Breast augmentation can be performed any time after puberty, even before nursing. Many patients have had children and have nursed them successfully following a breast augmentation procedure.
Important information about implants?
During a breast augmentation procedure we increase the size of the breasts by inserting implants. Many beliefs and myths can be heard about implants. Many types of implants exist, there are smooth surfaced ones and ones that have a textured surface, some are filled with silicone, some with physiological sodium solution and some with a cohesive gel. There are good quality implants manufactured in some countries and other slightly less good quality implants manufactured in others. It is important to have a good surgeon-patient relationship because choosing implants is an important decision that must be made wisely. According to our knowledge today silicone does not react with the cells of the body, does not cause cancer and does not elevate our risk of cancer.
After a short period of time, the patient will get used to the implants as if they were her own, playing sports, moving and traveling will not cause any sort of discomfort. Its appearance and its feel resemble a natural breast in all ways and childbirth and nursing are possible in the future even with implants, in fact it is quite common. The breast can easily be monitored with today’s examination methods.
Naturally it must be protected just as one would protect their own natural breasts.
A committee named EQUAM (European And International Committee For Quality Assurance, Medical Technologies and Devices In Plastic Surgery), which functions as a part of the IPRAS, (International Confederation for Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery) annually publishes its standpoint on the topic after persistent and extensive examination and has not once found any reason to restrict or prohibit the use of silicone prostheses.
Regarding its shape, size and price there is a broad spectrum of implants. There are sphere shaped implants with higher or lower profiles, droplet shaped implants or even anatomically structured implants. Good quality prostheses have a CE label, which are specified by European standards.
About the Procedure?
The implants are inserted during an approximately 1 hour long surgery performed under general anesthesia. The implants may be inserted directly under the glandular tissue or under the thoracic musculature, this is always discussed before the surgery.
The 4 cm long incision is usually made in the lower breast fold where it is out of sight, but the implant may also be inserted through the nipple or though an underarm incision after creating a cavity for the implant to be placed in. The incision is closed afterwards. After a successful breast augmentation it is impossible to know that there is an implant in the breast based on its shape or touch. The size of the implant is determined depending partially on the patient’s desired outcome and partially according to their natural characteristics. Size must be adjusted to the mass of the glandular tissue, to the shape of the breast, to body height, to the symmetry of the chest and to the thickness and quality of the skin and underlying tissue. This is why we determine the type and size of the implant that should be used according to each individuals’ own natural characteristics and desires.
The same information applies for scarring as stated in previous texts (see Introduction for ‘Healing of scars’.
Is breast augmentation painful?
Because the procedure is performed in general anesthesia it is completely painless. Directly after and in the following days after surgery you should expect to feel slight discomfort or pain and some tension, all of which decrease progressively. These can be alleviated by taking oral analgesic medication.
There is a difference regarding the location of the implant, whether it is under the glandular tissue or under the thoracic musculature. Patients with implants located under the musculature may experience more discomfort than those with subglandular implants for 7-9 days due to the tension of the muscles. Differences vary from person to person depending on adaption to pain. Sutures are removed 10-14 days after the procedure. Sports and straining physical activity are recommended progressively and only after the fouth week. A special bra must be worn for 6-8 weeks. Follow ups should be done every 6 months.
What complications can arise regarding breast augmentation?
Even though breast augmentation is safe and is considered a routine surgery when done by a professional, rarely complications may arise. The body always creates a connective tissue capsule around the foreign body. If this capsule thickens or contracts the breast becomes hard to the touch. This is an immune reaction and if the hardening increases additional surgeries may be required to treat the thickening of the capsule. Rarely bleeding or infection may happen. Exceptionally the implant may budge (especially implants inserted under the musculature) though this is quite rare when using an implant with a textured surface.