BREAST ENLARGEMENT, OR BREAST AUGMENTATION WITH IMPLANTS
Breast enlargement, or breast augmentation with silicone implants, is a common procedure that helps many women overcome the self-consciousness caused by a bust they consider too small.
The silicone implant breast augmentation procedure
- The operation consists of placing a silicone gel implant in the breast. In most cases it is placed under the pectoralis major muscle, but it can also be placed under the gland or under the fascia, depending on the patient's anatomy.
- The operation is done under general anesthesia; the implants are inserted through a 3-5 cm incision either in the fold under the breast or at the edge of the areola (transareolar), or, in rare cases, in the armpit or navel.
- Breast augmentation creates a new volume and a new contour for the breasts. However, it is not effective when the tissue is very lax; in these cases it needs to be combined with a breast lift (mastopexy).
Requirements for the procedure
- The ideal candidates for this type of operation are adult women with fully developed breasts who are unhappy with how they look.
- The initial discussion with the surgeon is vital in determining the optimal volume, in harmony with the patient's physique.
Recovery after surgery
- The shape and firmness of breasts with implants can change after pregnancy or significant weight loss. In this case, another operation may be needed.
- Besides the risks of any operation, there are certain potential complications associated with breast implants, such as, in rare cases, rupture or cracking of the implants; infections (very rare, requiring temporary removal of the implant and its later replacement); hematomas; capsular contracture (rarely, the capsule the body forms around the implant contracts, causing pain and deformity); implant displacement; scars; reduced sensitivity of the areola and nipple (usually temporary).
- Breastfeeding is usually not affected by this operation, and breasts with silicone implants keep their shape well after pregnancy.
- Pain after surgery is minimal when the implant is placed under the gland, but more pronounced when it is placed under the muscle.
- Although you can resume your activities after 3-4 days, anything involving physical effort must be avoided for 2-4 weeks. Strenuous sports are not allowed for the first 6 weeks.
- Healing involves wearing a special bra (or bustier) for a month and a half, as well as applying ice packs and ointments and self-massage.
- After a few months, the body no longer perceives silicone implants as foreign bodies. Until then, the breasts will be swollen and firm, and over time (1-3 months) they will take on a natural look.
