BREAST ENLARGEMENT WHO IS A CANDIDATE? Women who desire larger breasts. Women with a moderate degree of breast sagging and smaller breasts, whose problem can be solved by enlargement. Women who have one breast that is noticeably smaller than the other. INTENDED RESULTS Larger and more shapely breasts. A more positive self-image. PROCEDURE DESCRIPTION The procedure is done on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia. A small incision is made under the breast, around the nipple or under the arm and a saline or silicone implant is inserted under the breast tissue or under the breast tissue and the underlying muscle. HOW SAFE IS IT Recent studies confirm the safety of saline breast implants. Should the implant leak, the saline (salt water) solution is safely reabsorbed by the body. The FDA has once again approved silicone breast implants. This comes after the 1992 ban of silicone implants due to the safety concerns associated with the rupturing of implants. The silicone was absorbed by the body causing numerous health issues such as lumps, scar tissue and cancer. The new and improved implants are silicone gel-filled implants, which are safe due to the new consistency, which stays in place in the case of a rupture. RECUPERATION AND HEALING The patient goes home in an elastic bra. The bra helps hold the breasts in the correct position. Initial discomfort is controlled with oral medication. Sutures are usually removed in 7-12 days. Light activities can be resumed as tolerated. Aerobic activates can be started in about 3 weeks. Moving or sliding the implants within the breast pockets during the postoperative period may reduce the frequency of wrinkling. OTHER OPTIONS An additional procedure that would enhance the result is a Mastopexy (breast lift) – if the breasts are saggy in addition to being small. INSURANCE GUIDELINES This procedure is considered cosmetic and therefore is not covered by insurance. The patient is responsible for payment. NOTE The specific risks and the suitability of this procedure for a given individual can be determined only at the time of consultation. All surgical procedures have some degree of risk. Minor complications that do not affect the outcome occur occasionally. Major complications are unusual.