Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation, technically known as augmentation mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure to enhance the size and shape of a woman's breast for a number of reasons:
To enhance the body contour of a woman who, for personal reasons, feels her breast size is too small.
To restore breast volume lost due to weight loss or following pregnancy.
To achieve better symmetry when breasts are moderately disproportionate in size and shape.
To improve the shape of breasts that are sagging or have lost firmness, often used with a breast lift procedure.
To provide the foundation of a breast contour when a breast has been removed or disfigured by surgery to treat breast cancer.
To improve breast appearance or create the appearance of a breast that is missing or disfigured due to trauma, heredity, or congenital abnormalities.
By inserting an implant behind each breast, surgeons are able to increase a woman's bust line by one or more bra cup sizes. If you're considering breast augmentation, this will give you a basic understanding of the procedure-when it can help, how it's performed, and what results you can expect.
It can't answer all of your questions, since a lot depends on your individual circumstances.
Please ask your surgeon if there is anything you don't understand about the procedure.
Surgical Techniques
'Get breast implants without leaving any scarring on your breasts.'
Breast Augmentation through Transaxillary Incision
A transaxillary incision or armpit incision is one type of procedure that is used in the placement of implants for breast augmentation.
The transaxillary incision is placed in the natural folds of the skin in the armpit.
To perform the transaxillary incision, the incision is made in the natural folds of the armpit tissue, and then a channel is created up to the breast. This procedure is sometimes performed with an endoscope, or a small tube with a surgical light and camera embedded in the end, to provide visibility through the channel. The implant is inserted and moved through the channel, then positioned and centered behind the nipple.
The biggest advantage with the transaxillary incision is that the scar is not on the breast. This incision can be used to place the implant in any of the three positions:
Subglandular
Partial submuscular
Complete submuscular
Inframammary Incisions
An inframammary incision which is under the breast is one type of incision used in the placement of implants for breast augmentation.
The inframammary incision is placed in the proximity of the crease where the breast and chest come together called the inframammary fold.
The breast comprises a complex group of tissues, including glandular, fatty and fibrous tissues. The breast is positioned over the pectoral muscles of the chest wall and is attached to the chest wall by loose fibrous strands called Cooper's ligaments at the fold, there are strong fibrous attachments holding the skin to the chest wall.
To perform the inframammary incision, the surgeon selects the optimum location to place the incision under the breast and close to the inframammary fold. The surgeon makes the incision and creates a pocket in which to place the breast implant. The implant is slid upward through the incision, and then centered behind the nipple.
The incision is located to secure proper placement of the implant, but also to reduce scar visibility. Scarring from properly located inframammary incisions should be easily hidden under a swimsuit top.
The advantages to the inframammary incision is the surgeon works close to the breast, which gives the surgeon optimal visibility while working. Also, that this incision allows the implant to be placed in any of the three implant locations:
Subglandular
Partial submuscular
Complete submuscular
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The Best Candidates For Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation can enhance your appearance and your self-confidence, but it won't necessarily change your looks to match your ideal, or cause other people to treat you differently. Before you decide to have surgery, think carefully about your expectations and discuss them with your surgeon.
The best candidates for breast augmentation are women who are looking for improvement, not perfection, in the way they look. If you're physically healthy and realistic in your expectations, you may be a good candidate.
Types of Implants
The choice of implant filler, implant size, shape and other features will be determined based on your breast anatomy, body type and your desired increase in size. Your lifestyle, goals and personal preferences, as well your plastic surgeon's recommendations and sound surgical judgment are also determining factors. Implant manufacturers occasionally introduce new styles and types of implants, and therefore there may be additional options available to you.
Breast implants are medical devices with a solid silicone, rubber shell. The implant shell may be filled with either saline solution (sterile salt water) or elastic silicone gel. Both saline and silicone gel breast implants approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Approval means that an implant has been rigorously researched and tested, and reviewed by an independent panel of physicians for safety.
The size of a breast implant is measured in cubic centimeters (cc) based on the volume of the saline or silicone filler. Breast implants vary both by filler and in size, but there are additional features to consider:
Texture: the implant shell may be smooth or textured.
Shape: the implant may have a round profile or one that is anatomic (teardrop or tapered shape).
Profile: the implant may have a low, medium or high projection (the depth of the implant from the base to the highest point of the implant curve).
Diameter: the width of the implant measured across it's base (the side of the implant that will be positioned over the chest wall).
Adult women of any age can benefit greatly from the enhancement that breast implants provide. It is usually recommended, however, that woman's breasts are fully developed prior to placement of breast implants.
Saline implants are FDA approved for augmentation in women 18 years of age and older.
Silicone implants are FDA approved for augmentation in women age 22 and older.
Saline or silicone implants may be recommended at a younger age if used for reconstruction purposes.
You should be aware that breast implants are not guaranteed to last a lifetime and future surgery may be required to replace one or both implants. Regular examinations for breast health and to evaluate the condition of your implants are important whether you have chosen saline or silicone breast implants.
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All Procedures Carry Some Uncertainty and Risk
Breast augmentation is relatively straight forward. But as with any procedure, there are risks associated with surgery and specific complications associated with this procedure.
