Breast augmentation can enhance your breast size and shape,
and give you a more proportional figure. In many situations, the size
of the breast is determined by heredity. In other situations the breast
volume may have become less after pregnancy or even after breast
surgery. Small breasts may result in a feeling of embarrassment and
difficulty in finding clothes that compliment your body. In general,
this operation has a positive effect on your lifestyle for many
reasons.
It is helpful to have a fair idea of what you are expecting and wanting
to achieve before you come for your consultation. Medical history and
breast problems you or your family have had are very important to
discuss at the consultation. It is also important to understand that
pregnancies will affect your breast size and shape.
INDICATIONS
The success of this operation depends on whether it is performed on the
correct patient.
One or more of the following feelings or conditions may indicate that
you are a good candidate for breast augmentation:
- you are bothered by the feeling that
your breasts are too small
- clothes that fit well around your hips
are often too large at the bust line
- you feel self-conscious wearing a
swimsuit or form-fitting top
- your breasts have become smaller and
lost their firmness after having children
- weight loss has changed the size and
shape of your breasts
- one of your breasts is noticeably
smaller than the other
PROCEDURE AND
ALTERNATIVES
Individual factors and personal preferences will
determine the details
of the procedure chosen as there are many different techniques of
performing a breast augmentation. An incision can be made either underneath the breast, just above the crease, around the lower edge of the areola or within the armpit. The implant is placed in a pocket either directly behind the breast tissue or underneath the pectoral muscle which is located between the breast tissue and chest wall.
Although there has been much speculation about the safety of silicone filled implants, the data shows that it is perfectly safe to use them. The two types of implants available are silicone implants and saline implants and the choice will be made according to individual factors.
A day or two after surgery, you should be up and about. Any dressings will be removed within several days, and you will need to wear a support bra. A support bra will be put on directly after the surgery.
After the operation, there will be drains that are emerging from the breasts and these are usually removed the next day. The swelling usually resolves in several days but may take up to one month to resolve completely.
COMPLICATIONS / DISADVANTAGES
Some of the potential complications that may be discussed with you include:
- Reactions to anesthesia
- Haematoma (blood accumulation) that may need to be drained surgically
- Infection (this is rare, but if it does occur, it may require removal of the prosthesis)
- Changes in nipple or breast sensation (usually temporary but may be permanent)
- Implant placement asymmetry (this may result in asymmetrical breast shape and may require further surgery to correct)
- Hypertrophic scar or keloid scar development
- Galactorrhoea (stimulus of the surrounding nerves may result in breast milk production)
- Scar capsule formation around the prosthesis which may result in a hard unattractive breast and pain (this may require further surgery to remove the scar tissue)
- Implant contour irregularities and palpability
- Issue thinning and implant extrusion (implant becomes exposed through the skin or the incision which may require further surgery)
- Implant may not last forever and may need replacement due to rupture
- Examination for breast cancer should be done by an experienced doctor in this field (however, several large studies have concluded that breast implants do not increase the risk of breast cancer)
- Unfortunately gravity may still take its toll and the breasts may sag with aging (this is not really a disadvantage, but rather a normal physiological process)
ADVANTAGES
The greatest advantage of this operation is the marked improvement in your self esteem. The breasts are a much better shape with a fuller appearance. Clothes are better fitting in most cases and you will then be able to wear certain styles of clothing more freely.
Results are generally long standing except in cases of rupture. If the breast sags with age, further breast lifting can still be performed.