Very simply put, augmentation mammoplasty is a surgical procedure for the shaping and enlargement of the breast. This is typically done by inserting an implant just beneath the breast to make it appear larger.
It serves to enlarge small breasts, but also can be used to fill out breasts that used to be larger earlier. An example for this will be sagging of breasts, after pregnancy. Augmentation mammoplasty surgery also reshapes and equalizes breasts to some extent.
Patients with augmentation mammoplasty surgery are inclined to be satisfied with the results. On the other hand, it is vital that one understand what can and cannot be achieved, the surgical limitations and the long-term implications of having breast implants.
What are the reasons for women choosing to do augmentation mammoplasty surgery ?
Each woman’s reason for opting for augmentation mammoplasty surgery is highly personal and dependent on her choices. There are various reasons for women to choose breast augmentation, some of them being:
- Enlarging breasts to make their bodies more curvy and proportional is one of the main causes for augmentation mammoplasty surgery.
- Even reshaping and enlarging breasts that have changed or lost their shape due to breast feeding prompts women to go ahead for this surgery.
- Balancing out breasts that differ from each other in size or shape.
How can you go about the process for augmentation mammoplasty surgery ?
You must consult your general practitioner who will refer to you a specialist in plastic surgery of the breasts.
At your very first consultation, you will be asked questions like what exactly is bothering you about your breasts to understand your expectations of the surgery. There will be a general examination with a more specific breast examination and there will be ensuing discussion will on implant shapes and sizes available.
If you are a suitable candidate for the surgery, you will be informed about the expected outcomes, potential risks, and complications. It is vital to be given a ‘cooling-off’ period of a minimum of 2 weeks before surgery. You must be called in for a second consultation. The reason for this is Augmentation Mammoplasty, though sounds like a simple plastic surgery procedure, is a lifetime commitment.
Many revision surgeries may be required as the years pass and you must be prepared both personally and financially for this. A decision to have breast augmentation should never be done in a hurry. It is best to give yourself that time to think it through.
What are the types of Breast Implants in augmentation mammoplasty surgery ?
The outer layer, or the outer coating of all implants consists of silicone. Some implants have an added polyurethane coating. The outside shell can be filled with either inner silicone gel or saline.
In general, it is best to use tried and tested implants made by well-established, reputable manufacturers. Silicone gel filled implants have the most natural feel, can easily be made teardrop-shaped and are very durable. Saline filled implants have the disadvantage of being less natural with possible risk of deflation.
What is the procedure for augmentation mammoplasty surgery ?
Augmentation Mammoplasty basically consists of the placement of an implant under the patient’s breast tissue to enhance the breast’s appearance, size and shape. The surgery itself takes about one and a half hours (90 minutes), and is usually performed under general anesthetic influence.
The implants are typically inserted through an incision just under the breast at its crease, but may also be put in through an armpit or nipple-surrounding incision.
Implants can be placed in two ways.
- Directly behind breast (called as sub-glandular placement)
- Behind the chest wall muscle in the breast (called as sub-muscular placement)
Your surgeon will come up with your treatment plan according to what is best for you.
The surgeon may insert a possible trial implant to check that the size chosen is appropriate. The trial implant will have to be removed and the definitive implant inserted. The incision wounds are to be stitched. It is best to spend one night in hospital to manage postoperative pain and avoid complications. Medication controls the pain after the procedure. Your chest might feel tight and your breasts and ribs will be tender.
Patients can be mobile from the first day itself and back to full exercise within six weeks. It is ideal to take one to two weeks off work immediately post operation to recuperate fully.
After the procedure, you might experience soreness or tightness in your breast because of the implants, but the same will resume normalcy with time as your body accepts the implants and you personally adapt and accept the changes in your breasts.
What are the complications for augmentation mammoplasty surgery ?
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Improper adjustment of the implant size & shape to the body (too much contracture)
- Altered sensation of the breasts (numbness, tingling or sensitivity)
- Being able to see the implant edges under the breast
How to find cosmetic surgeons for augmentation mammoplasty surgery ?
Now you can find cosmetic surgeons for augmentation mammoplasty surgery from different hospitals and destinations on a single platform, Hinfoways. You can avail opinions from multiple cosmetic surgeons, get approximate cost of augmentation mammoplasty surgery from various hospitals, compare things and then choose a cosmetic surgeon for augmentation mammoplasty surgery.
Find and choose a cosmetic surgeon for augmentation mammoplasty surgery on Hinfoways. Make an informed choice.
Disclaimer: The content provided here is meant for general informational purposes only and hence SHOULD NOT be relied upon as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, care or evaluation by a qualified doctor/physician or other relevantly qualified healthcare provider.