The most common problem, capsular contracture, occurs if the scar or capsule around the implant begins to tighten. This squeezing of the soft implant can cause the breast to feel hard. Capsular contracture can be treated in several ways, and sometimes requires either removal or "scoring" of the scar tissue, or perhaps removal or replacement of the implant.
As with any surgical procedure, excessive bleeding following the operation may cause some swelling and pain. If excessive bleeding continues, another operation may be needed to control the bleeding and remove the accumulated blood.
A small percentage of women develop an infection around an implant. This may occur at any time, but is most often seen within a week after surgery. In some cases, the implant may need to be removed for several months until the infection clears. A new implant can then be inserted.
Some women report that their nipples become oversensitive, under sensitive, or even numb. You may also notice small patches of numbness near your incisions. These symptoms usually disappear within time, but may be permanent in some patients.
Breast implants do not generally interfere with a woman's ability to breast feed, or present a health hazard during pregnancy to a woman or her baby. However, pregnancy and the associated changes to a woman's body may alter the results of any breast surgery, including surgery to place breast implants. Therefore, it is important to discuss the options of breast implant surgery with your plastic surgeon if you are interested in becoming pregnant and breast feeding in the future.
Occasionally, breast implants may break or leak. Rupture can occur as a result of injury or even from the normal compression and movement of your breast and implant, causing the shell to leak.
If a saline-filled implant breaks, the implant will deflate in a few hours and the salt water will be absorbed and naturally expelled by the body.
If a silicone-gel filled implant leak or break, the elastic silicone gel may remain within the implant shell, or may escape into the breast implant pocket (a capsule of tissue that surrounds the implant).
Following the placement of breast implants mammography is technically more difficult. Obtaining the best possible results requires specialized techniques and additional views. You must be candid about your implants when undergoing any diagnostic breast exam. In many cases, an ultrasound scan or an MRI may be recommended in addition to mammography.
The first consultation
With Beauty Renaissance the first consultation is free of charge and is always with your surgeon who will assess and discuss your desired results.
Therefore, the surgeon will recommend the best solution with respect to the procedure. The surgeon will also answer all the questions that you have and inform you of the reasonable expectations that you can have regarding the procedure.
Planning
In your initial consultation, your surgeon will evaluate your health and explain which surgical techniques are most appropriate for you, based on the condition of your breasts and skin tone. If your breasts are sagging, your doctor may also recommend a breast lift.
Be sure to discuss your expectations with your surgeon. And, be sure to tell your surgeon if you smoke, and if you're taking any medications, vitamins, or other drugs.
Your surgeon will also explain the type of anesthesia to be used, the type of facility where the surgery will be performed.
Preparation
Your surgeon will give you instructions to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding certain vitamins and medications. A mammogram may be recommended prior to your procedure to ensure breast health and serve as a baseline for future comparison.
In addition to explaining your surgical procedure, your plastic surgeon will discuss anesthesia, the recovery process and your obligations as a patient. The surgeon will also discuss where your procedure will be performed. You will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure that you fully understand the procedure you will undergo and any risks and potential complications of your surgery.
Types of Anesthesia
Breast augmentation can be performed with a general anesthesia, so you will sleep through the entire procedure.
After Care
You're likely to feel tired and sore for a few days following your surgery, but you'll be up and around in 24 to 48 hours. Most of your discomfort can be controlled by medication prescribed by your doctor.
Within several days, the gauze dressings, if you have them, will be removed, and you may be given a surgical bra. You should wear it as directed by your surgeon. You may also experience a burning sensation in your nipples for about two weeks, but this will subside as bruising fades.
Your stitches will come out in a week to 10 days, but the swelling in your breasts may take three to five weeks to disappear.
Getting Back to Normal
You should be able to return to work within a few days, depending on the level of activity required for your job.
Follow your surgeon's advice on when to begin exercises and normal activities. Your breasts will probably be sensitive to direct stimulation for two to three weeks, so you should avoid much physical contact. After that, breast contact is fine once your breasts are no longer sore, usually three to four weeks after surgery.
Your scars will be firm and pink for at least six weeks. Then they may remain the same size for several months, or even appear to widen. After several months, your scars will begin to fade, although they will never disappear completely.
Routine mammograms should be continued after breast augmentation for women who are in the appropriate age group.
Follow Up
Here at Beauty Renaissance we uphold the highest degree of post operative quality care that goes beyond monitoring. For that reason detailed postoperative controls are made so that the patient feels safe and secure. There are a number of consultations to check that the healing process is without trauma.
The first postoperative consultation is made the following day and the recovery process is followed in detail. The definitive discharge date does not occur until a year after the procedure.
Your New Look
For many women, the result of breast augmentation can be satisfying, even exhilarating, as they learn to appreciate their fuller appearance.
Even if you believe your implants are functioning well, it is important that you follow-up as directed with your plastic surgeon to assess the condition of your breast implants. In addition, whether you choose to have breast implants or not, it is essential to your health that you practice a monthly breast self-exam and schedule regular diagnostic breast screenings.
Your decision to have breast augmentation is a highly personal one that not everyone will understand. The important thing is how you feel about it. If you've met your goals, then your surgery is a success.
Note: The information offered in this Web site is directed to support and not to replace the relationship between you and your doctor.
For more information about this or any of our other procedures please click here and complete our enquiry form.
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