About Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation is a cosmetic surgery that involves the use of breast implants or fat transfer to increase the size of your breasts. This procedure gives women with small or uneven breasts a fuller, firmer, better proportioned look.
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, hundreds and thousands of women have breast implant surgery every year. Needless to say, all surgeries are different and patients undergo breast augmentation for a variety of reasons. If you are considering breast augmentation, consult a plastic surgeon.
Make sure you understand what the surgery involves, including possible risks, complications and follow-up care.
Quick facts about breast augmentation:
- Breast implants are not guaranteed to last a lifetime.
- Breast implants do not correct severely drooping breasts. A breast lift will be required to correct sagging breasts.
- Smooth implants have a smaller chance of ripping than textured implants.
- Infections and bleeding are rare but must be treated promptly.
- Some patients may need another surgery to correct a problem.
Here are some reasons for choosing breast augmentation:
- To enlarge breasts that are naturally small
- Restore the size and shape of breasts after pregnancy, weight loss, breastfeeding or surgery
- Correct a cognitive breast defective
- Restore symmetry when the breasts are asymmetrical
- Enhance self-image
A breast augmentation procedure includes the following steps:
There are three main types of breast implants:
- Saline breast implants filled with sterile salt solution.
- Silicone implants filled with silicone gel which feels more like natural breast tissue.
- Motiva implants which features visual barrier-layer protection that minimizes silicone gel diffusion into the body.
To insert the breast implant, your surgeon will make a single cut in one of these three areas:
- Inframammary. It involves a short incision made in the crease under the breast.
- Peri-areolar. It involves an incision around your nipple.
- Trans-axillary. It involves a small incision under your armpit.
After an incision is made, a breast implant is inserted into a pocket either under the pectoral muscle or directly behind the breast tissue, over the pectoral muscle. The surgeon will recommend either method to insert and position the breast implants depending on the type of implant, degree of enlargement, body type and the surgeon’s recommendations.
Incisions are closed with layered stitches in the breast tissue with skin adhesive or surgical tape to close the skin. The surgery will leave some swelling and the incision lines will be visible at first, but these will fade over time.
After surgery, patient’s breasts will be wrapped in gauze dressings or an elastic bandage for support and to minimize swelling. Patient will then be monitored closely before she is allowed to go home. Specific postoperative instructions will be given for breast implant recovery, usage of prescribed medications and a follow up appointment with the plastic surgeon. Patient should not engage in strenuous physical activities for 6 weeks. Resume exercise and normal activity according to instructions.
Possible breast augmentation surgery risks includes:
- Painful breasts
- Infection
- Rupturing of the implant
- Bleeding
- Fluid accumulation
- Capsular contracture which can distort the shape of the implant and cause pain.
Final results
As you anticipate the outcome of breast augmentation, keep your expectations realistic. Most patients feel an increase in self-esteem and confidence after their breast surgery. However, you might be disappointed if you are looking for perfection. In addition, your breasts will continue to age after augmentation. Weight gain or loss might change the way your breasts look too. If you become dissatisfied with the appearance of your breasts, you might need a revision operation to correct these issues.