There are several types of breast implants and surgical procedures, so it's important to talk to your surgeon about what will work best for you. If you want to learn more about Breast Augmentation, read this article from the Doctour website.
What are the different kinds of breast augmentation?
There are two main types of breast augmentation: breast implants and fat transfer augmentation. Within those two categories, there are multiple different options based on how you want your breasts to look and feel. Since only certain breast implants are approved for certain ages, it’s important to fully research and know the pros and cons of each option; and to talk to a certified plastic surgeon before undergoing it. Breast implants are the most common type of breast augmentation; options include:
Saline breast implants: These implants are filled with sterile saline (salt water). If the implant were to break inside your breast, your body would absorb the saline and naturally get rid of it.
Structured saline breast implants: These implants are filled with sterile saline (salt water) and have an inner structure that helps the implant feel more natural.
Silicone breast implants: These implants are made of silicone gel. If the implant were to break, the gel could stay within its shell or leak into your breast. If you get silicone implants, you may have to see your plastic surgeon regularly to make sure your implants are working properly.
Form-stable breast implants: These implants are often called gummy bear breast implants because they keep their shape even if the implant shell breaks. They are made of a thicker silicone gel and are firmer than traditional implants. Form-stable breast implants require a longer surgery incision in your skin.
Round breast implants: These implants usually make breasts look fuller. Since the implants are round all over, they don’t typically change the look of your breast if they rotate out of place.
Smooth breast implants: These implants feel the softest of all the different kinds of implants. Smooth breast implants usually make breast movement look more natural than other implants.
Textured breast implants: These implants create scar tissue to adhere to the implant, which makes them less likely to move around inside of your breast. Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL), though rare, occurs most frequently in people who have breast implants with textured surfaces.
Fat transfer breast augmentation: In a fat transfer breast augmentation, your surgeon will use liposuction to take fat from another area of your body and then inject that fat into your breasts. This type of augmentation is usually for people who want a relatively small increase in their breast size. In most cases, your surgeon will take fat tissue from one of the following areas: belly, flanks (the sides and lower back of your abdomen), back, and thighs.
Why do people get breast augmentations?
There are many reasons you may want or choose to undergo breast augmentation surgery, including:
To change the appearance of your breasts if you think they are small.
To change the symmetry of your breasts if one is smaller than the other.
To account for a decrease in your breast size after pregnancy or significant weight loss.
To correct any unevenness or issues with your breasts after breast surgery for other conditions.
To improve your confidence and self-esteem.
What happens at a consultation for breast augmentation?
Before you undergo breast augmentation, you'll meet with your surgeon. You should prepare for this consultation by thinking about what you want to change about your breasts. Remember, you're not seeking perfection, but improvement. Also, be sure that you're in good mental and physical health, overall, and that you have realistic expectations. Your surgeon will ask you detailed questions about your medical history, including:
Medications you are taking
Your allergies
Your smoking history
Prior surgeries
Any previous issues you've had with your breasts, including lumps, previous mammograms, and any family history of breast issues.
In preparation for your breast augmentation surgery, your surgeon may have you:
Get a blood test
Take certain medications or adjust your current medications.
Stop smoking
Avoid certain foods or beverages.
Avoid taking aspirin and certain anti-inflammatory drugs, since they can increase bleeding.
Stop using recreational drugs.
It’s crucial to follow any instructions that your surgeon gives you before your surgery. Following their instructions will help the surgery go more smoothly and will help you heal properly. You should arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery and also have someone stay with you for the first night at least. You will need to take at least three days off from work, so plan accordingly. If you have a labor-intensive job, you will likely need to take off at least three weeks of work.
Setting up a home recovery area
Before you undergo breast augmentation surgery, you should set up an area in your home for recovery. Make sure you have:
Pain medication prescribed by your surgeon
Ointment or cream for incision sites (if recommended by your surgeon)
Clean gauze to cover the incision sites
Plenty of loose, comfortable, button-down blouses or shirts
What happens during breast augmentation surgery?
There are many steps involved in breast augmentation surgery. Here’s an explanation of the steps.
Anesthesia
Your surgeon will perform the surgery while you are under general anesthesia (you'll go to sleep) or through IV sedation. You and your surgeon will determine this together.
The incision
Breast augmentation can be performed in one of several ways. Your surgeon can perform the procedure:
Via the crease under your breast (known as the inframammary fold).
Along the edge of your areola (known as the periareolar incision).
Via your armpit (known as a transaxillary approach).
Your surgeon will discuss these possible methods with you before your surgery, and together you will determine which approach best suits your needs.
Implant insertion
There are two different ways for your surgeon to insert the implant: under your breast tissue and in front of your muscle or behind your breast muscle (pectoral muscle). The placement of the implants depends on a few factors, including the type of implant you choose and how much you’re increasing the size of your breasts. You can discuss the benefits of each method with your surgeon and make that decision together.
