Breast

Introduction to Breast augmentation:-

Breast augmentation, sometimes referred to as a “breast aug” or “boob job” by patients, involves using breast implants or fat to increase the size of your breasts, to restore breast volume lost after weight reduction or pregnancy, to achieve a more rounded shape, or to improve natural breast size asymmetry.

Breast augmentation is also referred to as augmentation mammaplasty. When fat is used from volume, the procedure is referred to as fat transfer breast augmentation.

Augmentation of the breast consists of insertion of a silicone bag (prosthesis) under the breast (submammary) or under the breast and chest muscle (subpectoral) and then filling the bag with saline (salt water). This prosthesis expands the breast area to give a fuller breast (increased cup size), give a better contour, and give more cleavage.

What does it involve:-

The operation involves:

• making a cut (incision) in the skin next to or below the breast
• positioning the implant – either between your breast tissue and chest muscle, or behind your chest muscle
• stitching the incision and covering it with a dressing

The operation takes between 60 and 90 minutes.

You may be able to go home the same day, but may need to stay in hospital overnight if the operation was scheduled late in the day.

Pain relief is provided if you experience any discomfort afterwards.

 

 

Types of breast implants:-

Saline breast implants

Saline breast implants are filled with sterile salt water. Should the implant shell leak, a saline implant will collapse and the saline will be absorbed and naturally expelled by the body. Saline breast implants provide a uniform shape, firmness and feel, and are FDA-approved for augmentation in women age 18 or older.

Structured saline breast implants

Structured implants are filled with sterile salt water, and contain an inner structure which aims to make the implant feel more natural.

Silicone breast implants

Silicone breast implants are filled with silicone gel. The gel feels a bit more like natural breast tissue. If the implant leaks, the gel may remain within the implant shell, or may escape into the breast implant pocket. A leaking implant filled with silicone gel will not collapse. If you choose silicone implants, you may need to visit your plastic surgeon regularly to make sure the implants are functioning properly. An ultrasound or MRI screening can assess the condition of breast implants.

Silicone breast implants are FDA-approved for augmentation in women age 22 or older.

Gummy bear breast implants

Form-stable implants are sometimes referred to as gummy bear breast implants because they maintain their shape even when the implant shell is broken. The consistency of the silicone gel inside the implant is thicker than traditional silicone gel implants. These implants are also firmer than traditional implants.

Shaped gummy bear breast implants have more projection at the bottom and are tapered towards the top. If a shaped implant rotates, it may lead to an unusual appearance of the breast that requires a separate procedure to correct. Placement of gummy bear implants requires a slightly longer incision in the skin.

Round breast implants

Round breast implants have a tendency to make breasts appear fuller than form-stable implants. Higher profile options can achieve even more projection.

Because round implants are the same shape all over, there is less concern about them rotating out of place.

Smooth breast implants

Smooth breast implants are the softest feeling. They can move with the breast implant pocket, which may give more natural movement. Smooth implants may have some palpable or visible rippling under the skin.

Textured breast implants

Textured breast implants develop scar tissue to stick to the implant, making them less likely to move around inside of the breast and become repositioned. Texturing offers some advantage in diminishing the risk of a tight scar capsule.

Implant manufacturers occasionally introduce new styles and types of breast implants, so there may be additional options available.

Whether you choose saline or silicone implants, it is important for you to monitor your breast implants and follow-up with your plastic surgeon for appropriate checkups.

Choosing implants:-

Silicone gel implants

These are filled with either soft or firm silicone gel. Implants filled with the firmer gel are called cohesive gel implants. Some have a polyurethane coating.

 

Pros: Generally less likely to wrinkle than saline implants. The soft type can give a natural feel. Polyurethane-coated ones are claimed to reduce the risk of capsular contracture and the implant rotating – see what could go wrong.

 

Cons: If a soft gel implant ruptures, silicone could spread into your breast and cause siliconomas – see what could go wrong. This is much less of an issue if cohesive implants are used, but this firmer breast enlargement cream may not feel as natural. Polyurethane-coated ones may cause a temporary skin reaction.

