10 Most Often Asked Questions About Augmentation Mammaplasty

Question: Why do you feel there has been such a dramatic increase in breast augmentation surgery?

Dr. Springer: The research evidence shows it is a safe procedure and that has contributed to the increase. In 1995 the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reported that scientific studies found saline filled prostheses to be safe. The FDA approves the use of saline filled breast prostheses for augmentation. At present, augmentation mammaplasty is the second most popular cosmetic procedure nationally.

In addition, there are now companies that offer financing options. This has made breast augmentation more affordable for more people.

Question: Why do women usually want this type of surgery?

Dr. Springer: I think that women have different reasons for wanting to do this procedure. In my experience, most patients have wanted to increase the size of their breasts for years before seeking a consultation. Commonly the woman may feel that her breasts never developed proportionately to the remainder of her body. However, I also see women who lost breast volume following pregnancy or weight loss and want to restore the size they had before. Contrary to popular opinion, most women do not want this surgery to be more sexually appealing to men, but to improve their own self-image and to feel comfortable with their own body. Many women say that the clothes or bathing suit they wear will fit them better if they feel more proportional. Breast augmentation makes this possible for them.

Question: How painful is this surgery and how long is the recovery?

Dr. Springer: Discomfort can vary dramatically from patient to patient. During the first couple of days, a woman is usually very sore. This can be controlled with medication. I like patients to have a week to recover, depending on the degree of physical work her job requires. For example, a hair stylist may require two weeks because her arms are in constant use. Patients should refrain from activities requiring heavy weight lifting for approximately six weeks to allow for complete healing.

Question: What are the scars that result from this surgery?

Dr. Springer: I prefer to make the incision in the armpit or on the underside of the breast just above the crease or. That way the scar cannot be easily seen. The scar an inch and a quarter long and usually fades with time. I place dissolving sutures underneath the skin. That way, the stitches are not visible and do not need to be removed.

Question: How do you determine what size implant to use?

Dr. Springer: There are many things to consider when thinking about size. I spend a lot of time talking to the patient about her reasons for wanting the surgery and the results she is hoping for. Next I have the patient physically demonstrate the size she wishes. After I have a clear understanding of the patient’s expectations, I am able to determine the best possible size and shape based on the width of the patient’s chest, shoulders, hips, and height, among other things.

Question: Can the implant be placed either underneath or on top of the chest muscle?

Dr. Springer: I generally recommend that the implants be placed underneath the chest (pectoralis) muscle because this usually gives the breast look more natural.

Question: Is it possible to breast-feed after an augmentation?

Dr. Springer: Yes. Because the implant is placed behind the breast tissue and nipple, the ability to breast-feed is not altered.

Question: Do you use a hospital or an outpatient surgical facility?

Dr. Springer: I perform most of my surgery in a hospital operating room because it is the safest environment to perform surgery. In a hospital, I have access to additional equipment and resources should it be necessary. However, my patients are allowed to recover in the comfort of their own home within two to three hours after the surgery. I have already negotiated fees with the hospital so that my patients do not have to pay a premium for their safety.

Question: How do I pay for this?

Dr. Springer: As is the case with all elective cosmetic surgery, full payment is required prior to your surgery date. However, we do offer another payment option in addition to cash or credit card. For many years we have offered financing to our cosmetic patients, in order to allow more flexibility for our patients. When you come into the office for a consultation, my staff will discuss all of the prices with you and, if you are interested, they will give you the names of the financing firms with whom we work.

Question: How does one select a competent plastic surgeon?

Dr. Springer: As a starting point, it is very important that the surgeon is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery which is the only board recognized by the American Medical Association and the American Hospital Association in Plastic Surgery. The surgeon should also be a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). This organization and the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) both require that the physician pass the plastic surgery boards. You should feel that your surgeon has spent enough time with you to understand your wants. You doctor should also be willing to show you before and after photos of his or her own work.