Breast augmentation surgery is a procedure performed to enhance the size and shape of a woman's breasts by surgically placing an implant behind each breast to increase its volume and enhance its shape. You may want to restore your breasts due to changes that occur after weight loss, childbirth or as a result of aging. In each of these types of cases, the effect of breast augmentation is not only an improved physical appearance but can also enhance your self-esteem. Dr. Rohrich will guide you with his experience and expertise to help you obtain the ideal breast shape that will both complement and enhance your body proportions..

Dr. Rohrich is a *board-certified, world-renown, plastic surgeon and has spent over 15 years specializing in cosmetic surgery. He has written numerous articles about breast surgery for scientific journals and magazines and lectures internationally. He is Chairman of The Department of Plastic Surgery at UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas.

If you're considering breast augmentation, the information provided will give you a basic understanding of the procedure but it can't answer all of your questions, since a lot depends on your individual circumstances. For more information, click on the "Frequently Asked Questions" to read more information concerning this surgical procedure.

* American Board of Plastic Surgery

Am I a good candidate for the surgery?

Breast augmentation can enhance your appearance and your self-esteem, but it won't necessarily change your looks to match your ideal, or cause other people to treat you differently.

The best candidates for breast augmentation are women who are looking for improvement, not perfection, in the way they look. If you're physically healthy and realistic in your expectations and have a reasonable desire to have your breasts enlarged you may be an appropriate candidate. Your visit with Dr. Rohrich will determine if you are a good candidate.

Before you decide to have surgery, think carefully about your expectations and discuss them with Dr. Rohrich.

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What should I expect from my consultation?

During the consultation, you will be asked about your desired breast size and anything else related to the appearance of your breasts that you feel is important. This will help Dr. Rohrich understand your expectations and determine whether they realistically can be achieved. He will examine your breasts and will consider such factors as the size and shape, the quality of your skin and the placement of your nipples and areolas. If your breasts are sagging, a breast lift may be recommended in conjunction with augmentation. You may find it helpful to bring examples of breast sizes from magazines to illustrate to Dr. Rohrich your desired breast size. After your consultation Dr. Rohrich's photographer will take photographs for your medical record and you will meet with his patient coordinator to discuss the surgery fees and scheduling dates.

You should come to the consultation prepared to discuss your medical history. This will include information about any medical conditions, drug allergies, medical treatments you have received, previous surgeries including breast biopsies, and medications that you currently take. You will be asked whether you have a family history of breast cancer and about results of any mammograms. It is important to provide complete information.

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How is the surgery performed?

The method of inserting and positioning your implant will depend on your anatomy, individual factors and personal preferences. Dr. Rohrich will help you determine your appropriate breast size, the location of incisions, and whether the implants will be placed on top of or underneath the chest muscle. The incision can be made either in the crease where the breast meets the chest or around the areola. Every effort will be made to assure that the incision is placed so resulting scars will be as inconspicuous as possible.

Working through the incision, Dr. Rohrich will gently lift your breast tissue and skin to create symmetrical pockets, either directly behind the breast tissue or underneath your chest wall muscle (the pectoral muscle). He will then insert the implants and fill them with saltwater. The surgery usually takes 1 to 2 hours to complete. Sutures are used to close the incisions, which may also be taped for greater support. A surgical bra may be applied over your breasts to help with healing and to reduce swelling.

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How will I learn about the safety of breast implants?

Saline breast implants are not lifetime devices and cannot be expected to last forever. An average breast implant lasts 13 years. If a saline-filled implant breaks, the body harmlessly absorbs its contents within hours. A definite change in the size of the breast is clearly noticed. Rupture can occur as a result of trauma to the chest, but more commonly it occurs spontaneously with no apparent cause. Surgery will be required to replace the implant, if desired.

You have a choice of saline or silicone breast implants which have been proven to be scientifically safe. Your implants will need to be replaced at some point in your lifetime as each has a life about 10-15 years.

It is possible that the presence of breast implants could delay or hinder the early detection of breast cancer. Some women with breast implants have reported problems including certain connective tissue and immune-related diseases. Women without implants also have these disorders, so the key question is whether breast implants increase the risk of developing the conditions. Several large studies have been completed that provide reassurance that women with breast implants do not have a significantly increased risk for these diseases.

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What happens the day of surgery?

Your breast augmentation surgery will be performed at either one of our specialty hospitals or an accredited outpatient surgery facility.

Prior to the procedure, medications are administered for your comfort and to lessen the anxiety if need be. General anesthesia is typically used for patients undergoing breast augmentation. The surgery usually takes 1 to 2 hours depending on the technique used. After surgery, you will awake in a recovery area where you will be closely monitored.

Be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home and stay with you to assist you the first couple of days while at home. The "Patient Care" section on this site will give you instructions to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating, medications to avoid, drinking and smoking. If you are a smoker, you will be asked to stop smoking well in advance of surgery.

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What is the recovery like?

You will feel tired and sore for a few days following your surgery, but you'll be up moving around. Most of your discomfort and/or pain can be controlled by medication prescribed by Dr. Rohrich. Antibiotics are administered as well.

The surgical bra will be removed after 2 days and you will be permitted to shower. Steri-strips should be worn to decrease the appearance of scars. You will see Dr. Rohrich after 3 to 4 days where you will learn how to perform "Breast Exercises" which will help prevent possible capsular contractures. Your sutures will come out in 7 to 10 days. It is often possible to return to work at this time depending on what physical activity your job may require of you. You may also begin driving 7 to 10 days after surgery. Vigorous activities, especially arm movement, should be restricted for 2 to 3 weeks as well as lifting anything over 10 pounds. Most residual swelling will resolve within a month. For exercise, you may begin walking after 2 to 3 days but exercise that may increase your heart rate above 100 beats per minute should be avoided for 3 weeks.

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What should I know about my results?

Except in the event of implant deflation requiring surgical replacement with a new implant, the results of your breast augmentation surgery will be long-lasting. However, gravity and the effects of aging will eventually alter the size and shape of virtually every woman's breasts. If, after a period of years, you become dissatisfied with the appearance of your breasts, you may choose to undergo breast "lifting" to restore their more youthful contour. Pregnancy can alter breast size in an unpredictable way and could affect the long-term results of breast augmentation as well.

Dr. Rohrich may recommend a baseline mammogram before surgery and another mammography examination some months after surgery. This will help to detect any future changes in your breast tissue. Following breast augmentation, you will still be able to perform breast self-examination.

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What does the surgery cost?

At the time of your initial consultation, you will be quoted a price that will include Dr. Rohrich's fee as well as hospital and anesthesia fees. Payment is due in full at least 2 weeks prior to your surgery. Checks, money orders, cash and credit cards may be used for payment. A $500.00 deposit will reserve a specific time and date for your surgery.

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