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Everything you want to know about the breast enhancement procedure
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Everything you want to know about the breast enhancement procedure

01st Feb 2017

[vc_single_image image=”4378″ img_size=”large”] If your breasts are smaller, sagging, poorly shaped or flat, you can enhance them through breast augmentation. Breast augmentation, which is also known as augmentation mammoplasty, is a major breast enhancement procedure that not only increases your breast size, but also makes it aesthetically appealing and perky. Furthermore, if you have undergone breast cancer treatment or experienced a breast injury, you can use the breast enhancement surgery to fix the condition. Breast enhancement can also be used to treat asymmetrical breasts. The surgery involves the use of breast implants, either silicone or saline, to achieve the aesthetic goals.

Breast enhancement reasons, goals, and expectations

There are different reasons for different people to undergo the breast enhancement surgery. Some patients undergo the procedure to overcome self-esteem issues rooted to their smaller or sagging breasts, while others want to achieve their beauty goals. Breast enhancement can be used to enhance their image, so they can succeed in their personal, social and professional lives.

The breast enhancement surgery is undeniably effective when it comes to restoring the self-confidence of the patient. After a successful surgery, patients feel happy and excited about their new appearance, which later on translates into increased productivity. This is because the boost in self-esteem positively affects their whole life. While the surgery is not a direct solution for patients who are facing problems with sexual attraction, it can still help the patient overcome any psychological difficulties she might be facing about her femininity and physical appearance.

To get better results with breast enhancement, you must have reasonable expectations from the procedure. Your existing breast composition and condition is important. You must discuss with your surgeon your goals and expectations during the initial consultation. The surgeon will take several measurements before suggesting a proper course of action that may help you achieve your aesthetic goals. It is important to clearly communicate to the doctor your preferences about the breast size and the shape you want. You may take along pictures to help your doctor better understand your aesthetic expectations.

Types of breast enhancement

The breast incisions and the placement of either a saline or silicone implant inside of the breasts are the two major elements in the breast enhancement surgery. The type of incision and implant depends on your aesthetic goals and reasons for doing the surgery.

Listed below are three types of breast implants:

1. Saline implants

Saline breast implants come in the form of a silicone shell, which is filled with saline solution only after it is positioned inside of the breasts. The amount of saline solution in the shell depends on your preference in terms of the breast size, shape, hardness and texture.

The great thing about using saline implants is that the saline solution does not cause any side effects or health complications. In other words, if the implant ruptures and/or the solution leak, your body will naturally absorb and excrete it. Furthermore, the FDA has already declared saline implants safe for breast enhancement.

2. Silicone implants

A silicone implant involves a silicone shell that comes pre-filled with plastic gel gel. This type of implant requires a relatively larger incision for placement inside the breasts, because unlike saline implants, they are already filled with the silicone gel.

Another difference is that if the silicone implants ruptures, the gel will remain sandwiched between the surrounding tissues. It is possible for the gel to travel to the implant pocket, but the probability of this happening is very rare. Consequently, silicone implant patients are encouraged to visit their surgeons frequently, so that their breasts are assessed for any possible implant ruptures. In many cases, MRI is used to detect the silicone implant rupture.

3. Gummy bear implants

The gummy bear implant is actually a new type of implant, which has become popular only recently. Gummy bear implants are considered more sustainable because even if the shell breaks, the breasts’ composition and structure does not change. This implant is also made of silicone shell, but the difference is that the silicone gel inside is denser in texture and safer than other implants. However, the disadvantage of the gummy bear implant is that when the implant rotates, the shape of your breasts will change in weird ways. Also, the surgery takes relatively more time.

Breast enhancement candidates

Breast enhancement is a major surgery, which is why surgeons have criteria to follow when it comes to the eligibility of patients for the surgery. This surgery is ideal for women who have smaller, flatter, saggy, and/or badly shaped breasts that are a hindrance to their self-esteem. With that said, the ideal candidate must be in stable physical emotional and cognitive health to qualify for the procedure. Furthermore, having realistic aesthetic goals and expectations are just as important. Smokers are not disparaged from this surgery, but they will be required to stop smoking before the surgery.

