Breast augmentation surgery is synonymous with breast enlargement surgery where in artificial implants are used to enhance the size of the existing breast. Breasts augmentation or enlargement procedures are mainly performed in women who are conscious about their physical appearance. Breast augmentation surgery is one of the commonly performed cosmetic enhancement procedure.
When can a breast augmentation surgery be performed ?
A breast augmentation surgery can be performed under the below mentioned scenarios.
- If you are unhappy with the way your breasts appear aesthetically
- If you are having variation in size of the breasts
- If appearance of your breasts lowers your confidence and self esteem
- If you have undergone any surgery and want to restore the shape of your breasts
- If you are a cancer survivor and are considering breast reconstruction surgery
- If your breasts are sagging or appear too lowly placed especially post pregnancy and breast feeding
When is a Finding cosmetic surgeons for breast augmentation surgery not advised ?
Breast augmentation surgery is a cosmetic procedure which primarily aims at enhancement of the way the breasts appear. One has to be realistic in approach when considering a breast augmentation surgery, as major changes are difficult to achieve. A breast augmentation procedure is also not indicated in women who have higher chances of developing a cancer of the breast at a later stage as investigations to diagnose a cancer become difficult with a breast implant in place.
How do you plan your breast augmentation surgery ?
If you are considering breast augmentation as a treatment for you, it is very important for you to consult your general physician and a plastic surgeon who specialises in breast implants. The consultant plastic surgeon will discuss with you in detail the risks, benefits and outcome of the breast augmentation surgery. After a complete general physical examination and clinical examination of the breasts in particular, the doctor will ask you to go for a mammogram as post the procedure the same would be difficult. On the basis of clinical examination, the doctor may tell you or show you how your breasts will appear after the procedure with the use of certain software’s on the computer. These images will give you a realistic approach to as to how your breasts will appear after the procedure.
Other investigations might include a routine blood examination, CT scan, MRI scan and a review of any medications which you are prescribed.
What are the type of implants used in breast augmentation surgery ?
Breast augmentation procedure primarily uses 2 types of implants namely the saline filled implants and the silicone filled implants.
- Saline filled implants: These are the older developed implants for breast augmentation. These implants are filled with saline or water which give a feel of water bed causing a ripple effect. The advantage of these type of implants is that if in case the implant leaks or ruptures it, the saline is normally expelled through the body. The shortcoming of such type of implant is that if the breast tissue is minimal, the implant can be visible through the skin and the chances of rupturing of such implants is greater.
- Silicone gel filled implants: These are newly designed implants to have a more natural feel and are filled with silicone gel. They are known to give better results with the appearance and sustainability of the implant. The main drawback is that; the rupturing of the implant can lead to leakage of the silicone gel into the breast tissue and the silicone gel implants also tend to harden over a period of time.
The breast implants used for breast augmentation could be either smooth surfaced or textures, and can be round, tear drop shaped or oval or customized in shape for better results.
Does breast augmentation surgery require anesthesia ?
Yes, the breast augmentation procedure is performed under general anesthesia and can occasionally be performed under local anesthetic influence.
Where is the breast implant positioned ?
The breast implant can be positioned either below the muscle of the breast (pectoral muscle), also known as the submuscular implant. This type of implant positioning gives a better appearance to the breast post the procedure but the initial recovery period could be longer.
The other approach is the subglandular approach, wherein the implant is placed behind the glandular component of the breast. This approach gives better support to the implant and recovery is also faster.
How is the breast augmentation procedure performed ?
After the administration of anesthesia, the surgeon will give an incision to initiate the procedure. During a breast augmentation surgery three type of incisions can be given.
- Inframammary incision: This incision is given at the base of the breast to avoid scar visibility. This incision also helps the plastic surgeon in better accessibility in implant placement and gives a symmetrical outcome.
- Periareolar incision: This incision is given at the dark skin surrounding the nipple (the periareolar region). This approach reduces scar visibility but the area might become sensitive post operatively.
- Transaxillary incision: This incision is given below the armpit area and is primarily indicated in patients that are more prone for scarring or keloid formation. This incision is mostly indicated in Asian patients.
After the desired incision is made the chosen implant is safely positioned in the breast tissue and the incision is closed with the help of either non absorbable or absorbable sutures. The entire procedure takes about 2-3 hours. The surgeon might place certain draining tubes at the surgical site to avoid drainage of any fluid or blood post-operatively. The operating surgeon might ask you to wear a surgical bra post-operatively for few days to aid in faster recovery.
Post-operative care after a breast augmentation procedure
After a breast augmentation procedure, the recovery may take from weeks to months. The initial month the doctor might advise you to wear a sports bra and avoid wearing underwired bra to help in faster recovery. All strenuous exercises, running, lifting heavy weights should be avoided till advised by the doctor. Routine follow up with the doctor is essential to monitor the recovery.
What are the risks and complications associated with breast augmentation surgery ?
The complications of the surgery might include anaesthesia related ones such as nausea, vomiting, headache and dizziness. Temporary complications may include pain, bruising, clot formation and bleeding from the surgical site. Pertaining to the breast implants the complications could be scarring, rupturing of the implant, rippling effect in case of saline filled implants, loss of sensation, difficulty in breast feeding and hardening of the breast tissue. If you experience any of the above mentioned complications it is advised to seek consultation with your doctor immediately.
What is the outcome of a breast augmentation surgery ?
Breast augmentation surgery is the most commonly performed cosmetic procedure in women. It is advised to seek a one on one discussion with your plastic surgeon for a detailed information on the suitability of the procedure for your requirement, and also to give you a realistic approach to understand the possible outcome of the procedure. Breast augmentation procedure is an expensive surgical procedure which is irreversible hence f you ever wish to get the implants removed they will leave your skin wrinkled. All these points should be kept in mind before deciding to undergo a breast augmentation surgery.
How to find cosmetic surgeons for breast augmentation surgery ?
Now you can find cosmetic surgeons for breast augmentation surgery from different hospitals and destinations on a single platform, Hinfoways. You can avail opinions from multiple cosmetic surgeons, cost estimates for breast augmentation surgery from different hospitals, compare things and then choose a cosmetic surgeon for breast augmentation surgery.
Find and choose a cosmetic surgeon for breast augmentation 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.
