Augmentation Mammaplasty

There are many reasons women decide to have breast implants. But all of those reasons deal with improving one’s self image. Some women feel that their breasts are just too small. Women who have lost weight, aged, or had children may notice a loss of natural breast volume. Breast Augmentation can restore that volume. Before Dr. Krummen will consider breast augmentation surgery for you, your breast development must be complete. Your physical health will be considered as well as your emotional health and maturity. Having this surgery in hopes that others will notice you is the wrong motivation. Having it to feel better about yourself is the right one.

The Consultation

The consultation is your first chance to talk to Dr. Krummen about how you’d like to enhance your appearance. Before arriving for this appointment, know what you want to achieve by having this surgery. Your goals will be an important part of your evaluation. If necessary, write down your questions so you will have all your concerns addressed during this meeting. Dr. Krummen will listen carefully to your concerns and tell you which surgical options she thinks would work best for you. She will also explain the risks and likely results of the procedure. Since both your physical and emotional health have a tremendous impact on the outcome of your surgery, it’s important to be honest with Dr. Krummen about your health history. Tell her about any previous surgeries you’ve had and if you’re currently on medication. She’ll also want to know if you have any past or present medical conditions or if there is any history of breast cancer in your family. If you’ve had a mammogram, Dr. Krummen will want to know your results. If you haven’t had a baseline mammogram, she may recommend you get one before surgery to help detect any future changes in breast tissue. Following your surgery, any future mammograms will have to be done using special imaging techniques to see the breast tissue.

The Surgery

The incision for breast augmentation surgery is small and is usually made underneath the breast in the the crease. It could also be made around the edge of the areola (the pigmented skin around the nipple) (Fig. 1).

Dr. Krummen will then create a pocket for the implant. The pocket will be directly behind the breast tissue or beneath the pectoral muscle, which sits below the breast tissue and above the chest wall (Fig. 2).

Each woman heals at her own rate. Generally, you should be up and around within a day or two after surgery. Dr. Krummen can prescribe medication if you feel any discomfort. Be sure to follow her post-operative instructions carefully to enjoy the full benefits of the surgery. Within the first week after surgery you will be able to shower and return to non-strenuous activities. Your stitches will be removed or will dissolve, depending on which kinds of sutures were used (Fig. 3).

You will be able to have sexual relations as long as the breasts are treated gently. You must continue to wear the support bra for several weeks. Your final result should be visible after several weeks when the swelling goes down. Then, you will be able to resume a vigorous exercise regime and arm movements. Your figure can look dramatically different in form fitting tops and low cut dresses.