Breast augmentation surgery is considered same-day surgery which means the patient is able to leave the same day as the procedure is performed. The surgery can be done under local or general anesthesia. In the case of local anesthesia, pain...

relieving medications will be infused into the chest area and sedatives will be administered intravenously. In the case of general anesthesia, the patient is rendered unconscious during the procedure by an anesthesiologist. In most cases local anesthesia with sedation is preferable, but you may discuss the possibility of general anesthesia with your surgeon.

 

There are two main ways to place breast implants, between the skin and the chest muscle or beneath the chest muscle. There are advantages and disadvantages to each technique—your physician can help you decide which choice is right for you.

 

The incisions required for breast augmentations can be made in one of several locations. The surgeon can make an incision directly on the breast, in the armpit (axilla), or in just inside the areola of the nipple. The latter two approaches leave less noticeable scars and are preferred by many patients. If the patient desires an additional lift to the breasts, a breast lift or mastopexy may be performed at the time of breast augmentation.

 

Either pre-formed breast implants or empty implants will be inserted into the chest. If empty implants are used, they are then filled with saline after the implants are in place. There are several advantages to using empty implants. The surgical incision can be smaller and the degree of augmentation can be carefully controlled by infusing a precise amount of saline. This manner of breast augmentation is preferred in cases in which there is breast asymmetry since each implant can be filled to differing degrees. Currently, silicone implants are only available pre-filled.