Questions about Breast Augmentation

Phoenix and Glendale, Arizona

What types of breast augmentation incisions are there?

Breast Lift

There are four options available to you, which depend on the type of implant used (silicone or saline) and what type of incision you will receive. This depends on your desired results.

  1. 1. Inframammary – Incision is made along the lower crease of the breast
  2. 2. Periareolar – Incision is made along the edge of the areola
  3. 3. Transaxillary – Incision is made in the armpit to reduce scarring; this is done with saline implants using an endoscope
  4. 4. Transumbilical augmentation (TUBA) – Incision is made in the navel where implants are placed using an endoscope

You will be able to discuss your options with Dr. Angelchik during your consultation.

What are the types of placement for the implants?

Placement of breast implants is commonly:

  1. 1. Subpectoral – The implant is placed partially or totally beneath the pectoralis major, the muscles of the chest. The advantages of this type of placement are a more natural look and feel, a smaller chance of interfering with a mammogram, and a lesser chance of the implant drooping.
  2. 2. Subglandular – The implant is placed above the muscle, but still lies below the breast tissue. This allows for a larger implant, with more lift, and a shorter recovery time.
  3. 3. Dual–Plane – The implant is placed beneath the muscle in the upper pole of the breast and in the subglandular position in the lower pole to enhance lower pole shape and fill for patients with specific lower pole shape issues like pseudoptosis or tubular breasts.

As with the type of incision, you will discuss this with Dr. Angelchik to decide which option he feels is best for you and why.

What is the breast augmentation recovery like?

Recovery is different for every woman. You may experience pain and soreness, or you may only experience discomfort as you heal. It usually takes three to five weeks to completely recover from this procedure and get back to your normal routine. You will wear a dressing and elastic bandage for about a week after your procedure, but will be up and about within a couple of days. You must avoid any strenuous activity or heavy lifting for four to six weeks after your procedure. You will be prescribed pain medication to help you with the healing process, but this should dissipate after a couple of weeks. Bruising and swelling is to be expected, but this too will disappear. Scarring will fade over time, and may only be noticeable upon close examination after a while.

What risks are involved with this type of procedure?

Complications are rare, but this is a type of surgery, so there is a small amount of risk. The main complications seen after breast augmentation are:

  • Capsular contracture
  • Changes in nipple/breast sensation
  • Dissatisfaction with cosmetic results
  • Extrusion
  • Implant deflation
  • Infection
  • Tissue necrosis

These risks can be further minimized with proper postoperative care, and following Dr. Angelchik's instructions. However, you need to let the doctor know if any of the following develop:

  • Excessive constipation or pain in defecating or urinating
  • Excessive bleeding, pus, or cloudy discharge from incisions or nipples
  • Fever
  • Painful swelling involving one or both breasts that develops rapidly
  • Foul odor emanating from the incisions or nipples
  • Numbness in your extremities
  • Skin discoloration (other than bruising, which is normal)
  • Uncontrollable pain that worsens or does not improve
  • Vomiting or sudden loss of consciousness not related to medications

Am I a candidate for breast augmentation?

You are a candidate if you are dissatisfied with the current size of your breasts, are in good general health, are at least 18 years old (22 years old for silicone breast augmentation per FDA guidelines) and have realistic expectations about plastic surgery.

To schedule a confidential consultation with Dr. Angelchik, please contact our Glendale, Arizona office. We place a high priority on patient education and all of us in the team will be happy to answer your questions.