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The surgery
The method of inserting and positioning your implant will depend on your anatomy
and your surgeon's 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.
Incisions are made to keep scars as
inconspicuous as possible, in the breast
crease, around the nipple, or in the armpit.
Breast tissue and skin is lifted to create a
pocket for each implant.
Working through the incision, the surgeon 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 centered
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 the 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 a few days after surgery than placement directly under the breast
tissue.
The breast implant may be inserted directly under the
breast tissue or beneath the chest wall muscle.
You'll want to discuss the pros and cons of these alternatives with your
doctor before surgery to make sure you fully understand the implications of
the procedure he or she recommends for you.
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 help with healing.
© 1994 American Society of Plastic Surgeons
Continue reading about breast augmentation
Breast Augmentation Patient Information 
Highlights: Introduction to Breast Augmentation
Your Choice of Incision Location
Implant Placement: Over or Under
Breast Implant: Size & Style
Breast Implant: Size & Fill Level
Breast Implant: Saline or Silicone
Mammography
Options for Pain Control
Getting Ready for Surgery
Resuming Normal Activities
Pre-operative Instructions
Post-operative Instructions
Silicone Breast Implants
Anatomical Implants
Breast Augmentation Illustrations
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