Table of Contents
Clinically known as mammaplasty, breast augmentation surgery refers to the surgical placement of implants to enhance the size and shape of the breast. The implant is basically done for various reasons, such as to cosmetically enlarge the breast size that is naturally small (may be due to hereditary reason), to restore the volume of breast that has been lost following pregnancy, as a result of significant weight loss or breast feeding, to restore symmetry between the breasts that are not evenly proportioned in size and shape, or for reconstructing the breast after surgery for breast cancer (mastectomy) or injury.
Women who are not satisfied with their breast size can have this surgery to enhance their self-confidence and physical appearance.
Procedure Of Breast Augmentation Surgery
During surgery, an implant made of soft silicone shell filled with saline or silicone gel is placed under the chest muscle or breast tissue. The implant is inserted by making an incision on the bottom side of the breast or near the lower part of the areola and placed under the breast tissue or chest muscle under the breast. After adjusting the implant to the correct position and giving proper shape, the surgeon stitches the incision to close it.
Sometimes a breast lift is also done along with breast enlargement to raise the sagging or drooping breast. For lifting the breasts, the excess skin around the areola and bottom of the breast is removed to tighten the breast. When breast lift is done along with breast enlargement, a larger incision is needed.
The complete procedure takes 1 to 2 hours and is carried out using general anesthesia. Unless there is any complication, no hospital stay is required. After the surgery, elastic bandage is used to wrap the stitched incision. Sometimes a special bra is also used to cover the incision.
Recovery From Breast Augmentation Surgery
After surgery, there can be bruising, swelling and soreness or burning sensation for several days or weeks. Medicines are often prescribed to relieve the patient from pain. Patients who have undergone this surgery can resume their normal activity within a week but are often restricted from doing strenuous activities. There can be scars on the incision area, though doctors try to minimize scarring and take care that they are well concealed. The scars fade away gradually after several months.
Risk Factors For Breast Augmentation Surgery
You must also consider the risk factors involved with breast augmentation surgery. Breast implant can make it difficult to detect breast cancer. Implants are required to be surgically removed, if there is any leakage. Most women have been found satisfied with the results after getting breast augmentation surgery.
FDA recommends that women undergoing breast implant must get a breast MRI after 3 years to find out if breast tissues are healthy and the implant is intact and then MRI should be done every 2 years.
Key Factors To Consider
Before going for augmentation, you must consider several factors so that you can get the best possible augmentation. Consult with your doctor the various angles like the type of implant, size of the breast that will be appropriate for you, the location of incision etc., so that you can achieve the best results from breast augmentation surgery. Picking the right size is a major consideration for avoiding multiple surgeries for resizing.