What happens during the breast enhancement procedure?

Anesthesia

The surgery starts with the administration of anesthesia. The breast enhancement procedure is normally performed under general anesthesia, but your surgeon may use local anesthesia or IV sedation. With general anesthesia, the patient will remain asleep throughout the surgery, whereas the local anesthesia only makes the surgical site numb, keeping the patient awake throughout the surgery.

The incision

Before the surgery, the patient must discuss with the surgeon the type of incision and the pros and cons of the recommended incision type.

The incision can be placed underneath the breasts, around the nipple or in the armpit. The type of incision that may be ideal for you depends on your aesthetic goals, your current breast composition, and your surgeon’s preference and experience.

Placing the implant

Once the incisions are made, the surgeon will insert and position the breast implant. There are two options for implant placement: underneath the breast muscle or above the breast muscle. If the implant is positioned underneath the breast muscle, it will get good tissue coverage, which will in turn improve the aesthetic results and decrease the risk of complications. Most surgeons recommend placement of the implants underneath the breast muscle, but it is more difficult to execute. Thus, it is important to choose a board-certified and experienced surgeon.

Securing the incisions and scarring

This is the last step in the breast enhancement procedure. Here the incisions will be sealed with special sutures.

The results

Even though the initial results of the breast enhancement surgery are noticeable immediately after the procedure, the results of the surgery will be complete only after your surgical wounds have healed and the swelling has disappeared. This may take about 3-4 weeks.

Recovery

After the surgery, the patient is transferred to a recovery area where her health is monitored for a few hours. If the patient doesn’t show any sign of complications, she will be allowed to go home. It is important to keep in mind that your breasts will be dressed, so you may not be able to see the aesthetic changes immediately. Also, you may be recommended to wear compression garments or a support bra in order to keep the swelling at a minimum and expedite the healing process.

Make sure to have someone drive you home after the surgery because you will be groggy. Before leaving the surgical facility, your surgeon will provide you detailed instructions for proper post-operative care. The surgeon may also prescribe you antibiotics and pain medications for use during the recovery period. Furthermore, you can expect to have a drain tube attached to the surgical area for a few days after the surgery.

During the first 24-48 hours after the surgery, you may experience pain and discomfort. You can use pain relief medications to manage the pain, but the discomfort will simply subside on its own as your surgical wound heals.

During the recovery period, you must avoid lifting weight or engaging in strenuous activities. Sports, workouts and running are strictly discouraged during the first 30 days after the breast enhancement surgery. You may resume your work one week after the surgery, but if your work involves high endurance activities, you should take a few more days off.

Risks and complications

Like all other surgeries, the breast enhancement procedure entails a number of risks and complications. You should discuss the risks and complications with your surgeon in advance. Some of the common risks and complications of breast enhancement include:

  • Infections
  • Seroma
  • Hematoma
  • Bend in the implant shape
  • Implant rupture
  • Pain, swelling and discomforts
  • Nipple and breast sensation loss and/or change
  • Implant leakage
  • Implant rippling
  • Fat necrosis
  • Scars

Conclusion

If your breasts are smaller, flatter, saggy or deformed, and causing you a loss of self-confidence, breast enhancement surgery may be the solution for you. This procedure increases the breasts’ size and makes them shapelier by placing silicone or saline implants inside the breasts.

Before deciding to go under the knife, you should think about the risks and benefits of the surgery. If the benefits outweigh the risks for you, then go for it. But be sure to tell the surgeon what you expect from the surgery and your aesthetic goals to ensure that you get a satisfactory result. Last but not least, you should select only a Board-Certified plastic surgeon to perform you breast enhancement surgery.


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