Breast Augmentation: Types, Procedures and Recovery
Breast augmentation, also known as Augmentation Mammoplasty, is a cosmetic surgical procedure intended to increase the size and shape of a woman’s breasts. This involves placing implants under the breast tissue or muscle to achieve the desired aesthetic result. Breast augmentation surgery is a popular cosmetic option for those who want to enlarge their breasts, restore volume after pregnancy or weight loss, or improve the symmetry of their breasts.
Types of Breast Augmentation
Saline Implants: These implants are filled with sterile saltwater and can be customized for size during the surgery. If they rupture, they are less likely to leak.
Silicone Implants: Filled with a silicone gel that feels more like natural breast tissue. These are popular for their realistic feel and appearance.
Gummy Bear Implants: These silicone implants are of a thicker, cohesive gel that keeps its shape even upon rupture of the implant shell.
Fat Transfer: This involves removing fat from another part of your body (e.g., thighs or abdomen) and injecting it into the breasts for a more natural augmentation.
Round Implants: These implants provide fullness to the top of the breast and are ideal for individuals seeking more volume.
Teardrop (Anatomical) Implants: Shaped like a natural breast, with more volume at the bottom and a gentle slope, offering a more natural look.
Indications of Breast Augmentation
Small Breast Size: Individuals with naturally small breasts who desire larger breasts for improved proportions and enhanced self-confidence.
Loss of Volume: Women who have experienced loss of breast volume due to factors such as pregnancy, breastfeeding, or significant weight loss.
Asymmetry: Those with noticeable breast asymmetry (one breast significantly smaller than the other) seek breast augmentation to achieve better balance and symmetry.
Cosmetic Enhancement: Individuals who want to enhance their overall appearance and achieve the desired breast shape and size.
Body Image Concerns: Individuals who feel self-conscious or dissatisfied with the appearance of their breasts and wish to boost their self-esteem.
Reconstruction After Mastectomy: Breast augmentation can be part of breast reconstruction for individuals who have undergone mastectomy (breast removal) due to breast cancer.
Who Performs Breast Augmentation Surgery?
Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure performed by qualified plastic surgeons, cosmetic surgeons, and, in some cases, general surgeons. When considering this procedure, it is essential to choose a board-certified plastic surgeon with expertise in breast augmentation.
Preparing for Breast Augmentation
Preparing for breast augmentation surgery involves a combination of physical, emotional, and logistical preparations to ensure a smooth and successful procedure and recovery. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to prepare for breast augmentation:
Consultation: Meet with a board-certified plastic surgeon to discuss your goals, expectations, and medical history.
Medical Evaluation: Undergo tests and exams to ensure you’re healthy for surgery.
Stop Smoking: Quit or reduce smoking before surgery to promote healing.
Medication Review: List all medications and supplements you’re taking. Some may need to be adjusted.
Arrange Support & Transportation: Have someone accompany you and drive you to/from the surgery.
Prepare for Recovery: Set up a comfortable recovery space at home and have necessary medications and recovery garments ready.
Understand the Plan: Ensure you understand the surgery, recovery, and potential risks.
Emotional Readiness: Be mentally prepared for the procedure and changes to your body.
Procedure Steps for Breast Augmentation
To prepare for your breast augmentation procedure, your surgeon may provide specific instructions tailored to your individual needs. Some general preparation guidelines include:
Preoperative Evaluation: A medical review, physical exam, and discussion of goals and expectations.
Implant Selection: The surgeon helps choose the implant type, shape, size, and placement.
Consent and Anesthesia: Informed consent is obtained, and general anesthesia is administered for comfort during the procedure.
Positioning and Site Preparation: The patient is positioned on the table, and the chest area is cleaned to prevent infection.
Incision: Certain areas, such as the armpit, the area surrounding the areola, or beneath the breast, are incised.
Implant Placement: The surgeon creates the implant for symmetry and makes a pocket for it beneath the muscle or breast tissue.
Closure and Dressing: Incisions are closed with stiches, and a compression garment or surgical bra is applied for support.
Hospital Stay: Typically outpatient, allowing the patient to return home the same day.
Recovery after Breast Augmentation Surgery
Recovery after breast augmentation surgery is a gradual process that requires patience, dedication, postoperative instructions and self-care to ensure a smooth healing journey. Here’s what to expect during the recovery after breast augmentation surgery:
Recovery Area: You’ll be monitored as you wake up from anaesthesia, with dressings and a compression garment applied to minimize swelling.
Pain Management: Expect discomfort and tightness; pain medications will be provided.
Swelling and Bruising: Common post-surgery; will subside in weeks.
Restricted Activities: Avoid heavy lifting and vigorous movements during recovery.
Return Home: Most surgeries are outpatient; you can go home the same day.
Follow-Up Appointments: Your surgeon will schedule follow-ups to monitor healing.
Resuming Activities: Light activities can resume in 1-2 weeks, but avoid strenuous exercises for a few weeks.
Driving: Avoid driving for a few days or until you are off prescription pain meds.
Return to Work: Based on your job, you can return within a week or later.
Supportive Bras: Wear a recommended surgical bra for proper support.
Physical Sensations: Temporary changes like numbness or sensitivity are familiar.
Exercise: Reintroduce exercise gradually as advised by your surgeon.
Final Results: Full results take weeks to months as breasts settle into shape.
Benefits of Breast Augmentation
Enhanced Aesthetic Appearance: By strengthening the breasts’ size, shape, and symmetry, breast augmentation can improve body image and confidence.
Restoration of Volume: It gives the breasts a fuller, younger appearance by restoring volume lost as a result of aging, pregnancy, or weight loss.
Improved Proportions: Helps some people feel more in harmony with their appearance by balancing the proportions of their entire body.
Boosted Confidence: Many people experience a significant increase in self-esteem and self-confidence after the procedure.
Correcting Asymmetry: It helps to correct uneven or asymmetrical breasts, creating a more balanced and natural appearance.
Improved Clothing Fit: For people who have trouble choosing clothes because of their breast size, improved breast size and form can make it simpler to fit into a wider variety of outfits.
Long-Lasting Results: With proper care, the results of breast augmentation can last many years, providing a long-term cosmetic benefit.
Lifestyle changes after Breast Augmentation Surgery
After breast augmentation surgery, certain lifestyle changes and considerations are important to support your recovery, promote healing, and maintain the long-term results of the procedure. Here are some lifestyle changes to keep in mind:
Rest and Recovery: Take time to rest and avoid strenuous activities or heavy lifting.
Healthy Diet: Eat a healthy diet that helps with healing.
Hydration: Stay hydrated for better recovery.
Avoid Smoking and Alcohol: Smoking slows healing, and alcohol interferes with recovery.
Medication Management: Take prescribed medications as directed.
Wound Care: Clean and dry the incision to avoid infections.
Sun Exposure: Protect the incision from the sun to prevent scarring.
Avoid Tight Bras: Choose supportive bras to prevent pressure on the healing area.
Physical Activity: Gradually return to exercise as advised by your surgeon.
Follow-Up Appointments: Attend all checkups to monitor healing.
Limit High-Impact Activities: Avoid high-impact exercises for the first few months.
Supportive Bras: Wear recommended bras to maintain breast shape.
Patience: Healing may take weeks to months.
Emotional Well-Being: Seek support for body image concerns if needed.
Regular Checkups: Keep up with regular breast health screenings.
