| Breast augmentation, or augmentation mammoplasty, is a procedure in which mammary implants are placed either beneath the breast tissue or beneath the muscle of the chest wall in an effort to increase the size of or reconstruct the breast. Implants consist of a silicone bag filled with either silicone gel or saline (salt water).
Augmentation mammoplasty may be performed as a cosmetic procedure, either because the woman desires larger breasts or because of a difference in size or shape (asymmetry) between the two breasts.
For reconstructive procedure after surgery for breast cancer, please see Total Reconstruction of Breast. |
Source: Medical Disability Advisor
| A breast augmentation procedure is performed either to increase the size of the breasts for cosmetic reasons or to reconstruct a breast following complete or partial removal during treatment for breast cancer. |
Source: Medical Disability Advisor
| The procedure may be performed in a hospital or outpatient setting, under local or general anesthesia. An incision is made, most often under the breast but alternatively through the nipple or in the underarm (endoscopic transaxillary approach). The breast tissue is brought forward to create a pocket in which the implant is inserted, either directly behind the breast tissue or underneath the chest wall muscle. The incision is closed with sutures or surgical clips. The surgical clips are removed in approximately 10 to 14 days.
An endoscopic transaxillary augmentation is used when the patient desires to have an incision somewhere other than on the breast. |
Source: Medical Disability Advisor
| Most women recover well from the surgery; recuperation time is about 2 weeks. However, breast implants may not last a lifetime. Therefore, the individual will likely make further visits to the surgeon and may even need additional surgery. |
Source: Medical Disability Advisor
| Potential short-term surgical complications include bleeding or infection. Longer-term complications may include development of painful, hardened scar tissue and rupture or displacement of the implants. If a woman chooses to have the implant removed without replacing it, the result may be cosmetic problems such as dimpling or puckering of the skin. Breast implants may complicate a woman's ability to breastfeed. |
Source: Medical Disability Advisor
| Following recuperation, possible work restrictions and accommodations include temporary transfer from duties involving lifting or strenuous physical activity. |
Source: Medical Disability Advisor
| Clark, Clifford P. "Breast Augmentation, Endoscopic Assisted." eMedicine. Eds. Christian Paletta, et al. 24 Apr. 2003. Medscape. 21 May 2005 <http://emedicine.com/plastic/topic122.htm>. "Making an Informed Decision: Saline-Filled Breast Implant Surgery 2004 Update." U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 2004. 21 May 2005 <http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/breastimplants/labeling/m711-c.pdf>. |
Source: Medical Disability Advisor