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Women choose to have breast augmentation surgery for many reasons. It may be to improve their self image. Some feel dissatisfied because their breasts never developed to a size equal to their expectations. Others want to bring balance to a breast that is somewhat smaller then the other. Often, women want the procedure to restore their natural breast volume which may have decreased as a result of pregnancy, weight loss or aging.
 Any one of the following feelings or conditions may indicate that you are a good candidate for breast augmentation:
- You are bothered by the feeling that your breasts are too small
- After pregnancy and childbirth, your breasts have become smaller and have lost their firmness
- Weight loss has reduced or changed the size and shape of your breasts
- Dresses or pantsuits that fit well around your waist and hips are often too large at the bust line
- One of your breasts is noticeably smaller then the other
- You feel self-conscious wearing a swimsuit or form-fitting top
In addition, there are several “musts” for anyone considering breast augmentation:
- if you are a young woman, your breast development must be complete
- you must be emotionally mature and fully understand your own motivations for wanting the procedure (the best reason is to feel better about yourself)
- you must have realistic expectations, knowing that the procedure can bring improvement, but not perfection
It is important that you fully disclose to Dr Stevens your current and past health conditions and history including previous surgical procedures, current medications, and use of vitamins, herbal supplements, nutritional supplements, alcohol, tobacco, and drugs. It is also imperative that you disclose medical conditions such as any history of breast cancer in your family, the results of mammograms you have had, thyroid disorders (such as Graves’ disease), un-active or over-active thyroid, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, circulatory disorders, or diabetes.
A personal consultation is the first step for every patient considering breast augmentation. During this meeting, Dr Stevens will assess your physical and emotional health and discuss your specific cosmetic goals for surgery.
During the consultation, you will learn about the options available for breast augmentation and how those options can improve the appearance of your breasts. You will also share your goals and discuss likely outcomes of surgery. You will share your health history, discuss the potential risks and complications, and all your questions will be answered.
You will receive a recommended course of treatment based on your anatomy, the condition you wish to have corrected, what is causing the condition, and your realistic goals for improvement. Dr Stevens will help you understand the factors that may affect your results. For example, gaining or losing a significant amount of weight may change your breast size. Pregnancy can also alter breast size in an unpredictable way.
As part of the consultation, your breasts will be examined and perhaps photographed for your medical record. During this exam, Dr Stevens will consider the size and shape of your breasts, the quality of your skin and the placement of your nipples and areolas (the pigmented skin surrounding the nipples). Dr Stevens may recommend that you have a baseline mammogram before surgery to assist in detecting any future changes in your breast tissue. After surgery, your mammograms will be done differently because special imaging techniques must be used to visual the breast tissue.
Dr Stevens may suggest additional cosmetic procedures to improve your results. For example, if your breasts are sagging, he may suggest that a breast lift procedure may be preformed in conjunction with your breast augmentation surgery.
The technique used for your surgery depends not on only your surgeon’s preferences, but also on your desired results. The incision is small and is usually made around the lower edge of the areola.
Once the incision is made, a pocket is created into which the implant is inserted. This pocket is made either directly behind the breast tissue or beneath the pectoral muscle located below the breast tissue and above the chest wall.
Most women having breast augmentation surgery today receive saline-filled implants (silicone rubber shells that are filled with sterile saltwater). In the unlikely event that a saline implant leaks, the saltwater is harmlessly absorbed by the body. Silicone gel implants are available only if specific criteria is met. This can be discussed with Dr Stevens at the time of your consultation. Alternative filler implants may become available in the future.
Patient Satisfaction surveys indicate that women who have surgical breast reduction rank the highest in satisfaction. If you are a woman with overly large breasts and feel you would appreciate smaller, firmer breasts, you may benefit from this procedure. With the ability to wear a greater variety of clothing and styles, you may also find an improved self image. Many women have reported that they find a new freedom in their physical life and less stress in their emotional life.
Although breast reduction can be performed at any age, plastic surgeons usually recommend waiting until breast development has stopped. Childbirth and breast-feeding may affect the size and shape of your breasts. If you plan to breast-feed in the future, you should discuss this with Dr Stevens.
You may be a good candidate for breast reduction if you have any of the following conditions:
- Pain in your back, neck, or shoulder caused by the weight of your breasts
- Shoulder indentations due to tight bras straps from the weight of your breasts
- Breast size is too large in proportion to your body size
- You have heavy, sagging breasts with very low nipples and areolas
- Self-consciousness about the large size of your breasts
- One breast that is much larger than the other
Dr. Stevens has significant experience in all breast reduction surgical techniques including short scar or vertical breast reduction. |
