Breast Augmentation in Fort Wayne

Knowing what to do and what to expect before your surgery will make for the best possible outcome.

Dr. Lee may recommend a baseline mammogram before surgery and another mammogram several months after surgery to allow you to detect any future changes in your breast tissue. If you’re a smoker, you will be asked to stop smoking well before surgery. You may need to get lab testing or a medical evaluation, to take certain medications or adjust your current medications.

You will need to avoid aspirin and certain anti-inflammatory drugs before surgery, because they can cause increased bleeding. Dr. Lee will provide additional preoperative instructions.

Your surgery will be performed at the fully accredited Southwest Surgical Suites. Be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery and to stay with you at least the first night following surgery.

Typically general anesthesia is used for a breast enlargement procedure, though local anesthesia and intravenous sedation may be an option as well. Dr. Lee will recommend the type of anesthesia best for you.

Dr. Lee will consider individual factors and personal preferences to determine your appropriate breast size, the location of incisions, and whether the implants will be placed on top of or underneath the chest muscle. A breast implant is placed in a pocket either directly behind the breast tissue or underneath the pectoral muscle, which is located between the breast tissue and chest wall. All breast implants include a solid silicone rubber outer shell. Dr. Lee uses saline breast implants, filled with sterile saltwater. Saline implants may be pre-filled to a predetermined size, or saline may be added at the time of surgery to allow for minor modifications in implant size.

Dr. Lee will make an incision underneath the breast, just above the crease; around the lower edge of the areola; or within the armpit. An advantage of saline implants is that they can use a smaller incision since they be filled after insertion. The incision will be made close to the breast in an inconspicuous location.

When your surgery is complete, you’ll be taken into a recovery area for a while where you are monitored. Gauze dressings will be placed on the breasts and you will be placed in a surgical bra or compression garment. You’ll receive detailed instructions for your post-surgical care, including drains if they’ve been used. In most cases, you’ll go home in just a few hours. You will need a caregiver to drive you home and to stay with you for the first 24 hours to watch for signs of complications.

You will be walking that same day. Your chest will feel stiff and sore for the first few days, but you can be up and about in just a day or two. Dr. Lee will remove any dressings in a few days, after which time you’ll wear a support bra. You’ll be able to shower three to seven days after surgery, and stitches will be removed in about a week.

Your breasts may feel tight and sensitive to the touch at first, and your skin may feel warm or itchy. It may be difficult to raise your arms. You should not lift, push or pull anything, or engage in any strenuous activity or twisting of the upper body for the first two weeks. You’ll notice some discoloration and swelling at first, but this will subside quickly. Any additional swelling should disappear within a month.

It’s often possible to return to work within a few days to a week after your breast augmentation, depending on your type of job. You should be extremely gentle with your breasts, avoiding excessive force, abrasion or motion for at least the first month.

If you experience shortness of breath, chest pains or an unusual heart rhythm during this time, seek medical attention immediately. It’s extremely important to follow your post-operative instructions.

Every year, thousands of women undergo successful breast augmentation surgery, and Dr. Lee is a board-certified plastic surgeon with decades of experience. But every plastic surgery procedure has risks. Dr. Lee will review your personal history to identify any areas of concern. Some potential complications include reactions to anesthesia, blood accumulation that may need to be drained surgically, and infection. Although rare, an infection that does not subside with appropriate treatment may require temporary removal of the implant.

You may experience changes in nipple or breast sensation, though they usually are temporary.

After a breast implant is inserted, a capsule-like scar will form around it. This is part of the natural healing process. However, the capsule may sometimes tighten and compress the implant, this can lead to discomfort and causes the breast to feel firmer. This is called capsular contracture. Capsular contracture can occur to varying degrees; if severe, it can cause discomfort or changes in the breast’s appearance. In such cases, more surgery may be needed to modify or remove the scar tissue, or to remove or replace the implant.

Other risks of breast implants and complications after breast augmentation include:

• Unattractive scarring
• Poor healing of incisions
• Implant leakage or rupture
• Wrinkling of the skin over the implant
• Fluid accumulation
• Blood clots
• Pain, which may persist
• Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications
• Possibility of revisional surgery

Dr. Lee will discuss these risks with you during your consultation. Please be sure to ask him about any questions or concerns that you might have.

Breast enlargement will improve the fullness and shape of your breasts. It will be easier to find bras and clothing that fit properly. You’ll likely enjoy improved self-confidence.

Breast implants are long-lasting, but they do not last a lifetime. If a saline-filled implant breaks, the body harmlessly absorbs its contents within hours. You will note a definite change in the size of your breast. An implant may rupture after trauma to the chest, but more often there is no obvious cause. You would need to undergo surgery to replace the implant if desired.

Age and gravity have an effect on every woman’s breast. Pregnancy, weight loss and menopause also can change the results. After a number of years, you may decide to undergo a breast lift to correct any sagging.

When undergoing a mammography, you will need to choose a radiology technician who is experienced in taking X-rays of augmented breasts. While there is no research showing that breast implants can cause or contribute to breast cancer, they may hinder the early detection of breast cancer.

The key to a truly successful breast augmentation is maintaining an open line of communication with Dr. Lee and adhering to his recommendations. He and his team are eager to respond to your questions and concerns and can help provide skin care to maintain and enhance your results—they are your partners in achieving the results that you seek.
Sources: The American Society of Plastic Surgeons; The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery