Are you not satisfied with the size and shape of your breasts? Millions of women around the world feel self-conscious and embarrassed about their breasts, thanks to the bombardment of a “flawless” body on social media platforms. Well, breast augmentation surgery is the answer if you are looking for the perfect body. Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure performed to increase breast size and enhance breast shape. Also known as an augmentation mammoplasty or the ‘boob job’, the main goal of this surgery is to create a well-formed and aesthetically pleasing breast shape. It is one of the most popular cosmetic surgical procedures. It is done typically through the placement of saline, silicone or alternative composite breast implants under the breast tissue or chest muscles. This surgery is not done to fix sagging breasts. However, you can combine a breast lift surgery with breast augmentation to make your breasts look fuller and lifted. It is suitable for women with all skin types. Some of the other goals of this surgery are-
- Reconstruction, such as after mastectomy for breast cancer
- To get symmetry when the breasts are asymmetrical
- To restore the shape and size of breasts after weight loss or pregnancy
- To enlarge naturally small breasts
- To have a younger-looking figure
- Improve self-confidence or self-image and feeling of femininity
Breast Implants
There are two types of breast implants- silicone and saline. Silicone-filled implants are silicone shells filled with soft, plastic gel (silicone) and are less likely to wrinkle as compared to saline implants. Saline-filled implants are silicone shells having sterile salt water (saline) and the saline solution can easily be captivated or passed out of your body if the implants were to rupture.
You are a good candidate for this surgery if-
- Your one or both breasts failed to grow normally
- Your breasts are not symmetrical
- If you feel that the upper part of your breast is empty
- Your weight and breasts are losing shape and volume after aging, weight loss and pregnancy.
- Your breasts are too small
- You have realistic expectation from this surgery
- You are physically healthy
- You are over 18
Preparation for the surgery
Your surgeon will take your detailed medical history to evaluate your fitness level for surgery. Your doctor might ask you to avoid taking anti-inflammatory drugs or aspirin before the surgery as they can increase bleeding. He will also ask you to stop smoking for safe recovery. Also, let your surgeon know if you plan to have children and breastfeed as it will help him decide the location of the incisions.
Procedure
During surgery, your surgeon may give you general anesthesia or intravenous sedation to ease your discomfort. He will make incisions in unnoticeable areas to minimize visible scarring. You can discuss with your surgeon about which incision options are best suited for you. The options usually include Trans axillary incision, Inframammary incision, and Periareolar incision and depend upon your specific anatomy, the degree of augmentation required and the type of breast implant. A breast implant is inserted into a pocket above or below your chest muscle after the incision is made. Incisions are closed with sutures and bandaged with surgical tape or skin adhesive. The procedure takes one to two hours. It can be done as an outpatient surgery or your doctor may ask you to stay overnight in the hospital. Make sure that you have someone who can drive you home after the surgery.
Recovery
Your doctor will give you a complete instructions before you leave the hospital for a speedy recovery. You might experience some swelling in the surgery area, but it will subside within a few hours, so there is nothing to worry about. Your surgeon will also prescribe you some pain medications to help ease your pain. Visit your surgeon if the pain is long-lasting or extreme. Discuss with your doctor how long it will be before you can return to your everyday activities.
- Avoid any heavy lifting or exercise for up to 4-5 weeks after getting your implants.
- Your doctor will advise you to wear a surgical bra, which is similar to a sports bra. It will help protect and support your breasts after the surgery.
- Make sure that you apply a sunblock with an SPF of 30 or more in your breast area to avoid direct sun exposure.
- Avoid alcohol consumption as it can reduce the effects of the antibiotics.
- Do not smoke as it can deprive your body of essential oxygen, resulting in wide, raised scars.
- Eat a balanced diet including yogurt drinks, milk, water, green veggies and fruit juices.
- Sleep with your head and chest elevated above your lower body for a few days after the surgery.
Risks
Breast augmentation surgery might include various risks including-
- Implant rupture or leakage
- Breast sensation
- Infection
- Breast pain
- Scar tissue
- Wrinkling of the skin
- Fluid accumulation
- Wrong position of the implant
You can avoid many risks of this surgery by choosing a surgeon with enough experience. This surgery should only be performed by a registered and highly experienced surgeon.
Results
You will be able to see the results of breast augmentation immediately. Many patients have reported a considerable boost in their self-confidence after the surgery.
Your breast may change due to gravity, hormonal factors, weight fluctuations, and aging. You should know that breast implants do not last a lifetime and will need to be replaced. Visit your surgeon regularly to determine your breast health and understand more about post-operative instructions. This surgery is not recommended for women who are not fully matured as the body can change a lot, naturally.
Blog written by:
Dr. Sasikumar
Consultant Cosmetic Surgery
Apollo Cosmetic Clinics, MRC Nagar
