts
are sagging, your doctor may also recommend a breast lift.
Be sure to discuss your expectations frankly with your surgeon. He or
she should be equally frank with you, describing your alternatives and
the risks and limitations of each. You may want to ask your surgeon
for a copy of the manufacturer's insert that comes with the implant he
or she will use -- just so you are fully informed about it. And, be
sure to tell your surgeon if you smoke, and if you're taking any
medications, vitamins, or other drugs.
Your surgeon should also explain the type of anesthesia to be used,
the type of facility where the surgery will be performed, and the
costs involved. Because most insurance companies do not consider
breast augmentation to be medically necessary, carriers generally do
not cover the cost of this procedure.
Preparing for your surgery
Your surgeon will give you instructions to prepare for surgery,
including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or
avoiding certain vitamins and medications.
While making preparations, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you
home after your surgery and to help you out for a few days, if needed.
Where your surgery will be performed
Dr. Rieger prefers to perform the operation in a state-of-the
art accredited outpatient surgery center.
Types of anesthesia
Breast augmentation can be performed with a general anesthesia, so
you'll sleep through the entire operation.
The surgery
The method of inserting and positioning your implant will depend on
your anatomy and your surgeon's recommendation. The incision can be
made either in the crease where the breast meets the chest, around the
areola (the dark skin surrounding the nipple), in the armpit or
through the belly button ( transumbilical augmentation
or TUBA ). Every
effort will be made to assure that the incision is placed so resulting
scars will be as inconspicuous as possible.
Incisions are made to keep scars as
inconspicuous as possible, in the breast
crease, around the nipple, or in the armpit.
Breast tissue and skin is lifted to create a
pocket for each implant.
Working through the incision, the surgeon will lift your breast tissue
and skin to create a pocket, either directly behind the breast tissue
or underneath your chest wall muscle (the pectoral muscle). The
implants are then centered beneath your nipples.
Dr. Rieger believes that putting the implants behind your chest
muscle may reduce the potential for capsular contracture. This
placement may also interfere less with breast examination by mammogram
than if the implant is placed directly behind the breast tissue.
Placement behind the muscle however, may be more painful for a few
days after surgery than placement directly under the breast tissue.
The breast implant may be inserted directly under the
breast tissue or beneath the chest wall muscle.
You'll want to discuss the pros and cons of these alternatives with
your doctor before surgery to make sure you fully understand the
implications of the procedure he or she recommends for you.
The surgery usually takes one to two hours to complete. Dr. Rieger
places most of the stitches under the skin surface to improve the
appearance of the incisions. In most cases only simple butterfly paper
tapes or steristrips are placed on the skin and only two or three
suture require removal !
After surgery, breasts appear fuller and more
natural in tone and contour. Scars will fade
with time.
After your surgery
You're likely to feel tired and sore for a few days following your
surgery, but you'll be up and around in 24 to 48 hours. Most of your
discomfort can be controlled by medication prescribed by your doctor.
You should wear a sports bra for the first few weeks. You should wear it as
directed by your surgeon. You may also experience a burning sensation
in your nipples for about two weeks, but this will subside as bruising
fades.
Your stitches will come out in a week to 10 days, but the swelling in
your breasts may take three to five weeks to disappear.
Getting back to normal
You should be able to return to work within 5 to 7 days, depending on
the level of activity required for your job.
Follow your surgeon's advice on when to begin exercises and normal
activities. Your breasts will probably be sensitive to direct
stimulation for two to three weeks, so you should avoid much physical
contact. After that, breast contact is fine once your breasts are no
longer sore, usually three to four weeks after surgery.
Your scars will be firm and pink for at least six weeks. Then they may
remain the same size for several months, or even appear to widen.
After several months, your scars will begin to fade, although they
will never disappear completely.
Routine mammograms should be continued after breast augmentation for
women who are in the appropriate age group, although the mammographic
technician should use a special technique to assure that you get a
reliable reading, as discussed earlier.
Your new look
