Learn from our expert about breast augmentation surgery
Board-certified and fellowship-trained plastic surgeon Raymond Dunn, MD, of the UMass Memorial Cosmetic Surgery Center, says that breast augmentation, or breast enlargement surgery (mammaplasty), is one of the most common cosmetic surgeries performed today. Each year, hundreds of thousands of women across the United States have this surgery to enhance their appearance.
Breast augmentation and breast implants can increase the size of your breasts, help restore volume lost due to aging or changes after pregnancy, and create greater symmetry for uneven breasts.
Dr. Dunn, what should I know about the UMass Memorial Cosmetic Surgery Center as I consider breast augmentation?
The Cosmetic Surgery Center team includes highly skilled, board-certified plastic surgeons. UMass Memorial Medical Center is the teaching hospital of the University of Massachusetts Medical School, where all of our plastic surgeons are members of the faculty.
At our center we understand that no two women are alike, and that each woman has her own, very personal reason for wanting a fuller, more proportional bust line. We take the time to listen to your unique goals and offer a number of options to enhance your natural contours.
How do I know if I’m a good candidate for breast augmentation?
The best candidates are in good overall health and have realistic expectations and a thorough understanding of the procedure. You may wish to stabilize your weight before having this operation; substantial weight loss or weight gain after surgery may affect the appearance of your breasts.
If you’re 18 years or older and are dissatisfied with your breasts—whether you feel they are too small, uneven or lacking in firmness—we encourage you to come in for a consultation and discuss your breast enhancement goals, your expectations and the options available.
What does the consultation involve?
At your consultation, we’ll discuss your expectations and options, including:
You can discuss breast augmentation costs with our patient coordinator, along with payment plan options.
What does the surgery entail?
Your breast augmentation takes one to three hours and is done under general anesthesia or intravenous (IV) sedation to ensure your comfort and safety. The surgeon makes an incision, moves tissue aside to create a pocket and insert the breast implant, and closes the incision with stitches.
Breast augmentation is an outpatient procedure; most patients are able to go home the same day.
What about recovery?
Because recovery time varies from patient to patient, we send you home with a detailed post-operative plan and a list of telephone numbers for our support staff, so you can call if you have any questions.
Following all post-procedure instructions is critical for the smoothest recovery. If a drainage tube was inserted, it will be removed a day or two after surgery. You should be able to return to light everyday activity such as walking, sitting and standing within a day or two, but physical activity involving moderate lifting, pushing and pulling will be limited for some time. You may be advised not to resume your normal exercise regimen for one or two months.
You may begin showering again in three to seven days, once your bandages are removed and your surgical incisions have begun to heal. Stitches are typically removed after about a week.
Will my breasts be painful after surgery, and will there be scarring?
Pain, breast sensitivity, skin tightness, discoloration, itching and swelling are all normal side effects of this surgery. These symptoms should resolve with time if you’re careful to follow your recovery instructions. You’ll have small scars, depending on how the breast implants were inserted, but they typically fade to become less noticeable.
What if I have questions after my surgery?
We feel that close communication before and after surgery is very important and helps ensure that you have the best possible breast enhancement experience.
Our physicians, nurses, physician assistants, medical assistants and patient care coordinators support you every step of the way and make sure all of your questions are answered, and you can always call us at 508-334-5990. We are here for our patients.
For further information, or to make an appointment to discuss any of these procedures with Dr. Dunn or one of our other plastic surgeons, please call 508-334-5990, fill out our contact us form or email us at cosmeticsurgery@umassmemorial.org.
Breast augmentation and breast implants can increase the size of your breasts, help restore volume lost due to aging or changes after pregnancy, and create greater symmetry for uneven breasts.
Dr. Dunn, what should I know about the UMass Memorial Cosmetic Surgery Center as I consider breast augmentation?
The Cosmetic Surgery Center team includes highly skilled, board-certified plastic surgeons. UMass Memorial Medical Center is the teaching hospital of the University of Massachusetts Medical School, where all of our plastic surgeons are members of the faculty.
At our center we understand that no two women are alike, and that each woman has her own, very personal reason for wanting a fuller, more proportional bust line. We take the time to listen to your unique goals and offer a number of options to enhance your natural contours.
How do I know if I’m a good candidate for breast augmentation?
The best candidates are in good overall health and have realistic expectations and a thorough understanding of the procedure. You may wish to stabilize your weight before having this operation; substantial weight loss or weight gain after surgery may affect the appearance of your breasts.
If you’re 18 years or older and are dissatisfied with your breasts—whether you feel they are too small, uneven or lacking in firmness—we encourage you to come in for a consultation and discuss your breast enhancement goals, your expectations and the options available.
What does the consultation involve?
At your consultation, we’ll discuss your expectations and options, including:
- The pros and cons of each type of implant, saline or silicone. For example, saline may require a slightly smaller incision, but many patients prefer the more natural feel of silicone.
- The volume of each implant (measured in cc’s) required to achieve your desired breast size. Our surgeons and nurses will guide you through selecting the perfect size to fit your frame and goals.
- Where the implant is placed: beneath the existing breast tissue or under the pectoral muscle.
- How the implant is inserted: under the breast, through the underarm or around the lower edge of the areola.
- Whether the placement of your nipples will be adjusted and whether a breast lift (mastopexy) may be needed to correct drooping.
You can discuss breast augmentation costs with our patient coordinator, along with payment plan options.
What does the surgery entail?
Your breast augmentation takes one to three hours and is done under general anesthesia or intravenous (IV) sedation to ensure your comfort and safety. The surgeon makes an incision, moves tissue aside to create a pocket and insert the breast implant, and closes the incision with stitches.
Breast augmentation is an outpatient procedure; most patients are able to go home the same day.
What about recovery?
Because recovery time varies from patient to patient, we send you home with a detailed post-operative plan and a list of telephone numbers for our support staff, so you can call if you have any questions.
Following all post-procedure instructions is critical for the smoothest recovery. If a drainage tube was inserted, it will be removed a day or two after surgery. You should be able to return to light everyday activity such as walking, sitting and standing within a day or two, but physical activity involving moderate lifting, pushing and pulling will be limited for some time. You may be advised not to resume your normal exercise regimen for one or two months.
You may begin showering again in three to seven days, once your bandages are removed and your surgical incisions have begun to heal. Stitches are typically removed after about a week.
Will my breasts be painful after surgery, and will there be scarring?
Pain, breast sensitivity, skin tightness, discoloration, itching and swelling are all normal side effects of this surgery. These symptoms should resolve with time if you’re careful to follow your recovery instructions. You’ll have small scars, depending on how the breast implants were inserted, but they typically fade to become less noticeable.
What if I have questions after my surgery?
We feel that close communication before and after surgery is very important and helps ensure that you have the best possible breast enhancement experience.
Our physicians, nurses, physician assistants, medical assistants and patient care coordinators support you every step of the way and make sure all of your questions are answered, and you can always call us at 508-334-5990. We are here for our patients.
For further information, or to make an appointment to discuss any of these procedures with Dr. Dunn or one of our other plastic surgeons, please call 508-334-5990, fill out our contact us form or email us at cosmeticsurgery@umassmemorial.org.
For more information, please call 508-334-5990.
