Breast augmentation is a common cosmetic surgery procedure that many women consider at some point in their lives. One of the most frequently asked questions regarding this surgery is, “How long does a breast augmentation take?” We’re exploring how long this procedure lasts on average, factors that can affect the timeline, and what to expect during the procedure so you can be fully educated and prepared if you choose to have this surgery.
What Is Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation, otherwise known as augmentation mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure aimed at enhancing the size and shape of a woman’s breasts. This can be achieved through the insertion of implants or via fat transfer. The primary purpose of this surgery is to increase breast size, restore breast volume lost after weight reduction or pregnancy, achieve a more rounded breast shape, or improve natural breast size asymmetry.
How Long Does a Breast Augmentation Take?
A breast augmentation procedure usually takes about one to two hours to complete. However, this is only the length of the actual surgery and does not account for preoperative preparations or the time spent in recovery after the procedure.
Factors Affecting the Duration
The exact duration can vary based on several factors that can prolong or shorten the length of the surgery. These factors include the technique being used, the type of implants chosen, and whether any additional procedures are being performed in conjunction with the breast augmentation.
Surgeons’ skill and experience levels also play a role in the surgery’s duration, as highly experienced surgeons often complete the procedure more quickly without compromising the results.
Basic Steps of a Breast Augmentation Procedure
Breast augmentation procedures are carried out in steps. The basic outline of things includes:
Preoperative Preparation
During the preoperative stage, the surgical team will go through a variety of steps to prepare the patient for surgery. This includes reviewing the surgical plan, conducting a physical examination, and taking measurements and photographs for the medical record. The patient may also be given specific instructions to follow, like stopping certain medications and fasting.
Anesthesia and Incision
Once the patient is prepared, the surgery commences with the administration of anesthesia for comfort. After the patient is under anesthesia, the surgeon makes incisions in the breast area. The location and size of these incisions can depend on several factors, including the type of breast implant, degree of enlargement desired, and patient/surgeon preference.
Implant Placement and Closure
The surgeon then inserts the appropriate type of breast implant into a pocket either under the pectoral muscle (submuscular placement) or directly behind the breast tissue, over the pectoral muscle (subglandular placement). Once the implants are in place and properly adjusted, the surgeon closes the incisions with sutures, skin adhesive, or surgical tape.
Postoperative Care
After the surgery, the patient is moved to a recovery area where they are monitored until conscious and stable. Detailed instructions regarding care for the breasts, medications to apply or take orally to aid healing, how to sleep following the breast augmentation, and when to follow up with the surgeon are provided.
Why Book a Consultation for a Breast Augmentation?
A consultation before a breast augmentation procedure can be incredibly beneficial. It provides a chance to ask questions about the procedure, understand how it’s personalized to one’s body and goals, and start building a rapport with the surgeon.
At Prestige Plastic Surgery, we take pride in our team’s expertise and dedicate sufficient time to each consultation, ensuring all patient questions and concerns are addressed adequately.
Breast Augmentation FAQs
1. How long does a breast augmentation take?
A breast augmentation procedure usually takes about one to two hours, not including preoperative preparation or postoperative recovery time.
2. What factors affect the duration of a breast augmentation?
The length of surgery depends on the technique used, type of implants, whether additional procedures are performed, and the skill and experience of the surgeon.
3. What are the basic steps of a breast augmentation procedure?
The procedure includes preoperative preparation, anesthesia and incision, implant placement, closure of incisions, and postoperative care.
4. What types of breast augmentation are available?
Breast augmentation can be done using implants or fat transfer, depending on the patient’s goals, anatomy, and surgeon recommendation.
5. Why is a consultation important before breast augmentation?
A consultation allows patients to ask questions, understand personalized treatment plans, and build a rapport with their surgeon to ensure safe, effective results.
Experience Breast Augmentation for Yourself Today
If you’ve ever thought of breast augmentation before, learning more about the process and the timeline for it is a good way to get the ball rolling. In as little as one hour, a skilled surgeon can transform someone’s body into their ideal self. Just remember to account for the time before and after the operation if you’re making plans.
Should you have more questions or wish to book a consultation, don’t hesitate to reach out to the team at Prestige Plastic Surgery. Call today at 1(305) 384-1649, or head to our website.
Image Credit: Tetiana Tychynska