Health

Breast Augmentation

by Dr Clara Lee

Breast augmentation, also known as augmentation mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to increase the size and enhance the shape of a person’s breasts. It is commonly sought by individuals who desire larger breasts, want to achieve better symmetry, or wish to restore breast volume after pregnancy, weight loss, or aging. Here’s an overview of the procedure:

Procedure:

  1. Consultation: The process begins with a consultation with a plastic surgeon. During this consultation, you’ll discuss your goals, expectations, and medical history. The surgeon will also evaluate your breast size, shape, skin quality, and overall health to determine if you’re a suitable candidate for the procedure.
  2. Implant Selection: There are various types of breast implants available, including saline-filled, silicone gel-filled, and more recently, “gummy bear” cohesive gel implants. The choice of implant type, size, shape, and placement will be discussed and determined based on your desired outcome and the surgeon’s recommendations.
  3. Surgery: The surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia. The surgeon makes incisions, which can be placed in the crease under the breast, around the areola, or in the armpit. The choice of incision location depends on factors such as implant type, surgeon’s preference, and your anatomy.

    Once the incision is made, the surgeon creates a pocket either beneath the chest muscle (submuscular) or directly behind the breast tissue (subglandular). The implant is then inserted into the pocket, and the incisions are closed with sutures.

  4. Recovery: After the surgery, you’ll need some time to recover. Swelling, bruising, and discomfort are common initially. You might be required to wear a special surgical bra to support your breasts during the healing process. Recovery times can vary, but most people can return to non-strenuous activities within a week or two.
  5. Results: It’s important to note that immediate results might not fully represent the final outcome. Swelling will gradually subside, and the implants will settle into a more natural position over several weeks to months.

Risks and Considerations: Like any surgical procedure, breast augmentation carries certain risks, including infection, bleeding, scarring, changes in nipple or breast sensation, and implant-related complications such as rupture or capsular contracture (formation of scar tissue around the implant). Additionally, there may be dissatisfaction with the results or the need for revision surgery in the future.

Consultation with a Qualified Surgeon: If you’re considering breast augmentation, it’s crucial to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon who has experience in performing this procedure. They can provide you with personalized advice, answer your questions, and help you make an informed decision based on your individual circumstances and goals.

What is the difference between breast implants and augmentation?

“Breast implants” and “breast augmentation” are related terms, but they refer to different aspects of the same procedure. Let’s break down the difference between the two:

Breast Implants: A breast implant is a medical device that is surgically inserted into the breast to enhance its size, shape, or symmetry. Implants are used in breast augmentation surgeries as well as in reconstructive procedures following mastectomy or injury. There are different types of breast implants available:

  1. Saline Implants: These implants are filled with sterile saline (saltwater) solution. They are filled after being placed in the breast pocket, allowing for adjustments in size during surgery.
  2. Silicone Gel Implants: These implants are filled with a cohesive silicone gel that closely mimics the feel of natural breast tissue. They come in various profiles (shapes) and sizes.
  3. Structured Implants: These implants are a type of saline implant with an internal structure designed to make them feel more natural.
  4. Cohesive Gel (Gummy Bear) Implants: These implants are filled with a thicker, cohesive silicone gel that holds its shape even if the implant shell were to break. They are often promoted for their natural look and feel.

Breast Augmentation: Breast augmentation, also known as augmentation mammoplasty, is the surgical procedure that involves the placement of breast implants to enhance the size, shape, or symmetry of the breasts. The goal of breast augmentation is to create a fuller and more proportionate appearance. This procedure is chosen by individuals who desire larger breasts, want to achieve better breast symmetry, or wish to restore breast volume lost due to pregnancy, weight loss, or aging.

In essence, “breast implants” refer to the actual medical devices that are used in the surgical procedure, while “breast augmentation” refers to the surgical procedure itself. Breast augmentation can involve the use of implants, fat transfer (where fat is taken from another part of the body and injected into the breasts), or a combination of both techniques.

When someone discusses “breast augmentation,” they are generally referring to the broader process of enhancing the breasts’ appearance through surgical means, which often includes the use of breast implants. The specific type of implant and surgical approach used will depend on the individual’s goals, preferences, and the recommendations of their surgeon.

How long does breast augmentation last?

The longevity of breast augmentation results can vary from person to person and depends on several factors. While breast implants are designed to be durable, they are not considered lifetime devices, and there are a few key considerations that can influence how long the results of breast augmentation last:

  1. Implant Type: The type of implant you choose can impact the lifespan of your breast augmentation. Saline and silicone gel implants are both durable, but silicone gel implants are known for their more natural feel and are less prone to visible wrinkling or rippling.
  2. Implant Quality: The quality of the implant itself plays a role in its longevity. Choosing implants from reputable manufacturers and working with a skilled and experienced surgeon can help ensure that you receive high-quality implants.
  3. Age of Implants: Over time, breast implants may experience wear and tear. While they are designed to last for many years, they can potentially develop issues such as leakage or rupture, which would necessitate implant replacement.
  4. Changes in the Body: Factors like pregnancy, weight fluctuations, and the natural aging process can all affect the appearance of the breasts, potentially impacting the long-term results of breast augmentation.
  5. Maintenance and Care: Regular check-ups with your plastic surgeon and following their post-operative guidelines can contribute to the longevity of your breast augmentation results. Monitoring the condition of your implants and addressing any potential issues promptly can extend the life of your results.
  6. Implant Rupture: While modern implants are more durable than those of the past, they can still experience rupture, especially if they are older. Ruptured implants would need to be replaced.

