THE SURGERY

The operation usually takes 1.5 hours. The method of inserting and positioning your implant will depend on your anatomy and my recommendation. The incision can be made either in the crease where the breast meets the chest, around the areola (the dark skin surrounding the nipple), or in the armpit. Every effort will be made to assure that the incision is placed so resulting scars will be as inconspicuous as possible. Endoscopic techniques permit the surgeon to operate with greater accuracy through small incisions.

Working through the incision, I will lift your breast tissue and skin to create a pocket, either directly behind the breast tissue or underneath your chest wall muscle (the pectoral muscle). The implants are then centred beneath your nipples.

Some surgeons believe that putting the implants behind your chest muscle may reduce the potential for capsular contracture. Drainage tubes may be used for several days following surgery. This placement may also interfere less with breast examination by mammogram than if the implant is placed directly behind the breast tissue. Placement behind the muscle however, may be more painful for several days after surgery than placement directly under the breast tissue.

You'll want to discuss the pros and cons of these alternatives before surgery to make sure you fully understand the implications of the procedure.

The surgery usually takes one to two hours to complete. Stitches are used to close the incisions, which may also be taped for greater support. A gauze bandage may be applied over your breasts to decrease swelling.