Undergoing Breast Implant Surgery

What Happens During Breast Augmentation Surgery?

Surgical Setting and Anesthesia

Breast implant surgery is usually performed in a hospital with an overnight stay or on an outpatient basis, either in a hospital operating room, surgery center, or surgical suite in the surgeon’s office. Surgery usually lasts one to two hours and general anesthesia is commonly used.

How is the placement for your breast implants determined?

Breast implants can be placed either partially under the pectoralis major muscle (submuscular) or over the muscle and under the breast glands (subglandular). The decision depends on the thickness of your breast tissue and its ability to adequately cover the breast implant. You should discuss with your surgeon the pros and cons of the breast implant placement in order to obtain the result that is right for you.

How is the incision site for your breast implants determined?

There are three common incision sites:

• within the breast fold incision (inframammary)
• around the nipple incision (periareolar)
• under the arm (transaxillary)

Your surgeon will be the best person to advise the right incision site for your body.

What are the surgical risks/complications?

As with any surgical operation, there can be some side effects or complications with breast implant surgery. You and your surgeon should carefully discuss the benefits and risks to ensure breast augmentation is right for you.