Breast Augmentation

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THE SURGERY?

When the patient arrives at Lucia Clinic, first she is consulted with the plastic surgeon. The patient talks about the size preferences, appearance and feel of her breast. Next, the surgeon describes the types of implants. They are made of silicone and can be round or teardrop-shaped, smooth or micro/nanotextured. The surgeon also discusses different surgical techniques. Finally, the surgeon asks the patient to have an ultrasound or a mammogram done before the surgery.

 Other details that are discussed during the consultation include the current medication the patient is taking and post-operative protocol. Regarding medications, the surgeon may suggest certain adjustments like not taking aspirin and other medications that are blood thinners and increase bleeding.

 Regarding postoperative protocol, the surgeon explains it in detail to the patient.

 Since the patient needs to rest after the surgery, it is recommended to finish all household chores prior to the surgery. The patient should avoid any reaching up and stretching in order not to cause any damage to the stitches.

 Other important recommendations include stopping smoking for 4 to 6 weeks prior and after the surgery and arranging for someone to drive the patient home after the surgery and staying with the patient in case of any complications.

THE BREAST AUGMENTATION SURGERY

 The surgery is performed with anesthesia. The type of anesthesia is discussed with the anesthesiologists during the second visit before the surgery.

In some cases, it is done during local anesthesia where the patient is awake and the breast area is numbed. However, usually this surgery is performed during general anesthesia where the patient is asleep.

WHAT HAPPENSDURING THE SURGERY?

When the surgery starts, the plastic surgeon makes a single incision in one of the following three places - under the arm(axillary), around the nipple (periareolar) or the crease under the breast (inframammary).

Next, the surgeon separates the breast tissue from the connective tissue and the muscles in the chest. This way a pocket is created behind or in front of the pectoral muscle -the furthest muscle of the chest wall. In this pocket, the surgeon places the implant, in the midpoint behind the nipple. Implants are made of silicone -they are filled with silicone gel.

 When the surgeon is sure that the implant is in the correct place, he/she closes the incision with stitches and bandages the incision with surgical and skin adhesive tape.

AFTER THE SURGERY - RECOVERY TIME

Before leaving the hospital, the patient needs to schedule a follow-up appointment to get the stitches and drainage tubes removed (if the surgeon used stitches that don’t dissolve or placed drainage tubes next to the breast area).

In the first two days, the patient might notice that the breasts are heavy and over-enlarged because of swelling.

 Also, the patient might experience tenderness in the breasts for a few weeks or months. The patient’s nipples might feel numb or too sensitive and the breasts might be too tight, unnaturally round or too high. This is a normal part of the recovery time and stops after several months.

 The patient is likely to experience swelling and soreness for a couple of weeks post-surgery. Bruises can appear as well. The scars will fade with time, but possibly not completely.

During the recovery time, the surgeon can prescribe the patient some pain medication.

It is very important to follow the surgeon’s recommendation about when to continue with daily activities. If the patient doesn’t have a physically stressful job, she could possibly return to work after a week. However, it is crucial not to perform anything strenuous that could raise blood pressure or pulse for a minimum of 2 weeks.

The patient might need to wear a post-operative bra that helps with the recovery. It reduces bruising and swelling. It also helps with additional support and positioning of the breast implants.

The surgeon will advise the patient how long to wear it. Usually, it is recommended to wear it during the day and night for the first week and then only during the day for 6 weeks.

 Regarding sports and exercise, the patient should avoid it during the first week. Strenuous exercise can cause bleeding and increase the swelling of the breasts. After 3 weeks post-surgery the patients can start with some gentle exercise like walking or cycling. Contact sports should be avoided because the breasts will be sore. After 6 weeks the patient may slowly return to all sports and exercise.

BREAST AUGMENTATION RESULTS

Breast augmentation surgery is an excellent way to reshape the breasts or change their size. It can greatly contribute to increased self-confidence and improve the patient’s body image. However, it is important to be realistic about the results.

POSSIBLE RISKS OF BREAST AUGMENTATION SURGERY

There are a few risks associated with breast augmentation, including:

●      Breast pain

●      Possibility of infection

●      Nipple and breast sensations can change

●      The position of the implant may change

●      The implant may rupture or leak

●       Capsular contracture - involves distortion of the breast implant shape by the scar tissue (only a small percentage of patients experience this)

If any of these complications occur the patient might need another surgery to replace or remove the implants.

Should the patients notice any side effects, like redness in the breast or having a fever, she should immediately inform the surgeon. Also, the patient should inform the surgeon if she is experiencing chest pain or shortness of breath.

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WHAT HAPPENS IF A SILICONE IMPLANT RUPTURES?

Should a silicone implant ruptures the patient may not see it immediately because the free silicone remains in the fibrous tissue that is formed around the implant. This condition is also known as a silent rupture. The silicone gel that leaked shouldn’t cause any health issues, but it might cause breast thickening and breast pain. Also, the shape and contours of the breasts might change. The surgeon will recommend the surgery to remove the implant and the patient can have the new implant inserted again.

 Also, any changes to the breasts or implants should be reported to the surgeon. Follow-up appointments and screening tests can detect the possible complications so that the surgeon can address them properly.

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WHAT SHOULD BE CONSIDERED BEFORE THE BREAST AUGMENTATION SURGERY?

If the patient is experiencing sagging breasts, the implants can’t put a stop to this condition. The surgeon can recommend another surgery - breast lifting. The two surgeries might work together to bring the best optimal results.

Routine mammograms could be more complicated to perform. With breast implants, the patient might need extra, specialized check-ups, for example MRIs.

Patients with breast implants might have problems with breastfeeding. This condition is absolutely individual, some women don’t have any trouble breastfeeding after the surgery, but for others, it can be challenging.

The new generation of implants lasts forever. However as the patient’s breasts continue to age, this may change their appearance. Also, weight loss and weight gain can significantly change the way the patient’s breasts look. Additional surgeries may be needed to address these issues.

It is recommended to have routine screening examinations. Especially for ruptures. First 5 or 6 years after the implant placement, the patient should have a breast MRI as routine screening. After that MRI can be done every 2 to 3 years. The patient can also have an ultrasound screening as an alternative. The patient should talk to the surgeon about the best type of imaging.

If the patient decides to remove the breast implant, she may need another surgery such as breast lifting or other. These corrective surgeries return the appearance of the patient’s breasts.

 BENEFITS OF BREAST AUGMENTATION SURGERY

When the patient decides to enhance their bust at Lucia Clinic with breast augmentation surgery, Lucia’s team of plastic surgeons will make a customized treatment plan that will be based on the patient’s goals and expectations. 

Breast augmentation surgery improves breast symmetry which greatly increases the patient’s confidence. The patient can choose the type of breast implant, its size and shape for each breast - the surgery provides the patient with the evenly matched breast that will ideally fit into clothes. 

The surgery can add more volume and curves to the patient’s breasts. For women who have naturally small breasts, it can be beneficial to have breast augmentation because it improves their silhouette with the desired curves. The surgery brings these women a new look and new body contours.

Breast implants can improve women’s proportions and provide a better-balanced body.

Also, together with breast lifting surgery, breast augmentation can restore a more youthful appearance to women’s breasts and prevent sagging or loss of breast volume.