BASIC INFORMATION
DEFINITION
Implantation of artificial material inside the female breasts to enlarge them or give them a different shape.
REASONS FOR PROCEDURE
- Restoration of normal breast appearance following a mastectomy.
- Enlargement of the breast in patients who have less breast tissue than they desire.
- Correction of asymmetry of the breasts.
RISK INCREASES WITH
- Smoking.
- Obesity.
- Excess alcohol consumption.
- Use of drugs such as: antihypertensive; muscle relaxants; tranquilizers; sleep inducers; insulin; sedatives; beta-adrenergic blockers; or cortisone.
- Use of mind-altering drugs, including: narcotics; psychedelics; hallucinogens; marijuana; sedatives; hypnotics; or cocaine.
DESCRIPTION OF PROCEDURE
- Biopsy is performed under local or general anesthesia.
- Needles may be inserted into the breast to localize the lump or cyst.
- An incision is made over the cyst or lump to be removed.
- The cyst or lump is cut free of surrounding tissue and removed.
- Bleeding is controlled with sutures or electrocautery.
- The skin is closed with sutures or surgical clips, which usually can be removed about 1 week after surgery.
EXPECTED OUTCOME
Expect complete healing without complications. Allow about 2 weeks for recovery from surgery.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
- Expect bleeding.
- Surgical-wound infection.
- Unsightly scar on breast (rare).
- In cases of a large biopsy or if tissue removed in close to the skin, there can be some minor changes in the contour of the breast.