Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure to increase the size of the breasts. It is usually performed to enlarge small, underdeveloped breasts that have decreased in size after pregnancy. It can also be performed in cases of breast deformity, or where one breast has not developed in proper symmetry with the other. When a breast is lost due to breast cancer, breast reconstruction may also be possible.
There are several types of incision techniques that can be considered for breast augmentation. The incision type used generally depends on the surgeon's technique. Once the incision is made, the surgeon will lift breast tissue up and down to create a pocket. This pocket will either be under the tissue or underneath the chest wall muscle. Once the pocket is created, the breast augmentation surgeon will place a breast implant inside. Traditionally, this procedure has been accomplished by using a flexible plastic envelope containing a silicone gel. However, there have recently been concerns raised about the safety of silicone implants. While further research is being done, new patients desiring breast augmentation are restricted to saline-filled implants.
Breast augmentation surgery can usually be done in one-day surgery as an outpatient procedure. Most women are able to return to work in four days.
Understanding risk
No major problem is experience with augmentation mamoplasty. However every surgical procedure has risks. The potential complication of surgery is best discussed on a personal basis.
You should be aware that pregnancy can alter breast size in an unpredictable way and could affect the long term results of your surgery.
There is no evidence that breast implants will affect pregnancy or your ability to breast feed.
How breast augmentation is performed ?
Currently woman undergoing breast augmentation receive gel filled or saline filled implants with a silicone shell.
The silicone shell used mostly are textured (rough) surface to diminish surrounding scar “so called capsule” formation.
However you should consult and discuss all the safe implant types you may choose with your specialist.
Understanding the risk
The potential complications include blood accumulation around the implant that may need surgically drained, infection, malposition of the implant etc. Change in the nipple or breast sensation may result temporary from breast augmentation. Capsular contracture around the implant can cause discomfort or change in the breast appearance.
You will be instructed to massage your breast implants regularly to lessen its possibility.
Your surgical experience
In some instances your specialist will recommend a baseline mammogram before surgery and this will help to detect any future change in your breast tissue. You should perform self breast examination after augmentation. Basically breast augmentation is performed on an ambulatory basis. However overnight stay at the hospital is not uncommon.
The anesthesia choices should be discuss between you and your anesthesiologist. When the surgery is completed,the surgeon will wrap your chest with elasticized bandage to immobilize breast implants and collapse the creating pockets.
Post operation period
You may permitted to go home after few recovery hours if you feel comfortable. Bandage and wound dressing should be removed within two days, and you may be instructed to wear a support bra; front hook without push up frame.
After breast augmentation
You can resume your normal work within few days or a week depended on your job. The results of your breast implants will be long lasting except for implant deflection that might occur for saline filled implant.
You will returned to your surgeon in 7 days post operation for stitches removal. Follow up care may be planned. You are encourage to schedule a routine breast evaluations at the frequency recommended for your age group.
