Breast augmentation Also known as augmentation mammaplasty, breast augmentationsurgery involves using implants to fulfill your desire for fuller breasts or to restore breast volume lost after weight reduction or pregnancy. In young women breasts may remain small due to underdevelopment of glands for genetic reasons.
This procedure helps to change the shape and increase the size of the breast. This is done to enlarge an under developed breast or a breast that has become small after child birth. The size of the breast is increased permanantly depending on the available loose skin of the existing breast.
This surgery is done under General anaesthesia.
Breast augmentation is done by putting silicone implants under the breast. There are different types of breast implants in use nowadays.
1. Silicone gel filled
2. Saline filled
3. Shape implants like ‘pear shaped’
All theses types of breast augmentation pictures given below:
The surface of silicone implants can be smooth or textured (rough).
Breast Augmentation is performed to balance a difference in breast size, improve body contour or as a post-surgery reconstructive technique. Silicone shells filled with saline solution are implanted either directly under the breast tissue or beneath the chest wall muscle, giving breasts a fuller and more natural contour.
The methods for inserting and positioning implants depend on the patient’s anatomy and doctor recommendations. Incisions are made in as inconspicuous an area as possible – usually the armpit, around the areola (nipple area), or under the breast itself to minimize visible scarring. Working through these incisions, the doctor lifts the breast tissue and inserts the implant. It is then centered beneath the nipple, either under or above the pectoral muscle.
Breast augmentation has been available for over 40 years. With that said, the surgical techniques and breast implants themselves are continuously being refined, increasing the safety and reliability of the procedure. Breast augmentation will make your breasts fuller and enhance their shape. In addition, you will find it easier to wear certain styles of clothing and swim wear. Like many women who have had breast augmentation, you may have a boost in self-confidence.
Preparation For Breast Augmentation
During your consultation, your surgeon will tell you which foods, medications, and vitamins you should avoid for a designated time period before and after your surgery. These include, but are not limited to: aspirin, Vitamins E, ibuprofen (Motrin® or Advil®), and certain foods or medications that contain salicylate. If you are a smoker, your surgeon may instruct you to quit the use of nicotine in any form (smoking, patch, or gum) for a certain period of time before and after the surgery. It’s crucial that you follow his or her instructions very closely as smoking can impede the healing process.
You should arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery and also have someone stay with you the first night at least. You will need to take at least three days off from work, so plan accordingly.
Establishing a home recovery area
Before you undergo surgery, you should set up an area in your home for recovery. Make sure you have:
- Pain medication prescribed by your surgeon and Tylenol®
- Ointment or cream for incision sites (if recommended by your surgeon)
- Clean gauze to cover the incision sites
- Plenty of loose, comfortable, button-down blouses or shirts
- Telephone within reaching distance of your main seating or lying area
- Magazines, books or movies
How Is The Incision Made?
The incision (cut) may be placed at various locations such as: under the breast at the breast fold; periareolar which is at the edge of the areola (brown area consisting of nipple and areola); within the areola; in the armpit (axillary); or in the umbilical area.
The thinnest scar is usually in the areola. The umbilical incision approach is used with an endoscope (tube with a light for visualization and placement of the breast implant).
How Is A Breast Augmentation Done?
The procedure will take about one to two hours. It will be performed either under general anesthesia (you’ll go to sleep) or local anesthesia with an oral sedative. You and your surgeon will determine this together.
Breast augmentation can be performed in one of several ways. Your surgeon can perform the procedure via the crease under your breast (known as the inframammary fold); via the areola (known as the “nipple” incision); or via your armpit (known as a transaxillary approach). Your surgeon will discuss all the possible methods with you and together you will determine which approach best suits your needs.
Different types of implants are used as well, including saline or silicone gel. Your surgeon will discuss all your implant options with you. Ask your surgeon for FDA information on the different types of implants.
There are two different ways for your surgeon to insert the implant: either under the breast tissue or behind the breast muscle. You can discuss the benefits of each method with your surgeon and make that decision together.
After the implants are placed, the incision sites will be stitched closed, and your surgeon may also use drainage tubes. It’s very important that you follow your surgeon’s follow-up care instructions for the incision site. Your breasts will be covered with a gauze bandage or you may even be sent home with a surgical bra.
Post Breast Augmentation Surgery
The post operative period following breast implant surgery is generally pleasant and well tolerated. Minor discomfort, feeling of stretch, swelling and bruising can be expected. Most patients are able to start normal daily activities starting the next day and return to office work in 2-3 days time. Decreased sensation over the breast can occur and usually recovers in a couple of weeks