Introduction
The purpose of breast augmentation surgery is not limited to simply increasing the projection of the breasts. It is also used for breast reconstruction by women who have undergone mastectomy. Moreover, there are others who choose to go through breast augmentation surgery for the purpose of correcting breast asymmetry. Because of its many applications, it has become the most frequently requested plastic surgery intervention.
Breast enhancement can be achieved through either breast implant surgery or fat grafting. Breast augmentation patients who favor an exceptionally prominent bust are better suited for breast implant surgery, whereas fat transfer is more appropriate for women who desire minimal to moderate enhancement and a less invasive surgical procedure. For patients who have had a breast or a part of their breasts removed, the use of breast implants for breast reconstruction surgery is recommended.
Why should you undergo breast augmentation?
The majority of patients who go under the knife for a breast augmentation are usually healthy young women. The health status of a prospective patient will be evaluated by the surgeon to determine whether or not the patient is eligible for the surgery. Candidates for any cosmetic procedure should be relatively healthy so as to avoid any possible complications during and after the operation.
In addition to conducting a comprehensive physical examination, the plastic surgeon will also ask patients to describe their expectations from the surgery along with their aesthetic goals. During the initial consultation, some of these individuals express their doubts about the procedure. This often prompts them to talk about their insecurities and flaws in their appearance. Many of these patients exhibit low self-esteem and their negative body image begins to affect their daily lives. Women with breasts that are smaller than average may even feel inadequate and unproductive at work.
Patients who return for post-operative checkups feel happier about themselves due to the changes in their appearance. Individuals with low self-esteem prior to the operation also remark that they exude more confidence after having plastic surgery.
Breast augmentation surgery using mammary implants is a commonly performed surgical intervention. An implant is comprised of a silicone shell that is filled with either saline solution or silicone gel. Some people prefer silicone implants because it feels comfortable for them and it imparts a more natural look to the breasts. On the other hand, saline implants remain popular for young patients.
When undergoing breast augmentation surgery, there are many things to consider besides the composition of the implants. Breast implants are available in different shapes and sizes and a patient can even choose between textured or smooth implants. The size of the implants is dependent on the patient’s desires and the surgeon’s recommendation which is based on the patient’s body type. Furthermore, mammary implants also come in round and teardrop shapes.
Conditions that may interfere with breast implant surgery
Every type of surgery has its own set of indications and contraindications. Injecting liquids through the implant capsule after breast enhancement is highly discouraged and inserting more than one implant inside each breast is not recommended. Though the act of placing two overlapping implants in one breast may seem ridiculous, there are still some surgeons who do this.
Patients suffering from any of the following conditions are advised against going through cosmetic surgery:
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and other autoimmune diseases
- Blood clotting and wound healing disorders
- A weak immune system
- A reduced blood circulation in the area where the procedure will be performed
A few additional considerations for the breast implant surgery
- The patient is advised to get a mammogram prior to the breast enhancement procedure followed by another one six months after the intervention to evaluate the progress.
- Breast implants can interference with the mammography and prevent the early discovery of breast cancer. Also, the technician might find it difficult to obtain satisfactory images of the breasts in patients with implants. Before the mammogram, make sure to let the technician know that you have breast implants. The technician can use specific methods to reduce the risk of implant rupture and at the same time, get good images of the breast tissue. The pressure applied on the breasts during the mammography can cause the implant to rupture.
Examining the breast tissue and mammary implants
The plastic surgeon might insist that you perform a breast self-exam on a monthly basis after the procedure. To be able to accurately and effectively perform a self-examination, remind your surgeon to assist you in identifying the breast tissue from breast implant. Any lumps, bumps or abnormal swelling in the breast area should be reported to the plastic surgeon and evaluated immediately. If you need to undergo a biopsy, let the doctor know about your breast implants.
Additional contraindications and precautions for breast implant surgery:
The closed capsulotomy (a procedure that involves forcing pressure on the capsule around the implant to break it) is not a recommended procedure as it can ultimately cause implant rupture.
On the other hand, the best method to check for implant ruptures is the MRI scan. However, it is important for you to remember that you should not have any metal object in your body before the MRI scan.
Conclusion
The patient should keep in mind that the plastic surgeon will set restrictions based on the contraindications of the breast augmentation surgery. These contraindications are conditions or factors that can have adverse effects on the surgery or recovery period. As such, it is vital for the patient to be completely honest with the plastic surgeon. If the patient is afflicted with a health condition that can interfere with the surgery, the surgeon might suggest postponing the operation until the patient is treated.
The patient should take the time to learn more about the procedure as well as the risks and complications of breast augmentation surgery. Reading up on breast enhancement can eventually aid the patient in making important decisions pertaining to the intervention.