Breast augmentation

Manufacturer: Dr. Csaba Viczián
Description

Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation is one of the most common plastic surgery procedures performed today and reasons for choosing to have a breast augmentation are varied. Women who are dissatisfied with the size or appearance of their breasts can attain fuller, shapelier breasts with augmentation. It is important to be knowledgeable about your decision.

What Gives the Breast its Shape?

The breast consists of glands and milk ducts, surrounded by fatty tissue which provides its shape and soft form. The elasticity of your skin also contributes to its shape. As you know, certain factors such as age and pregnancy can affect the elasticity of your skin and breast tissue, which results in changes to shape and appearance.

Anatomy and Implant Placement

Your breasts consist primarily of fatty (adipose) and glandular tissues which determine the size and shape. Firmness and lift are generally influenced by how well ligaments connected to the chest wall support your breasts. The fatty tissue and ligaments surround the milk-producing glandular tissue (lobules) and milk ducts. Breasts also contain nourishing blood vessels and lymph vessels that help the body fight off infection. There are tiny muscle fibers in the nipples, but otherwise the breasts are non-muscular. However, they lie atop two layers of muscles, the pectoralis major and pectoralis minor, which separate the breasts from the chest wall. The pectoralis major and minor muscles lie underneath the breasts, separating them from your ribs. The circular, darker region around the nipple is called the areola. Breast implants can be placed in two general locations, known as submuscular and subglandular placement. Submuscular placement refers to an implant that is placed partially or completely beneath the pectoralis muscle, against the chest wall. In contrast, subglandular placement refers to an implant that is placed beneath the breast tissue, but above the pectoralis muscle. Your surgeon will help determine the implant placement that is best for you.

Implant Choices - Silicone or Saline

There are gel-filled or saline-filled breast implants. The gel-filled breast Implants are made of a silicone rubber like shell and filled with a cohesive gel that holds together uniformly and feels more like natural breast tissue. Saline implants are also made of a silicone rubber like shell, and are filled with sterile saline solution and have a slightly firmer feel than gel-filled implants.

Finding the Right Fit

Your desired look is more than just a matter of size. Size is a simple measure of the volume of your new breasts. Your selection is defined by the size, shape, proportion, and feel of your breast augmentation. You can achieve a teardrop or round shaped result based on a number of different factors, including your existing breast type and the dimensions of the breast implant you choose. Your doctor will choose the right implant for you once you agree on your goals. A teardrop shaped result has a gradual, sloping profile from the top of your chest to your nipple. Women who want a teardrop shaped result often want breast implants to restore the youthful appearance of their breast. A round shaped result has a more obvious profile with a more prominent look, a higher ridge atop the chest, steeper cleavage and an extended side profile. Women who want a round shaped result often have an emphasis of achieving a larger cup size.

Incision Options

There are three common incision sites used for implant placement, which are intended to conceal surgical scars. Incision options may vary depending on the type and size of the implant you choose. The periareolar incision, located along the base of the areola, may be associated with a higher likelihood of an inability to breast feed. The inframammary incision, located within the breast fold, allows for insertion of any size or shape of implant and is the most commonly used approach. The transaxillary incision, located under the arm, may require your surgeon to use an endoscope, or small camera, and special instruments to create a pocket for the implant. Your plastic surgeon can help you choose the best site for your incision based on your goals and lifestyle factors.

Areola Technique Introduction

Breast augmentation, or augmentation mammoplasty, is one of the most common plastic surgery procedures performed today. Over time, factors such as age, genetics, pregnancy, weight changes, sun exposure, and gravity can cause the size and shape of the breast to change. Women who are dissatisfied with the size of their breasts, or have experienced changes in breast appearance can achieve a fuller, shapelier breast with breast augmentation. During breast augmentation, a breast implant is placed inside a pocket formed in the breast tissue. This can help to increase or balance the size of the breast, restore breast volume, or restore the shape of the breast after partial or total loss. It is important to realize that breast augmentation cannot correct significantly sagging or drooping breasts. In these instances, a breast lift is often necessary, which may be performed in conjunction with this procedure

Areola Technique Step 1

Breast augmentation procedures typically last approximately one to two hours. Prior to the start of your procedure the treatment area will be thoroughly cleansed and an anesthetic will be administered. Depending on the surgeon’s preferences and the nature of the procedure, a local anesthetic in combination with intravenous sedation or general anesthesia will be used.

The periareolar incision is one of the most common incisions used in breast augmentation. A single small incision is usually placed along the perimeter of the areola. Using an instrument known as a retractor, the surgeon will open the incision in order to gain better access to the breast tissue below. Although the incision will be made as inconspicuously as possible, its length and appearance may vary depending on the type and size of implant, your body contours, and the surgeon's preference.

Areola Technique Step 2

The surgeon will carefully separate the breast tissue with a minimally invasive cautery device and a scalpel, in order to reach the area of the breast in which the pocket will be formed. Using an instrument known as an elevator and their fingers, the surgeon will carefully create a pocket in which to place the breast implant.

Areola Technique Step 3

Unlike saline implants, which are usually inserted empty, silicone implants are pre-filled. As silicone implants are pre-filled, they generally require a slightly larger incision than saline implants. The surgeon will insert the implant into the pocket and visually inspect your breasts to ensure that they are symmetric. They may adjust the pocket and the position of the breast implant itself to ensure that the desired look is achieved.

Areola Technique Step 4

The incisions will be closed using sutures in the breast tissue. Sutures, skin adhesive or surgical tape may be used to close the skin. Your surgeon may choose to use non-dissolving sutures, which will be removed in seven to ten days. The scars from the incisions will fade slowly over several months, but it may take up to a year for them to refine completely. As with any surgery, you will most likely experience some pain and swelling after surgery. The majority of the swelling will likely subside within a few days. However, some swelling may persist for several weeks.

Armpit Technique Step 1

Breast augmentation procedures typically last approximately one to two hours. Prior to the start of your procedure the treatment area will be thoroughly cleansed and an anesthetic will be administered. Depending on the surgeon’s preferences and the nature of the procedure, a local anesthetic in combination with intravenous sedation or general anesthesia will be used.

The transaxillary incision is placed in the natural fold of the armpit; therefore there will be no scar on the breast. A small incision is made inside each armpit. Using an instrument known as a retractor, the surgeon will open the incision in order to gain better access to the breast tissue below. Although the incision will be made as inconspicuously as possible, its length and appearance may vary depending on the type and size of implant, your body contours, and the surgeon's preference.

Armpit Technique Step 2

The surgeon will carefully separate the breast tissue with a minimally invasive cautery device and a scalpel, in order to reach the area of the breast in which the pocket will be formed. Using an instrument known as an elevator and their fingers, the surgeon will carefully create a pocket in which to place the breast implant.

Armpit Technique Step 3

Unlike saline implants, which are usually inserted empty, silicone implants are pre-filled. As silicone implants are pre-filled, they generally require a slightly larger incision than saline implants. The surgeon will insert the implant into the pocket and visually inspect your breasts to ensure that they are symmetric. They may adjust the pocket and the position of the breast implant itself to ensure that the desired look is achieved.

Armpit Technique Summary

You will most likely be able to return to work within three to seven days after your procedure. However, it is important that you avoid any strenuous activity and lifting for approximately three to four weeks. Doing so may delay healing and could damage the implants. You will be able to notice the final results from your procedure once the implants have settled and the swelling has subsided completely.

It is important to realize that your breasts will continue to change shape over time. However, the results from breast augmentation are typically long-lasting, which means that your breasts will maintain the fuller, shapelier appearance that you desire for years to come.

Under the Breast Technique Step 1

Breast augmentation procedures typically last approximately one to two hours. Prior to the start of your procedure the treatment area will be thoroughly cleansed and an anesthetic will be administered. Depending on the surgeon’s preferences and the nature of the procedure, a local anesthetic in combination with intravenous sedation or general anesthesia will be used.

The inframammary incision is placed along the crease of the lower portion of the breast. A single, small incision is made along each breast. