There are times when we look in the mirror and notice certain aspects about our body that we'd like to change. Many women may be generally happy with the way they look, but there may be one specific area they'd like to alter-their breasts. Some don't like the fact that their breasts are too small or are out of proportion with the rest of their body. Others might have breasts that sag or look 'deflated'.

If you fall into one of these categories, and you're ready to make a significant change in the appearance of your breasts then a visit to Dr. English to discuss cosmetic breast surgery/augmentation, maybe the first step towards realizing your desired goal. The good news is that you're one of many women who want to have this procedure, since breast augmentation procedures have increased from over 32,000 cases in 1992 to more than 250,000 surgeries in 2003.

The goal of breast surgery is to improve the size, shape and appearance of the breasts. Because a woman's body build is primarily determined by genetic influences, she may not be able to achieve the look she desires through diet and exercise alone. Today, surgical techniques allow a woman to alter the size and shape of her breasts through breast augmentation and or lifting procedures.

An important part of the preoperative consultation with Dr. English includes a determination of the desired breast size and shape. Although many different breast contours can be achieved, a decision must be made that coincides with total body size, shape and the existing breast tissue. In performing breast augmentation, Dr. English usually prefers to place the implants beneath the chest wall muscle. This technique usually results in softer and more natural looking breasts both standing and lying down. This placement also decreases the possibility of unnaturally firm and painful breasts while also improving the reliability of mammograms.

During the consultation Dr. English may determine that you may need a breast lift or reshaping. This procedure repositions or "lifts" breasts that sag. This sagging usually results from pregnancy and nursing or a large weight gain or loss. These conditions cause the amount of breast tissue to decrease, leaving a skin envelope that is too large, and the remaining breast tissue sags within the larger skin envelope

Understanding the procedure

At the English Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery Center Surgi Spa, breast surgery is carried out under general anesthesia and is performed at our accredited surgical facility. Prior to surgery, your breasts are carefully marked to indicate where incisions are to be made. The placement of these incisions depends upon the type of breast surgery that is being performed as well as the technique that will achieve the best result. Every effort is made to reduce the length of scars and to make them as inconspicuous as possible.

Understanding the recovery

Discomfort following surgery is generally minimal to moderate and is usually controlled with oral medications. Clients undergoing breast surgery may wear a special bra for several weeks and may be asked to limit certain activities that interfere with the healing process.

Swelling and discoloration may occur but usually subside in a few days or weeks. Areas of numbness, firmness and tenderness around the incisions and under the skin are common. Normal feeling returns several weeks to months after surgery; however, the sensations of the breasts may never be quite the same (this is uncommon with these types of procedures). Scars from the incisions, although permanent, fade significantly with time. Eighteen to 36 months may be required for this fading process to be completed, especially with mastopexy (breast lifting and reshaping) procedures.