Surgical Terms to Know before a Breast Augmentation

For decades breast augmentations have topped the charts for popular cosmetic surgery procedures. Breast augmentations are an easy way to improve self-confidence, especially in seasons when bulky sweaters don’t cover up a woman’s shape. Many women who dislike the naturally small size of their breasts know exactly what they need to boost self-image. Other patients flip through before/after pictures, surgical booklets, and blogs to determine which breast size, implant type, and scar position is right for them. If you’re considering a breast augmentation procedure this summer, here are a few things you need to know.

How to Prepare for Breast Augmentation Surgery

• Book a consultation with Dr. Brantner
• Choose the size, position (above or below the muscle), and type (silicone or saline) of your breast implants
• Determine where you want your scar
• Ask Dr. Brantner whether your medications need to be adjusted
• Stop smoking and avoid ingesting blood thinners like aspirin, Vitamin E, or supplements like fish oil
• Make an appointment at ETASC to get a blood test

Surgical Terms to Know

• Augmentation mammaplasty or breast augmentation: The medical term for the process of enlarging the breasts through the insertion of silicone or saline implants.
• Capsular contracture: A complication in a limited number of breast augmentation procedures. Scar tissue that normally forms around the implant may become firm, tightening around the implant.
• General anesthesia: Drugs used to put patients to sleep during surgery.
• Local anesthesia: Drug injected directly into the site of the incision to alleviate pain. (Dr. Brantner uses a unique application of local anesthesia that reduces pain for several days instead of only hours).
• Inframammary incision: Incision below the curve of the breast.
• Periareolar incision: Incision around the areola.
• Transaxillary incision: An incision made in the armpit.
• Saline implants: Breast implants filled with saltwater (saline implants have no complications if the implant ruptures).
• Silicone implants: Breast implants filled with plastic gel (silicone implants have a reduced risk of implant rupture, but higher chance of complications if rupture occurs).
• Submammary/subglandular placement: Breast implants placed beneath the breast tissue over the pectoral muscle.
• Submuscular/subpectoral placement: Implants placed beneath the pectoral muscle (recommended by Dr. Brantner in most cases).

To determine if you’re a good candidate for breast augmentation surgery, schedule a consultation with Dr. Brantner.

photo from FreeDigitalPhotos