Breast augmentation

Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure that enlarges and shapes your breasts symmetrically. It is also known as augmentation mammoplasty. The surgery can be carried out by inserting implants made of either saline or silicone. If you want a little rise in breast volume, you can have fat transfer from another part of your body.

Breast augmentation is recommended if you have any of the below concerns:

  • Your breasts are relatively small for your body.
  • Your breasts have become smaller as a result of weight loss.
  • Your breasts are smaller or become less firm due to pregnancy.
  • One of your breasts appears to be smaller than the other.
  • You have sagging breasts.
Breast augmentation

Procedure

Before the Procedure

Your surgeon will provide preoperative instructions, take a detailed medical history, and conduct a complete physical exam to determine your fitness for surgery. Your surgeon may ask you to:

  • Stop smoking before having surgery to promote faster healing.
  • Aspirin, certain anti-inflammatory drugs, and some herbal remedies can cause excessive bleeding.
  • Wear a specific bra to prepare the skin and tissue surrounding the breasts to prepare them for the fat injection (for breast augmentation using autologous fat transfer).
  • If you are over 40 years old, your plastic surgeon may offer a mammogram to help detect and follow any changes in your breast tissue.
  • Breast augmentation is performed as an outpatient procedure. After surgery, you must arrange for someone to drive you home.

During the Procedure

Generally, breast augmentation surgery follows this process:

  • You are given a gown to wear.
  • Your arm or hand will be inserted with an intravenous line.
  • You will be positioned to lie on your back on the operating table.
  • General anesthesia may be used for breast augmentation surgery. You'll be asleep during the procedure. Once you are asleep, your surgeon will insert a breathing tube into your lungs through your throat. You'll be connected to a ventilator.
  • A sterile antiseptic solution will be used to clean the skin over the surgical area.
  • The surgeon will make 1 or more incisions. These incisions will be created in regions that will not be visible following surgery. This could be under your breast(inframammary), in your armpit (transaxillary), or around your nipple (periareolar).
  • The implant will be inserted through the incision. It could be slid beneath your pectoral chest muscle. It could also be inserted immediately beneath your breast tissue. Based on your body and your preferences, your surgeon will determine where to create the pocket for the implant.
  • The incision will be closed using sutures, skin adhesive, or surgical tape.
  • A small, thin drainage tube may be inserted in the surgical area in some cases to prevent fluid from collecting there while you heal.

After the Procedure

  • After surgery, your breasts may be wrapped in dressings and a support bra will minimize swelling and help the healing process.
  • Soreness and swelling for the next few weeks are normal and will subside over time. Pain medication may be prescribed to help you manage the healing process.
  • You should be able to return to most of your normal activities gradually in the next four to six weeks but avoid strenuous activities for the first 2 weeks.
  • Your breasts may be sensitive to sudden movements or contact during the healing process.
  • Regular annual examinations will be required to evaluate the condition of your implants.

Benefits

Some of the benefits of breast augmentation:

  • Increase the size of your breasts.
  • Improve the shape of your breasts.
  • Have a more youthful-looking and more proportional figure.
  • Restoration of symmetry if one of your breasts is smaller than the other.
  • Since implants are completely customizable, you can select the optimum shape and size for you.
  • Improve your self-image and self-confidence.

Risks

Breast augmentation poses various risks, including:

  • Scar tissue that affects the shape of a breast implant (capsular contracture).
  • Changes in nipple and breast sensation.
  • Breast pain
  • Infection
  • Changes in implant position
  • Implant leakage or rupture

Correcting these complications might require more surgery to either remove or replace the implants.


Care at Medicover

At Medicover Hospitals, we have the most eminent team of plastic surgeons working together to provide excellent care to our patients. We provide different types of cosmetic treatments using the most advanced technologies and world-class infrastructure bringing the best results for our patients. Our plastic surgeons have performed many breast augmentation procedures with successful outcomes after setting realistic goals. We discuss the whole treatment pathway and expected outcomes with our patients and keep them informed at every stage of their treatment.


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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is breast augmentation surgery?

Breast augmentation surgery is a cosmetic procedure performed to enhance the size and shape of a person's breasts. It involves using implants or fat transfer to increase breast volume and improve symmetry.

2. How is breast augmentation surgery performed?

The specific technique used for breast augmentation can vary depending on individual factors and surgeon preference. Generally, the procedure involves making incisions in the breast tissue, creating a pocket to place the breast implant, and inserting the implant or performing a fat transfer.

3. What types of breast implants are available?

There are primarily two types of breast implants commonly used, saline implants and silicone implants. Saline implants include a sterile saline solution, and silicone implants contain silicone gel.

4. What are the risks associated with breast augmentation surgery?

The risks and potential complications can include infection, bleeding, adverse reaction to anesthesia, scarring, changes in nipple or breast sensation, implant rupture or leakage, scar tissue formation around the implant, asymmetry, and dissatisfaction with aesthetic results.

5. What is the recovery process after breast augmentation?

The recovery period generally involves a few weeks of healing. After the surgical procedure, you may experience some discomfort, swelling, and bruising. Your surgeon will provide instructions on post-operative care, pain management, wearing a supportive bra, and avoiding strenuous activities for a certain period. You should attend follow-up appointments to monitor your healing progress.

6. Will breast implants affect breastfeeding or mammograms?

Breast implants can potentially affect breastfeeding and mammograms. Breast implants may interfere with breastfeeding, especially if incisions were made around the areola. Regarding mammograms, implants may require additional imaging techniques to ensure accurate results, so it's essential to inform the mammography technician about your implants before the procedure.

7. How long do breast implants typically last?

The lifespan of breast implants depends on factors such as the type of implant, individual characteristics, and lifestyle. While breast implants are not considered lifetime devices, they can last for many years. Some individuals may choose to replace their implants after 10 to 15 years, while others may have them for longer without experiencing any issues. Regular follow-ups with your surgeon and monitoring of the implants are important to identify any changes or complications that may require intervention.

Citations

https://www.theaestheticsociety.org/procedures/breast/breast-augmentation
https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=135&contentid=18
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/breast-implants-augmentation