Overview
Breast enlargement surgery or augmentation mammoplasty is a cosmetic procedure that involves the placement of implants in the breasts to enhance their size and shape. This surgery is commonly performed on women who wish to improve the appearance of their breasts for aesthetic reasons or to restore lost volume after pregnancy, weight loss or ageing.
Types of Breast Enlargement
There are various types of breast enlargement surgery, which are as follows.
- Saline Implants: These are filled with sterile saltwater solution and provide a uniform shape, firmness, and feel to the breasts.
- Silicone Implants: These are filled with a cohesive silicone gel that mimics the look and feel of natural breast tissue.
- Gummy Bear Implants: This is a type of silicone implant that is designed to retain its shape and firmness even if the implant shell ruptures.
- Fat Transfer: Fat transfer, also known as autologous fat grafting, is a natural alternative to breast implants. In this procedure, fat is harvested from one area of the body, purified, and then injected into the breasts to increase their size.
Why is Breast Enlargement Surgery Done?
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
Who is the Best Candidate for Breast Enlargement Surgery?
- 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 a reduction in breast size or significant weight loss.
- Correction for uneven breasts after breast surgery for other conditions
What to Expect 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 out whether they feel comfortable or not.
Some tests may be conducted to detect breast abnormality. The surgeon may also ask the patient to stop eating or drinking anything 24 hours before the surgery. A patient should also carry some loose clothing, like a loose-fitting bra without an underwire. A breast specialist doctor will discuss the breast lump treatment procedure in detail, the estimated duration of the surgery and the recovery process.
Procedure for Breast Implant Surgery
The breast enlargement treatment is usually performed under general anaesthesia and may take up to two hours to complete. The following are the steps involved in breast enlargement treatment:
- Consultation: The surgeon will assess the patient's medical history, perform a physical examination, and discuss the desired outcome of the procedure.
- Anesthesia: The patient will be given general anaesthesia to ensure they are comfortable and pain-free throughout the procedure.
- Incision: Once the patient is given anaesthesia, the surgeon will make an incision in one of the below areas:
- Along the underside of the breast (most popular)
- Around the nipple
- Underarm (only in selected women)
- Implant placement: The aesthetic surgeon will place the implants in a pocket created either behind the breast tissue or under the chest muscle.
- Closing the incisions: The surgeon will close the incisions with sutures or surgical tape.
- Recovery: After the surgery, the patient will be monitored in a recovery room and may be discharged on the same day.
What to Expect 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 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.
What Risks Are Involved in Breast Enlargement Treatment?
Breast enlargement surgery is generally safe, but like any surgical procedure, it carries some risks. Some of the risks involved in the procedure include
- Infection: Infection is a common risk associated with any surgery, and breast enlargement surgery is no exception.
- Bleeding: Excessive bleeding during or after the surgery is a potential risk.
- Scarring: Scarring is a possibility, although modern techniques aim to minimise scarring.
- Capsular Contracture: It is a condition where scar tissue forms around the implant, causing it to harden and change shape.
- Implant Rupture: Implants may rupture, resulting in deflation or leakage.
- Anaesthesia Risks: There are risks associated with general anaesthesia, including allergic reactions, respiratory problems, and heart complications.
Benefits of Breast Enlargement Surgery
It can offer several benefits, including
- Improved Self-Confidence: Many women feel more confident.
- Enhanced Appearance: It can improve the size, shape, and symmetry of the breasts.
- Clothing Options: It can allow women to wear clothing they were not comfortable wearing before.
- Reconstruction after Mastectomy: Women who have had a mastectomy due to breast cancer can opt for breast enlargement treatment to reconstruct their breasts.
- Correcting Breast Asymmetry: The procedure can correct asymmetrical breasts, which can be caused by developmental issues or injuries.
When to Visit Doctor for Breast Enlargement Surgery?
Breast enlargement surgery may be an option for women who are dissatisfied with the size or shape of their breasts. Women may consider the surgery if they:
- Have small or asymmetrical breasts
- Have lost breast volume due to weight loss, pregnancy, or ageing
- Have undergone a mastectomy and wish to reconstruct their breasts
- Are in good health and have realistic expectations about the results of the surgery
- Have discussed the potential risks and benefits of the surgery with a qualified plastic surgeon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which surgery is best for breast enlargement?
Breast enlargement surgery can be done through various techniques such as saline implants, silicone implants, or fat grafting. The choice of surgery for you depends on your body type, medical history, and personal preferences. Saline implants are filled with sterile salt water and require smaller incisions, while silicone implants are more natural-looking and feel like real breasts. Fat grafting uses fat from other parts of your body to enhance your breasts, but it may not provide significant results.
How much does it cost to enlarge your breasts?
The cost of breast augmentation surgery varies depending on the type of surgery, the location of the practice, and the experience of the surgeon.
Is breast augmentation safe?
Breast enhancement surgery is generally safe, but like any surgery, it carries some risks. Possible risks of breast augmentation surgery include bleeding, infection, implant rupture, capsular contracture, and changes in nipple or breast sensation.
Is breast augmentation painful?
Breast augmentation surgery is generally performed under general anaesthesia, so patients do not feel any pain during the procedure. However, after the surgery, patients may experience some pain, discomfort, and swelling. This discomfort can be managed with pain relievers prescribed by the surgeon. Patients are advised to avoid strenuous activities and to follow post-operative instructions to ensure a smooth recovery. Most patients report that the discomfort subsides after a few days, and they can return to their normal activities after a few weeks.
How long do breast implants last?
Breast implants may need to be replaced or removed over time. The lifespan of breast implants varies depending on the type of implant, the age of the patient, and other factors such as weight changes or pregnancy. According to the FDA, the average lifespan of breast implants is around ten years, but some implants can last longer. Patients should regularly check their implants and report any changes to their surgeon. Regular follow-up appointments with a plastic surgeon can help detect any issues early and prevent complications.
Will insurance cover breast implants?
Insurance coverage for breast augmentation surgery depends on the type of insurance and the reason for the surgery. Generally, cosmetic procedures are not covered by insurance, but some insurance companies may cover breast enlargement treatment for medical reasons, such as breast reconstruction after mastectomy or for the treatment of a congenital breast deformity.
How can we increase our breast size?
There are several ways to increase breast size naturally, such as weight gain, exercise, and using breast enhancement products. However, these methods may not provide significant results or may not be suitable for everyone. Breast augmentation surgery is a safe and effective way to increase the size.
Review
Reviewed by Dr. S.C. Sood - Associate Director, Aesthetic And Reconstructive Surgery.
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