Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation is used to increase the size of the breast, which is achieved with implants placed under the breast tissues or pectoralis muscle. Some want to increase their self-confidence with this, others want to repair their sagging breasts for various reasons (pregnancy, weight loss, illness). Surgery helps if the patient finds her breasts too small or asymmetrical, or can restore the breasts to their prenatal condition or correct changes due to other diseases.
During the consultation with the plastic surgeon, the patient can be given information about what results to expect and the risks of the procedure.
The most common risk factors
- Encapsulation, which can distort the shape of the implant, also known as “capsular contracture”: The body always forms a sheath, which separates the foreign substance from the body, in this case the implant. If this capsule thickens or becomes too tight, the breast can feel harder and sometimes – in addition to discomfort – cause visible deformation.
- Rippling: Usually occurs in thin patients with low connective and adipose tissue in the breast. This can be prevented by choosing the right size (not too big) implant.
- Pain, tenderness: Some people’s body does not accept the implant.
- Infection: There is a risk of infection with all surgical procedures.
- Loss of nipple sensitivity: If the implant is placed at the nipple, the nipple may become less sensitive around the incision.
- Implant leakage or rupture: A complication when silicone leaks from the implant. Today, we can choose from more modern implants where there is no chance of that.
Correction of these complications requires further surgery, possibly implant replacement, or removal.
During the consultation with the surgeon and the patient, the type and size of the implant will be determined: saline (saline), cohesive gel-filled or silicone, round or teardrop-shaped, and the site of insertion will be decided by the technique of insertion (subcutaneous or not).
Before surgery, you may want to consider the followings
- In most cases, the implant does not eliminate the sagging, which also requires a breast lift.
- Implants do not have a lifetime warranty, with an average lifespan of 10 years. Signs of weight gain, weight loss and aging also affect the appearance of the breast.
- A mammogram is more complicated with a breast implant, so in addition to the usual screening, a separate examination may be needed.
- It can also affect breastfeeding. Some women breastfeed without implants with an implant, while others find it more difficult.
Things to do before surgery
- The surgeon may send the patient for mammography before surgery.
- It is not recommended to take certain medicines before the procedure – e.g. aspirin – because they canincrease the bleeding.
- Smoking should be avoided for weeks before and after surgery.
- After surgery, take the patient home with a friend and spend the first night with him.
The course of the surgery
The implant can be inserted by the surgeon at three incision points
- Under the breast (inframammary)
- At the axillary
- At the nipple (periaerolar)
After the incision, the doctor separates the connective tissue from the muscle, forming a pocket where the implant is placed. The saline implant is filled with sterile saline after insertion, the silicone implant already contains the silicone gel. The surgeon then sutures the incision.
After surgery
In the weeks after surgery, pain and swelling at the site of surgery, and possibly bruising, should be expected. Drainage pipes and non-absorbable sutures are removed by your doctor. The surgeon will prescribe a painkiller and it is recommended to wear a compression bandage and / or a sports bra during recovery. The scars fade over the years, but do not disappear completely.
If the patient is not doing physical work, they can return to work after a few weeks. Physical activity that raises heart rate and blood pressure is prohibited for at least two weeks after surgery. During healing, the breast will be sensitive to touch and sudden movements.
Breast augmentation changes the size and shape of the breast, thereby, if the expectations are realistic, it can greatly contribute to the patient’s increased self-confidence and positive self-image.
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