Breast Augmentation: everything you need to know before surgery!

In 2015, 279,143 procedures for breast augmentation were performed in the U.S., the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (APS). The number was 31% higher than it was in 2000. Breast augmentations or augmentation mammoplasty is an operation designed to increase breast size, form, or length. The chest muscles or breast muscles are fitted with silicone, saline or alternative composites. On an average, implants last between 7 and 12 years. 

What are implants for the breast?

Breast implants may be inserted to preserve the natural appearance of the breast to fix the congenital defects and deformities of the chest wall or following a mastectomy for reconstructive plastic surgery. To change the contour, shape, and size of the breast of a person a prosthesis called a breast implant is surgically inserted under the breast tissues. Defined by their filler material, types of breast implants are saline implants, silicone implants, and soy oil implants.

Sterile implants:

A sterile saline solution, like saltwater, is filled within saline implants. The liquid is contained in a silicone elastomer coating. These grafts can be filled with a saline solution in different quantities. The feeling and strength of the breast are affected. The solution is absorbed and naturally expelled from the body if a saline implant leaks.

Silicone implants:

Silicone implants filled with gel consist of an external silicone casing filled with silicone gel. The gel stays within the covering or flows into the breasts when a silicone-full implant leaks. The implant may collapse or not. Patients who choose the saline type of implants ought to conduct more checkups on a regular period with their physician than other implants. An ultrasound scan or an MRI can control the state of the implants.

Soy oil implants:

A soy oil, polypropylene string, and other substance may be filled in for alternative composite implants.

Why do you choose breast augmentation?

Breast augmentation is carried out to restore the breast size and form after pregnancy, loss of weight or breastfeeding, restoring the breast or breasts after surgery, naturally extending breasts, restore symmetry when the breasts are asymmetrical. Reconstructive and cosmetic surgery is part of plastic operation. As part of breast cancer treatment, reconstructive breast surgery may be performed. Cosmetic breast operation is performed for esthetic purposes. breast augmentation is usually cosmetic. The process includes the production of an implant incision and insertion.

Prepping for the surgery

Patients must contemplate with judgment before they decide to go through with breast augmentation and thoroughly discuss the effects and side effects with the doctor. Implants may go through or under the pectoral muscle. Prior to an operation, the surgeon shall assist the patient to select the implant size. The patient can do this by placing different size implants in a bra to check for what suits best. The surgery procedure usually overall involves anesthesia. 

Placement of the implants.

The implant is placed in a pocket. There are two kinds of positioning; one under the pectoral muscle is called a submuscular placement. It can take longer to recover and after surgery, more pain can occur. The other placement method is under the breast, above the pectoral muscle, which is a submammal or subglandular placement. After the surgery, there will be inflammation that may vary from person to person, but in two weeks’ time, this will resolve. The lines of the incision will disappear as well. Afterward, the patient can decide if the procedure meets his expectations.

Recovery  

The patient is administered pain relievers as the anesthetic wears off. The patient cannot drive after general anesthesia and thus it is imperative to make arrangements accordingly. Sutures typically fade within 6 weeks, absorbable or dissolvable. When a patient has stitches that do not soften or drainage tubes nearby the breasts, an additional appointment is required to remove the sutures. For approximately 6 weeks the patient should not undergo severe physical activity. The doctor may advise on a few post-operative exercises such as arms flexing and moving, pain and discomfort relieving and what kind of bra to wear. If the patient experiences sign, such as infection or heat and reddening in the breast, chest pain, unusual heartbeat, or breathability, the patient should seek healthcare straight away.

About the Author(s)

Princy A. J

Princy holds a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the prestigious Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. University at Chennai, India. After a successful academic record, she pursued her passion for writing. A thorough professional and enthusiastic writer, she enjoys writing on various categories and advancements in the global industries. She plays an instrumental role in writing about current updates, news, blogs, and trends.