Saline solution implants

Pros: If the implant were to rupture, the saline solution would be safely absorbed or passed out of your body.

 

Cons: More likely to rupture or deflate earlier than silicone, as they tend to slowly deflate over time. More prone to wrinkling or folding. May feel less natural than soft silicone.

 

Breast Augmentation is to be done on:-

You may be a candidate for breast augmentation surgery if:

• You are physically healthy and you aren’t pregnant or breastfeeding
• You have realistic expectations
• Your natural breasts are fully developed
• You are bothered by the feeling that your breasts are too small
• You are dissatisfied with your breasts losing shape and volume after pregnancy, weight loss, or with aging
• You are unhappy with the upper part of your breast appearing “empty”
• Your breasts are asymmetrical
• One or both breasts failed to develop normally or have an elongated shape

If you’re considering surgery, spend some time reviewing breast augmentation photos and learning about what to expect during recovery. Preparation ahead of time helps patients have reasonable expectations and a smoother recovery.

Recovery

As the anesthetic wears off, the patient will be given painkillers to relieve the pain.

After a general anaesthesia, the patient will not be able to drive. They should arrange for a friend to take them home.

Absorbable, or dissolvable, sutures usually disappear within 6 weeks. If the patient has sutures that do not dissolve, or if drainage tubes are placed near the breasts, a follow-up appointment will be necessary to remove them.

The medical team should provide the following information:

• How to care for the breasts after the procedure.
• How to use the prescribed medications.
• When to attend a follow-up visit.
• When to call the doctor.

The patient should seek medical help immediately if they experience:

• any sign of infection, such asfever, or warmth and redness in the breast area
• chest pains, unusual heart beats, or shortness of breath

The patient should not engage in strenuous physical activities for about 6 weeks.

The doctor may advise about some post-operative exercises, such as flexing and moving the arms, to relieve pain and discomfort, and also what type of bra to wear.

How breast augmentation procedure is done?

The procedure takes one to two hours. You will likely be given general anaesthesia, during which you will be “asleep” and pain-free.

The surgeon will make a cut under your breasts, under your arms, or around your nipples, depending on your body, the type of implant, and how much breast enlargement is being done.

The surgeon will put the breast implant into a pocket above or below your chest muscle. After the implant is in place, the surgeon will close the cuts with sutures or surgical tape.

Risks and Complications:-

• Painful breasts
• Infection
• Sensation in the breast, the nipples, or both, may change temporarily
• Rupturing or leaking of the implant
• Bleeding
• Fluid accumulation

Capsular contracture refers to a hardening of the area around the implant. It can distort the shape of the implant, and it can because pain. The scars may become red, thick, and painful. Sometimes they require further surgery.

How long do breast implants last?

Breast implants will not last a lifetime. They are likely to need replacing at some point.

Some women may need further surgery after about 10 years, either because of problems with the implants or because their breasts have changed around the implants.

 

Top Benefits of Breast Augmentation:-

• Breast enlargement surgery enhances the look and beauty of your breasts.
• It improves the shape and size of your breasts.
• It helps you look younger and attractive.
• It helps you wear certain costumes with confidence. For example – swimsuit, deep neck dresses, etc.
• The breasts can be made larger and fuller with the aid of this surgical process
• You get well toned and curvaceous big perfect breasts through breast augmentation surgery

 

The cost varies depending upon several factors like the type of breast implant that has to be used in surgery, the fees of your doctor and patient’s needs, etc.

Cost of Breast augmentation or Breast implant surgery in India can be approximated to range around INR 50,000 to INR 3, 00,000 or more.

Maintenance

Breast implants are not designed to last a lifetime. You may need to have the implants replaced if you have complications or if the size and shape of your breasts change over time.

Women who have silicone gel-filled implants will need to get an MRI scan three years after the implant surgery and then MRI scans about every two years to check for silent rupture. If your implants rupture, you will need to have them removed or replaced.

Having breast implants can make it more difficult to get a mammogram, but special X-ray views can be done. There is a chance breast implants may make you more likely to get breast cancer treatments. Breast implants also may make it harder for you to breastfeed.