The breast augmentation
Introduction
The size and the shape of breasts are important for the majority of women. Some women might not be satisfied with their smaller size or with their shape. Reasons why they seek for a help of a plastic surgeon are not only the problems with the limited choice of clothes, but also the feeling of body dissatisfaction. The augmentation enables to augment naturally small breasts, a volume renewal after the pregnancy and breastfeeding, a weight loss or changes which occur during the life. The next reason for augmentation can be the improvement of the symmetry, in case the breasts are different size or shape.
What does actually determine the shape of a female breast?
A female breast is composed of a gland and milk ducts, it is surrounded by an adipose tissue, which is responsible for its shape and softness. Another factor that participates on the shape is the skin elasticity. With an influence of some factors as age, pregnancy, loss of skin elasticity, the shape and the size of the breast can be changed.
What is the augmentation?
The augmentation is a surgical insertion of breast implants, in order to increase the breast volume and projection or to improve the symmetry of breasts. Patients perceive their body image in better way then, what increases their self-esteem as well.
How long does it take to perform the augmentation?
The surgery takes approximately 1-1,5 hour.
For whom is the surgery advisable?
The augmentation is advisable for tse women, who are not satisfied with the size of their breasts or their breasts have changed during the lifetime, they have lost their volume, shape and solidity. After the procedure the breasts gain their volume and full, better shape. Possibilities of the augmentation itself are limited though. With the help of the augmentation you can improve the shape of a breast, which is not very ptotic (sagging) yet, but you can not influence the volume of a saggy breast. In such cases, it is necessary to combine the surgery with so-called reshaping, either before the augmentation itself, or at the same time with augmentation.
The breast augmentation is a very individual procedure, it should fulfil your own wishes. Therefore it is not appropriate to undergo the augmentation because somebody else wishes so, without being convinced about the need of the surgery yourself.
Who are suitable candidates?
Ideal candidates are adult healthy women, who do not suffer from any life threatening disease or illness, which may negatively influence the healing, women with a positive life attitude, who have clearly defined the aims of the surgery which leads to perceive their body image in a better way. Smoking negatively affects the healing process and can cause complications.
What is the suitable age for the augmentation?
Breast augmentation can be performed at any age of an adult woman. The breast should be completely developed and healthy.
Does augmentation affect breastfeeding?
It was not proved, that breast implants affect the ability to breastfeed.
Are breast implants safe?
There is no reliable proof, showing that silicon breast implants could cause breast illness e.g. increase the risk of breast cancer. There is no proof for the increased risk of general illnesses, illnesses of connective tissues or the start of the autoimmune disorder.
What is the lifespan of breast implants?
Although implants can function well for more than 10 years, their lifespan is not unlimited. It is very likely that another surgery will be necessary in the future, for replacement of the implants, removing implants, or correction of so-called capsular contraction. The appearance of augmented breast can change during the life because of pregnancy, weight loss and menopause. After the augmentation, the continual check-ups once per year, the regular breast examination, the implants´ status check are necessary. During the time implants can cause a different feeling when touching the breast. In some patients so-called capsular contraction can be formed around the implant which can be excessively rigid and firm. It can cause that the breast is hardened and more rigid when touching it, the surgical correction is needed – capsulectomy.
How to choose proper implants?
Breast implants differ in size, shape, surface and profile. They can be spherical or anatomically shaped, its surface can be smooth or textured. The breast implants´ profile can be standard, moderate high or high. Implants differ in size and volume, too. The type and size of implants which you choose are given by your picture of the final breast shape, body shape, chest width, shape and size of a current breast. A choice of proper implant can be made easier by using the system Body-Logic which we offer at your disposal.
Note: Except for augmentation, the breast implants are used in the breast reconstruction after the cancer treatment, too.
What examinations are required before the augmentation?
Before the surgery not only the examination by your GP or internal medicine doctor is required, it is necessary to undergo the breast examination by the mammalogist (ultrasound or mammography), too.
What is the procedure of the surgery– augmentation itself like?
The surgery is almost always performed under general anaesthesia. At the beginning of the procedure, the operating field is carefully cleaned and disinfected. Afterwards the surgeon performs a preparation of the cavity – „a pocket“ which is used for the insertion of breast implant. The preparation is performed via small incision which is located in the area that you have chosen.
After the chosen breast implant is inserted, incisions are sutured mostly by adsorbable sutures. The suction drain is inserted into the cavity with the implant and it is usually removed on 2nd-7th day after the surgery.
Where are the scars located (what are the approaches for implant insertion)?
Scars can be located in the armpits, under the breasts or around the nipple. The incision is made in order to be the least visible, despite this fact its length and shape can differ according to the type of the implant used and the shape of your body. The length of scars differs according to the size of the implant used. It is usually approximately 4-5 cm. Scar´s appearance depends on the type of your healing pattern which differs from person to person.
- When inserting the implant from the transaxillary approach the incision is located in the natural fold in the armpit. There is no scar on the breast.
- When inserting the implant from the periareollar approach (around the nipple) the incision is usually located along the lower part of the areola (nipple) circumference.
- When inserting the implant from the infra-mammary approach (under the breast) the incision is located in the infra-mammary fold under the lower part of the breast.
What is the post surgery care like?
During the surgery and few days after the surgery you will take antibiotics as a prevention of the breast implants infection. According to the type of the surgery it is recommended to wear special bra, breast band or both, in order to keep the implants in the proper position. Compression underwear provides support and comfort, minimizes the swelling and helps to keep the position of the implants. After the submuscular augmentation (an implant located under the muscle), it is recommended to wear the breast band above the implants for 5-6 weeks, possibly the breast band can be combined with the bra which is shaping the infra-mammary fold. After the subglandular augmentation (an implant located under the gland), it is recommended to wear special bra which keeps the implants in the proper position for minimum of 3 weeks after the surgery. Recovery after the surgery lasts approximately 3-7 weeks, during this time it is recommended to follow a rest regime. After this period the high physical activity should be still avoided and the full physical activity can resume up to 5-8 weeks after the surgery, not sooner. Recommendations are individual and they depend on the post operative status and the type of the surgery. It is important to avoid any physical stress of your upper limbs for approximately 2-4 weeks. Otherwise a healing disorder can occur and the implants´ position can be altered. The final result is noticeable after the swelling subsides completely and the implants are fully integrated within tissues, after 2-3 months after the surgery.
Will the appearance of a breast change in the future?
The shape of your breasts can be changed in the future, the same way it would be changed without the implants. However the result after the augmentation of the breasts is usually long-lasting which means that your breasts will maintain the volume and improved appearance for many years.
If you have any question or comment, do not hesitate to contact us.