Breast Enlargement / Breast Implants Surgery

A breast implant surgery is done to:

• Increase breast size
• Enhance the breast shape
• Correct asymmetry and uneven appearance
• Restore breast volume loss due to surgery or injury
• Reconstruct a breast after the treatment of breast cancer
• Overcome breast sagging

• To enhance appearance, if one thinks her breasts are small or uneven, where the size of one breast is larger as compared to the other.
• After pregnancy, if there is a requirement for reduction in breast size or significant weight loss.
• Correction for uneven breasts after breast surgery for other conditions

BEFORE THE PROCEDURE

Before the procedure, it is the doctor who helps in the selection of implants for the patient. This can be carried out by placing various implants into a bra to find whether they feel comfortable or not.

DURING THE PROCEDURE

Once the patient is given anaesthesia, the surgeon will make an incision in one of the below areas:

1. Along the underside of the breast (most popular)
2. Around the nipple
3. Underarm (only in selected women)

The location where the incision has been performed can affect how visible the scars would be after the surgery. It will also decide the complications that a patient may experience after breast enlargement treatment. The surgeon will put the breast implant into the pocket above or below the chest muscle. After the implant is placed, the surgeon will close the incision with sutures and may also place temporary drains to prevent fluid or blood accumulation.

AFTER THE PROCEDURE

The patient’s breast will be wrapped in gauze or a surgical bra. The scars of a breast enlargement surgery may fade in two or three months, depending on the skin type of the patient.

Following the surgery, some pain, swelling and tenderness are normal, which may last for a month or longer, but should go away with time. For most women, scars will turn into thin lines over the time. The surgeon may prescribe some medications to relieve pain and nausea and will also discuss ways to take care of the surgical area.

At the surgeon’s recommendation, a patient is likely to return to work within a few weeks. However, it is strongly advised to avoid any strenuous activities that could increase blood pressure and pulse rate, for a minimum of two weeks. Be sure to ask the surgeon about a schedule for follow-up visits along with the precautions which need to be taken.

Also Read | Asymmetrical Face Surgery

The surgeon and patient should discuss all possible incision options. The following options are available:

• Inframammary incision, done in the crease under the breast
• Transaxillary incision, in the armpit
• A periareolar incision around the nipple

Incision choice depends on several factors, including how much enlargement is required, the patient’s anatomy, the type of implant, and surgeon-patient preference.

Breast augmentation can generally be done as an outpatient procedure, or one may stay overnight in the hospital for a monitoring basis. The entire procedure gets over in about 1 to 2 hours, and the patient will likely be given general anaesthesia.

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

After the incision is made, the surgeon opens up the area around breast tissue and separates it from the chest's muscles and connective tissue. This will result in a pocket either behind or near the pectoral muscle. The surgeon will then insert the implant into this pocket and centre it behind your nipple.

Saline implants are not pre-filled with sterile saltwater. Once they're inserted in their desired place, then only they are filled with sterile saltwater. Silicone implants are pre-filled with silicone gel. The breast implant is being inserted into a pocket above or below the chest muscle. Once the implant is in place, the surgeon will close the cuts with sutures or surgical tape.

A successful breast implant surgery helps in the following ways:

• Enhance the size and shape of breasts
• Gives breast cancer survivor a chance to regain confidence
• Minimal invasive with less trauma to breasts
• Boosts confidence and offer more clothing options

This procedure can have certain complications like:

1. Breast pain
2. Sensation changes around the nipple area and breast
3. Formation of scar tissue and the complex area around the implant
4. Bleeding
5. Infection
6. Implant issues 
7. Rupture or leaking of implant
8. Fluid accumulation

Normally, Insurance doesn't cover breast enlargement surgery. However, it will cover breast implants for women who have had mastectomies due to breast cancer. If one needs further surgery, later on, the health insurance may not cover that, either. Having breast implants may also affect insurance rates later on. It is advisable to speak to your insurance company while you plan for the surgery.

• Who are the Right Candidates for Breast Enhancement Surgery?
• Don’t let Tuberous Breast Deformity Ruin Your Life!
• Consider Day Care Surgery as Default for all Elective Surgery
• What to Expect When you are Expecting
• Gynaecomastia: An Embarrassing Male Problem!