Closing the incision
After your surgeon places your implants, they will stitch the incision sites together to close them. Your surgeon may also use drainage tubes. You must follow your surgeon's follow-up care instructions for the incision site. Your breasts will be covered with a gauze bandage and you may be sent home wearing a surgical bra.
What happens after breast augmentation?
Right after your breast augmentation surgery, a healthcare provider will take you to a room for observation while you wake up from the surgery. You’ll be able to leave the hospital once you’re stable enough. This usually takes around an hour. Before you leave, your surgeon will give you specific instructions for your breast augmentation surgery recovery and schedule a follow-up appointment. Your surgeon will give you a prescription for medication to control pain, if necessary. If you have drainage tubes, your surgeon will tell you when to return to have those removed, as well as instructions as to when to remove the gauze bandages. Your surgeon will probably remove your stitches in about one week. You should not do any heavy lifting for at least four weeks. If you are physically active in sports, it may take up to six weeks before you can return to those activities.
What are the possible complications and side effects of breast augmentation?
As with any surgery, there are side effects, and you do risk certain complications. Side effects of breast augmentation surgery can include:
Soreness and increased sensitivity in the nipple region
Bruising
Bleeding
Swelling
Immediate complications of breast augmentation surgery, though rare, can include:
Infection
Wound healing issues
Hematoma (blood collection in the surgical area)
Complications from breast augmentation surgery that might happen over time can include:
Formation of scar tissues: This is also known as capsule contracture.
Sagging of the implants: This can cause your breasts to droop.
Symmastia: Symmastia happens when your breast implants trend toward the middle of your chest and can give the appearance of one continuous breast.
Fluid around the implant: This is also known as seroma.
Implant rupture or deflation: Implants are not designed to be life-long. You might need another procedure later on.
Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL): This immune system cancer is very rare but has happened in patients who have received breast implants that have rough or textured surfaces.
Symptoms, such as changes in the size or shape of breasts, swelling, or lumps, may show up two to eight years after implant surgery. Other important considerations to take into account include:
Breast implants are not guaranteed to last your entire life. You may need surgery in the future to replace one or both implants.
Pregnancy, weight loss, and menopause may affect the appearance of your augmented breasts.
Breast augmentation surgery could potentially affect your ability to breastfeed.
If you have breast augmentation you will need to perform regular examinations of your breasts to assess your health.
You will also have to see your plastic surgeon regularly so they can evaluate the condition of your breast implants.
Can breast implants affect cancer screenings?
Although all breast tissue is in front of the implant, breast implants can affect self-examinations. You’ll need to become familiar with examining your breast(s) with the implant in place. Implants can also make it more difficult for a mammogram to detect the presence of cancer. However, as screening technology becomes more advanced, the issue of implants preventing the detection of cancer becomes less of an issue.
What is the recovery time for breast augmentation?
Everyone heals differently, so recovery time for breast augmentation surgery can vary depending on the type of breast augmentation you had and your overall health. On average, full recovery takes about six to eight weeks.
When can I return to work or other activities after breast augmentation?
Your plastic surgeon will give you specific instructions for your recovery plan and when you can return to physical activities. Be sure to follow them. Your surgeon will likely encourage you to slowly ease back into your normal daily routine and light exercise after the first week of your surgery. You should avoid intense or jarring physical activities such as running, horseback riding, or heavy lifting until you’ve fully recovered. In most cases, surgeons recommend that people who have labor-intensive jobs should wait at least three weeks before returning to work.
When should I see my healthcare provider after a breast augmentation?
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms:
Fever
Abnormal discharge, such as pus, from your incision site
Rupture of your stitches
Increasing enlargement, or firmness, of one or both of your breasts that’s associated with pain and pressure
Is breast augmentation reversible?
Yes, a plastic surgeon can remove your implants through breast implant removal surgery. Since breast implants aren’t guaranteed to last a lifetime, many people who’ve had breast implant surgery will need another breast implant procedure in the future. These procedures include:
Removing the original breast implants and replacing them with new implants.
Repositioning the existing breast implants.
Removing the breast implants without replacing them.
Can I breastfeed with breast augmentation?
Breast augmentation surgery can affect the nerves and ducts within your breast, which could affect lactation. Breast implants that are placed below your muscle usually affect milk production less than implants that are above your muscle. Surgical incisions around your areola are more likely to cause reductions in milk production. It’s important to talk to your plastic surgeon if you’re planning on breastfeeding in the future before you get a breast augmentation.
Conclusion
Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure that enhances the size and shape of the breasts through the insertion of implants. The surgery involves placing the implants either under the breast tissue or the chest muscles, depending on the patient's body type, the type of implant, and the desired outcome. The procedure starts with anesthesia, followed by incisions made in discreet areas to minimize visible scarring. The surgeon then creates a pocket for the implant, which is carefully positioned to achieve a natural and symmetrical look. Once the implants are in place, the incisions are closed with sutures, and the recovery process begins. The result is fuller, more contoured breasts that improve the overall balance and proportion of the patient's figure.
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