Breast Implant Procedure

This procedure involves the use of general anesthesia.

Different approaches may be used to place the implants:

Inframammary - an incision is placed below the breast in the infra- mammary fold (IMF). This incision is the most common approach and gives the best access for precise placement of an implant. It is the preferred technique for silicone gel implants.

Periareolar - an incision is placed along the margin of the areola. The incision is generally placed around the inferior half, or the medial half of the areola's circumference.

Transaxillary - an incision is placed in the armpit and the dissection tunnels medially. This approach allows implants to be placed with no visible scars on the breast.

Transumbilical (TUBA) - a less common technique where an incision is placed in the belly button and dissection tunnels superiorly. This technique cannot be used for silicone gel implants.

Transabdominoplasty (TABA) - procedure similar to TUBA, where the implants are tunneled up from the abdomen into bluntly dissected pockets while a patient is simultaneously undergoing a tummy tuck procedure.

Once the anesthetic has taken effect, your surgeon will make an incision in the skin and place the implant in the appropriate location. The incisions are usually closed using dissolvable stitches. The operation lasts approximately two hours.

Most people who have had this type of procedure under general anesthetic will be able to leave hospital on the same or next day.

You will be made to wear a pressure garment that resembles a sports bra for at least 4 - 6 weeks. This is to improve blood circulation, minimize swelling, flush potentially harmful fluids out of the body and prevent the implant from moving while you are healing.