In general, it’s a good idea to have regular check-ups with your surgeon to monitor the condition of your implants and to address any concerns that may arise. While breast augmentation results can be long-lasting, it’s important to keep in mind that individual experiences can vary. Some people may choose to undergo implant replacement or revision surgery after several years to maintain or update their results. Consulting with a board-certified plastic surgeon will provide you with more personalized information based on your unique situation.

The longevity of breast augmentation results can vary from person to person and depends on several factors. While breast implants are designed to be durable, they are not considered lifetime devices, and there are a few key considerations that can influence how long the results of breast augmentation last:

  1. Implant Type: The type of implant you choose can impact the lifespan of your breast augmentation. Saline and silicone gel implants are both durable, but silicone gel implants are known for their more natural feel and are less prone to visible wrinkling or rippling.
  2. Implant Quality: The quality of the implant itself plays a role in its longevity. Choosing implants from reputable manufacturers and working with a skilled and experienced surgeon can help ensure that you receive high-quality implants.
  3. Age of Implants: Over time, breast implants may experience wear and tear. While they are designed to last for many years, they can potentially develop issues such as leakage or rupture, which would necessitate implant replacement.
  4. Changes in the Body: Factors like pregnancy, weight fluctuations, and the natural aging process can all affect the appearance of the breasts, potentially impacting the long-term results of breast augmentation.
  5. Maintenance and Care: Regular check-ups with your plastic surgeon and following their post-operative guidelines can contribute to the longevity of your breast augmentation results. Monitoring the condition of your implants and addressing any potential issues promptly can extend the life of your results.
  6. Implant Rupture: While modern implants are more durable than those of the past, they can still experience rupture, especially if they are older. Ruptured implants would need to be replaced.

In general, it’s a good idea to have regular check-ups with your surgeon to monitor the condition of your implants and to address any concerns that may arise. While breast augmentation results can be long-lasting, it’s important to keep in mind that individual experiences can vary. Some people may choose to undergo implant replacement or revision surgery after several years to maintain or update their results. Consulting with a board-certified plastic surgeon will provide you with more personalized information based on your unique situation.

What is the breast augmentation?

Breast augmentation, also known as augmentation mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure performed to enhance the size, shape, or symmetry of a person’s breasts. It involves the placement of breast implants or, in some cases, the transfer of fat from other parts of the body to the breasts. The primary goal of breast augmentation is to create a more proportionate and aesthetically pleasing appearance.

Here’s an overview of the breast augmentation procedure:

Consultation: The process begins with a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. During this consultation, you’ll discuss your goals, concerns, medical history, and preferences. The surgeon will examine your breasts, assess your anatomy, and provide recommendations based on your individual needs.

Implant Selection: If you choose to go with breast implants, you’ll need to decide on factors such as implant type (saline, silicone gel), size, shape (round or teardrop), and profile (projection). The surgeon will help you make informed choices based on your desired outcome and body proportions.

Surgery: The surgical procedure typically involves the following steps:

  1. Anesthesia: Breast augmentation is usually performed under general anesthesia, ensuring that you are asleep and comfortable throughout the procedure.
  2. Incision: The surgeon makes an incision in a location decided upon during your consultation. Common incision sites include the inframammary fold (under the breast), periareolar (around the areola), or transaxillary (in the armpit). The choice of incision site depends on factors like implant type and surgeon preference.
  3. Creation of the Implant Pocket: The surgeon creates a pocket either behind the breast tissue (subglandular) or beneath the chest muscle (submuscular). The choice depends on factors such as your anatomy, body type, and the surgeon’s recommendation.
  4. Implant Placement: The selected implant is carefully inserted into the pocket. The surgeon adjusts the implant for proper positioning and symmetry.
  5. Closing Incisions: The incisions are closed using sutures, and the surgical area is dressed.

Recovery: After the surgery, you will need time to recover. Swelling, bruising, and discomfort are common in the initial days and weeks. You’ll likely wear a surgical bra to support your breasts during the healing process. Recovery times vary, but most people can return to non-strenuous activities within a week or two.

Results: The immediate results may not fully represent the final outcome, as swelling subsides over time. It might take a few months for the implants to settle into a more natural position.

It’s important to note that breast augmentation is a surgical procedure with potential risks and considerations. It’s crucial to consult with a qualified plastic surgeon who can provide you with personalized advice, guide you through the decision-making process, and ensure that the procedure is performed safely and effectively.

Written by Clara Lee