Breast Augmentation (augmentation mammaplasty is a surgical operation performed to enlarge the breasts for a number of reasons:
- To enhance the body contour of a woman, who for personal reasons feels that her breast size is too small.
- To correct a loss in breast volume after pregnancy.
- To balance breast size, when there exists a significant difference between the size of the breasts.
- To restore breast shape after partial or total loss of the breasts for various conditions.
- To correct or improve results of existing breast implants for cosmetic or reconstructive reasons.
Breast implant surgery is contraindicated in women with untreated breast cancer or pre-malignant breast disorders, active infection anywhere in the body, or individuals who are currently pregnant or nursing. Individuals with a weakened immune system (currently receiving chemotherapy or drugs to suppress the immune system), conditions that interfere with blood clotting or wound healing, or have reduced blood supply to the breast tissue from prior surgery or radiation therapy treatments may be at greater risk for complications and poor surgical outcome.
Breast enlargement is accomplished by inserting a breast implant either behind the breast tissue or partially or completely under the chest muscles. Incisions are made to keep scars as inconspicuous as possible, usually under the breast, around the lower part of the areola, or in the armpit. Breast implants are manufactured in a variety of shapes, sizes, and with either smooth or textured surfaces. The method of implant selection and size, along with surgical approach for inserting and positioning breast implants will depend on your preferences, your anatomy and your surgeon’s recommendation. The shape and size of the breasts prior to surgery will influence both the recommended treatment and the final results. If the breasts are not the same size or shape before surgery, it is unlikely that they will be completely symmetrical afterward.
Conditions that involve sagging of the breast or diminished skin tone (stretch marks) may require additional surgical procedures (breast lift) to reposition the nipple and areola upward and to remove loose skin.
Patients undergoing augmentation mammaplasty surgery must consider the following:
- Breast augmentation or reconstruction with may not be a one-time surgery.
- Breast implants of any type are not considered lifetime devices. They cannot be expected to last forever. You will likely require future surgery for implant replacement or removal.
- Changes that occur to the breasts following augmentation or reconstruction with implants are not reversible. There may be an unacceptable appearance to the breast if you later choose to have breast implants removed.
- Large volume primary augmentation or revision with larger sized implants may increase the risk of complications such as implant extrusion, hematoma, infection, palpable implant folds, and visible skin wrinkling requiring surgical intervention to correct these complications.
TYPES OF IMPLANTS
Saline Breast Implants has an elastic silicone rubber shell and is filled with sterile saline (salt water).
Silicone Breast Implants have an elastic silicone rubber shell and is filled with cohesive silicone gel.
Links to websites http://www.natrelle.com/breast_augmentation.aspx#/4/
http://www.mentorcorp.com/breastsurgery/augmentation/index.htm
Post Operative Care
Patients experience a varying degree of discomfort following breast augmentation surgery. Narcotics and muscle relaxer will be used to control the discomfort associated with this surgery. Most patients discomfort starts to subside in 3-5 days. Sutures used during surgery are dissolvable so they will not need to be removed. Steri-strips (brown tape) will be applied to the incision line. They should be left in place until they fall off. Patients can resume normal activities in four to six weeks in most instances.
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Breast augmentation requires surgical placement of breast implants to enhance breast size. The most common incisions include an inframammary incision (near the crease under the breast), an axillary incision (in the underarm area), or a periareolar incision placed at the edge of the areola (the pigmented skin surrounding the nipple). Incision patterns vary based on the type of implant, degree of enlargement desired, patient anatomy, and patient and surgeon preference. |
| Through the incisions, a pocket is created either directly behind the breast tissue (submammary or subglandular placement) or beneath the pectoral muscle and on top of the chest wall (submuscular placement). The implant is positioned within this pocket and incisions are closed with layered, non-removable sutures in the breast tissue and with sutures, skin adhesive or surgical tape to close the skin. |  |
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The results of breast augmentation are immediately visible. Over time, post-surgical swelling will resolve and incision lines will refine. Satisfaction with your enhanced body image should continue to grow as you experience the fulfillment of your goal for fuller breasts. |
