Breast Augmentation or Reconstruction
Important information:
Breast augmentation is a surgery that enlarges the breasts. For adolescents, this surgery is done to correct breasts that are very different in size. This may be caused by conditions such as Poland syndrome, scars on the chest wall that interfere with breast development, or simply uneven development of the breasts(mammary asymmetry). The surgery is called augmentation mammoplasty.
The surgery takes place in the operating room. We will give your child general anesthesia to put them to sleep. A balloon-like prosthesis, filled with either saline or silicone, is inserted through an incision in the skin of the chest, usually in the fold of skin underneath the breast. A surgical pocket is created, and the prosthesis is inserted into this pocket. Sutures are then placed in the breast incision. The sutures will either slowly dissolve over months, or your child will need to return to the office to have them removed. Thin pieces of sterile tape are placed over the sutures. Most children go home on the day of the surgery. Some children may need to spend one night in the hospital.
Breast implants do not last forever and in many cases, they will need to be exchanged every fifteen years.
Patient instructions:
Before surgery
Do not give your child medicine that contains aspirin or ibuprofen (Advil®, Nuprin®, Motrin®) for two weeks before surgery. They may cause the body not to form the appropriate clots needed for healing.
Care at home
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Your child may still have pain, swelling, bruising and even a feeling of tightness. All these feelings are normal. Sometimes there will be changes in the sensation of the nipple, but this is usually temporary.
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We will give your child a prescription for pain medicine. Use it as needed and follow the directions. Give the pain medicine half an hour before showering, changing the dressing, or going to bed. Prescription pain medicine can cause some dizziness, nausea, or constipation. Over-the-counter medicine such as Acetaminophen (Tylenol®) will have fewer side effects and may provide relief. Replace the prescription pain medicine with over-the-counter medication as soon as you are able. Do not take aspirin or ibuprofen products (Advil, Motrin) for at least 1 week after surgery.
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Your child will feel tired. This is normal after general anesthesia and surgery.
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Your child may shower and wash their hair the day after surgery. They may not take a bath or swim for 4 weeks after surgery. Your child may have small paper tape along the incisions. Leave these in place and let the soap and water run over them. Do not scrub them.
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Heavy lifting, vacuuming, high reaching or extreme exercise are not allowed for 4 weeks after surgery. Your child may do what is comfortable without any excess strain. For support, they should wear a bra (no underwire) both day and night for 3 weeks after surgery. Place a dry gauze dressing in her bra over the incisions for comfort.
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The prosthesis is held in position by the scar that forms around it. Massaging the area will prevent too much scar tissue from forming which can change the shape of the breast. Your surgeon will teach your child how and when to begin this massage at the follow-up appointment.
Follow-up appointment
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Usually, the stitches in your child’s breasts will dissolve. Some children will have stitches that need to be removed in the office. If your child has stitches that need to be removed, this will take place in the office about two weeks after surgery.
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All children need to come in for a follow-up appointment 2-3 weeks after surgery.
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Please call 215 590-2208 to make these appointments.
Contact your surgical team with questions, concerns or if your child has:
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Fever over 100. 5°F (38°C)
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Worsening redness near incision
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Sudden swelling or deflation of the breast
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Any drainage from incision
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Sudden behavior change (irritable, nausea, vomiting, decrease in appetite)
Monday through Friday, 8 AM -5 PM
215-590-2208
Evenings, weekends, and holiday, call 215-590-1000 and ask to speak with the plastic surgery resident or fellow on call
Reviewed December 2023 by Kelsey Reilly, CRNP