Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure to increase the size of your breasts. Breast augmentation is typically done using FDA-approved silicone or saline-filled implants placed above or below the chest muscles. Breast augmentation is used to enhance size, improve symmetry, or restore volume following weight loss, pregnancy, or breastfeeding.
Did you know…
that the popularity of breast augmentation is at an all-time high? According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, breast augmentation is 45 percent more common than it was in 2000. In 2017, more than 300,000 augmentations were performed by board-certified plastic surgeons. The majority of breast augmentation patients are between the ages of 17 and 55.
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I a candidate for breast augmentation?
You may be a candidate for breast augmentation if you are increasing the size, changing the shape, or improving the symmetry of your breasts. The FDA limits silicone breast implant use to women older than age 22, but saline implants can be used in any woman above age 18.
What should I expect during a breast augmentation consultation?
At your initial consultation, we will discuss your needs and desires regarding breast augmentation. Dr. Kulkarni will review your medical history and fitness for surgery, as well as your goals for this procedure. We will do your first sizing with our in-office implant sizing system which allows you to try on different implants and see how they look on your body. We will also discuss the surgery in detail, including pre-op requirements, what happens during surgery, and your expected post-operative recovery.
You will typically have a second visit with Dr. Kulkarni 2 weeks prior to surgery where we will finalize your implant sizing, order your implants, give you prescriptions to fill ahead of time, and review any last minute questions. You will be encouraged to bring some of your own clothes to this visit so you can see how the implant sizers look in your own clothes.
What should I expect on the day of surgery?
You will be instructed to avoid food and drinks on the day of your surgery. Dr. Kulkarni will see you in the pre-operative area and place a series of planning marks on your breasts. You’ll be placed under general anesthesia for the duration of your procedure, meaning you’ll feel and remember nothing regarding the surgery. Depending on the type of implant you receive, Dr. Kulkarni will make a small incision beneath the breast or under the nipple. The implant will be secured in place and your incision sutured shut. Most breast augmentations take no more than 90 minutes and are usually performed on an outpatient basis.
What should I expect after surgery?
You will need an adult to drive you home and stay with you for at least 24 hours after surgery. Your breasts will be wrapped in a snug bra and possibly an ACE wrap to reduce swelling. It is normal to experience chest tightness immediately after surgery. You should take the prescribed pain medication and muscle relaxants as needed.
You will be given detailed post-operative instructions regarding recovery and post-op activities. Most breast augmentation patients feel pretty good a day or 2 after surgery, and most patients return to non-strenuous work within a few days.
