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Breast Augmentation
​Breast augmentation is a plastic surgery to enlarge and reshape the breast. For many women the main reason for breast augmentation it to improve self-confidence and appearance of the breast in proportion with the rest of their body. For others, it is to restore or correct the size and shape of the breast after pregnancy, significant weight loss or cancer. There are many reasons as to why women decide to undertake this procedure, which explains the fact that breast augmentation is one of the most popular plastic surgeries in the world. ​
You might consider breast augmentation if:
• Size of your breast is affecting your self-esteem
• Your breast is asymmetric or uneven
• You want to restore shape or add volume after pregnancy, significant weight loss or cancer
• Your breast dropped, changed or lost elasticity with age
• Improve the contour of your breast
Who is it suitable for
✔ Patients willing to increase the size of their breast
✔ Women willing to reshape their breast and add some volume
✔ Women with asymmetric breast
✔ People of good health
Treatment duration
✔ Breast augmentation surgery normally takes 1-2 hours but might take longer if other cosmetic procedures are done at the same time
✔ Most patients need to stay in hospital overnight
✔ The complexity and duration of a breast surgery vary from patient to patient, depending on their individual situation
Recovery
✔ You need to take at least 2 weeks time-off for your recovery
✔ Bruises, swelling and redness is usually visible for at least 2 weeks
✔ It takes at least 4 weeks for the scars to fade away and see the full result of the operation
Types Of Breast Augmentation ​
When it comes to breast augmentation there are two main types of surgery available. You should always consult with a doctor to determine the best treatment approach for you and whether you are suitable for this procedure:
Breast implant augmentation surgery
Breast implant augmentation involves placing implants under breast tissues and chest muscles, and then centered behind the nipple. When it comes to breast implant surgery there are two main types of breast implants:
Silicone implants - silicone implants are probably the most popular implants. This type of implants are made of silicone shells filled with a silicone gel. There is an argument that silicone implants look more natural than saline. However, silicone implants pose more risk to your health if they leak.
Saline implants - this type of implants are made of silicone shells filled with saline (sterile salt water). The implant shells are usually inserted empty and only then filled with saline. The benefit of this is that it often means smaller incisions. However, some people believe that saline implants look less natural and more noticeable under the skin.
Breast implant surgery is an effective solution for increasing the size of your breast, re-shaping and improving breast contour. However, it's not a lifetime thing. Breast implants usually need to be replaced after about 10 years. This is because there is a potential risk of an implant deflation or rupture, which poses a health risk to a person if silicone leaks. Another reason is that with age our breast may change and as a result lose it's shape and contour. A replacement of breast implants can give more youthful breast look and attractive shape.
If you consider a breast implant augmentation, you should consult with your surgeon to understand pros and cons of each method, the size and shape of your implants, potential risks and your expectations.
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Fat transfer to breast
Another type of breast augmentation is fat transfer, which is a less-invasive surgery method. Fat transfer augmentation involves extracting and transferring fat from other parts of your body such as waist, stomach or your thighs, - and then inserting excess fat into your breast to fill and shape it. The greatest benefit of this method is that your breast looks natural and you don't have to worry about potential complications from implants. However, the drawback of this method is that usually you can only have a modest increase in size. If you are considering a larger increase, this type of breast augmentation may not be right for you.
Before The Treatment
Breast augmentation is a cosmetic surgery and preparation is similar to any other surgery. Before the surgery you will meet your surgeon to discuss your breast augmentation objectives and perform an examination:
• Goals and expectations - You should discuss with a surgeon your expectations and why do you want to undergo a breast augmentation treatment. A surgeon should explain you different types of breast augmentation methods, pros and cons for each treatment, potential risks, recovery and expected outcomes.
• Medical history - Prepare to provide a complete medical history including your past and current medical conditions, allergies, mammogram records, and medications that you are taking.
• Examination - A surgeon will examine your breast to determine your best options for breast augmentation. Your surgeon should explain treatment options suitable for you, and consult about your options for size, shape, feel and appearance of your breast.
• Photos - Photographs may be taken from different angles so that your surgeon can use them for assessing the result after surgery and to educate you about the procedure and anticipated results.
• Diagnostics, tests and additional examination - Be prepared to undertake additional examination such as blood tests and mammogram before preceding with this treatment.
You will be advised by your doctor how to prepare for the procedure. You may need to stop taking certain medications such as anti-inflammatory drugs and medication that can increase bleeding. Your doctor may advise you to stop smoking a few weeks before the surgery as smoking can impact healing process.
It's recommended that you arrange for help during recovery and drive you home from a hospital.
What does it involve?
Breast augmentation procedure varies depending on the type of surgery you are undertaking.​
In case of the breast implant surgery, most common steps involve:
• This procedure is generally performed general anaesthetic
• Making incisions for the breast implant to be inserted. There are three places where an incision can be made: the crease under your breast, the bottom part of your underarm or around your nipple
• Inserting and positioning of the breast implant
• Stitches applied to close incisions
When it comes to the fat transfer, the following is involved:
• This procedure is generally performed general anaesthetic
• Fat extraction using liposuction techniques. Excess fat is removed from other parts of your body such as waist, stomach or your thighs
• Making small incisions to transfer fat by filling and shaping your breast
• Stitches applied to close incisions
Breast augmentation procedure usually takes 1-2 hours but can take longer if other treatments are done at the same time. In most cases patients need to stay in hospital overnight.
After the treatment
After breast surgery it is likely you will have to wear a compression bandage. Many surgeons recommend wearing a bandage or sports bra for up to three months which helps with recovery and positioning of the breast implants but you should consult with your doctor. After breast augmentation procedure it is common to experience:
• Swelling
• Soreness
• Bruising
• Scarring
• Pain and discomfort
Sutures, if not dissolvable sutures used, are generally removed after 1-2 weeks. Bruises, swelling and redness is usually visible for at least 2 weeks after surgery. Scars will fade away over time but will not go away completely. You will not be able to drive after the operation for at least a week. You should be able to resume strenuous exercise after 4-6 weeks. It is advised to take at least 2 weeks off work for your recovery and it may take at least 4 weeks to see the full effect of the operation.
Risks
As with any major surgery, breast augmentation carries some risks such as:
• Visible scarring
• Implant deflation or rupture
• Excessive bleeding
• Development of blood cloths
• Challenges with breastfeeding
• Infection
• Implant movement resulting in an abnormal breast shape
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