Breast augmentation*
Breast augmentation is one of the most commonly performed aesthetic surgeries in the world. History of the procedure goes back to 1895, when surgeons tried to use lipomas for breast augmentation. Nowadays, the most popular method for breast augmentation is using silicone implants.
Reasons for choosing breast augmentation surgery vary with each woman. The most common are the desire to correct the shape, size and symmetry of the breasts; the surgery also allows for correcting the appearance of the breasts after losing weight, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and in cases of slight drooping of the breasts (ptosis).
While there have been years of research into the connection between breast implants and possible ailments caused by them, extensive scientific research has not been able to prove a connection between silicone breast implants and systematic autoimmune diseases. Neither are silicone implants harmful for a foetus.
Nor do silicone implants increase the risk of developing breast cancer or interfere with diagnosing breast cancer early on, while in some cases displaying the entire mammary gland might be more difficult during a mammogram.
Pre-surgery consultation
The patient’s expectations and possibilities to realize those wishes are established. Medical history of the patient is discussed, especially any illnesses related to breasts, and current usage of medications is discussed. The need for a pre-surgery breast examination (mammography) will be determined for every patient individually.
During the examination of the patient, an examination of the chest and mammary glands is performed (asymmetries, drooping of breasts, the position of the nipple-areola complex), the skin’s quality is assessed. Patient’s breasts will be photographed for the case history. Finally, breasts will be measured, to determine the best selection of implants for the specific patient; the location of the incision (and the later scar) and the placement of the implant in regards to the mammary gland will also be determined.
The surgery
General anesthesia is used during the surgery, which generally lasts for 1 (one) hour.
Recovery
The patient is released on the morning after the surgery.
Recovery is individual for every patient. Post-surgery pain relief is necessary on the first days, as there is swelling due to tissue trauma; if the implants have been placed under the muscle, stretching the pectoral muscle is also painful.* The incisions have been covered with wound closure tape and bandages up for to 2 weeks, after which scar care starts. The need to wear a support bra depends on the patient, but wearing a push-up bra after the surgery is definitely ill-advised. Breast massage also starts post-surgery. During the first weeks after the surgery, avoiding extraneous exercise is advised.
Possible risks
Immediately after the surgery, swelling, discomfort, changes in the sensitivity of the nipple, and subdermal haematomas are possible. Repeat surgery might be necessary, if a haematoma develops around the implant. Later, inflammation might be a possible complication. Capsular contracture (hardening of the connective tissue around the implant), pain caused by it, and changes in breast shape are also possible. Over time, leakage or rupture of the implant are also possible.
* The examples given in the text are general and may vary in individual patients. For the most accurate information, please contact with doctor.