more procedures

Breast augmentation

Augmentation mammoplasty

 

Your motivation could be to improve the size, shape or overall look of your breasts, achieve a proportionate, attractive figure or reverse changes caused by age, pregnancy or a considerable weight loss. Whatever your motivation is, I will help you choose the best procedure, taking into consideration your expectations and the current state of your body.

 

The objective of the breast augmentation surgery is for you to feel more attractive, raise your self-esteem and achieve a spectacular figure.

Breast augmentation surgery procedure

To perform the breast augmentation surgery, the plastic surgeon will decide the type of implant, the volume of the prosthesis and the surgical technique taking into consideration the next parameters:

 

  • The current size and position of the breasts.
  • The asymmetry of the breast tissue.
  • The physical details of the chest wall and waist.
  • Type or areola and breast furrow.
  • Height and weight.
  • The medical history of the patient.
  • The patient’s preferences regarding size and incision technique.
  • The objectives and wishes of the patient regarding a breast augmentation surgery.

Types of implants

There are different implant options for breast augmentation with various advantages and disadvantages:

  • Silicon gel (cohesive silicon) implants give a more natural feel, are less likely to cause ripples around the breast and are available in a variety of sizes, profiles and textures. Currently the technology of cohesive silicon gel keeps the gel attached to the implant capsule to avoid any leaks, which means you’ll be safe in case of breaking. There are different forms of implants, however the most common are the round implant and the anatomic implant. Each one has advantages and disadvantages that will be discussed during your consultation. Only then we will be able to decide which option is the best for you.

 

  • Saline implants are stuffed with a saline solution very similar to bodily liquids. They are considered an earlier generation of implants, but they are still a viable option those patients who do not want a silicon implant. However, saline implants don’t have the same softness and natural feel of silicon gel implants and, besides, could show ripples in the breast’s skin.

 

  • Fat transfer or lipoinjection consists in removing fat from other part of the body, like the thighs, abdomen or hips through liposuction to place that same fat, after a careful treatment, into the breasts and thus achieve an augmentation without implants.

What are the breast implant placing techniques?

The breast implant placing techniques used during a breast augmentation surgery are:

  • Submammary incision: Currently this is the safest and most recommended incision by the American Association of Plastic Surgeons. With this type of incisions, we avoid cutting the mammary gland, avoiding alterations during the breastfeeding period and in the nipple sensitivity. This approach allows a quick and easy breast implant insertion either behind the mammary gland or the major pectoral muscle. Such decision will be explained during consultation. It’s often considered that this approach for breast augmentation gives the most sterile and clean insertion of the breast implant.

 

  • Through the nipple: During the breast augmentation operation, a cut will be made in the lower part of the areola, in the border where the skin tone changes. There are specific indications for this approach since not all patients are candidates to this kind of process. It’s worth mentioning that the nipple wounds have a higher chance of alterations during breastfeeding and to the sensitivity of the nipple. The decision to use this approach for breast augmentation must be fully discussed during consultation.

 

The goal of the surgeon and the whole medical staff before, during and after the breast augmentation surgery is to fulfill the realistic goals and expectations of the patient, ensuring the easiest, safer and more comfortable experience possible.

Limitations and risks of breast augmentation

As it happens with most surgical procedures, breast augmentation surgery is not free from risks, among them:

 

  • Adverse reactions to anesthesia.
  • Blood accumulation beneath the skin that must be removed.
  • Infection.
  • Bruises.
  • Allergic reactions.
  • Unsatisfactory results that could lead to additional procedures.

 

Some other risks related to breast augmentation are:

 

  • Encapsulation.
  • Implant breaking.
  • Shadows in mammography that affect breast cancer detection.

Care and recovery after breast augmentation surgery

After breast augmentation surgery, the surgeon must provide information and detailed instructions to the patient for postoperative care, symptoms that could arise and signs of possible complications. The surgeon also must discuss the recovery time-frame before a patient may return to normal activity.

 

Immediately after breast augmentation, the patient must wear a support brassier recommended by the plastic surgeon.

 

The possible symptoms that could arise after a breast augmentation surgery are:

  • Touch sensitivity.
  • Warmer skin temperature or itchiness.
  • Difficulty raising arms.
  • Swelling that will disappear gradually during the next month.

 

During the first week, the area near the breasts will feel rigid and sore.

 

The patient should avoid activities that could cause pain or discomfort and will use a support brassier. Stitches will be removed within one week and at the end of the same period, the patient will be able to return to normal activities.

 

The first two weeks after breast augmentation surgery, physical activity should be kept to the minimum. Sexual relationships will depend on the patient’s comfort level.

 

The long-term process will consist of scheduling routine mammograms with the frequency established by the surgeon to guarantee the best results for the breast augmentation surgery.

 

Breast augmentation surgery is for people who:

  • Are of legal age.
  • Are not pregnant or breastfeeding.
  • Are in good health.
  • Have realistic goals and expectations.
  • Wish to improve their figure and physical appearance.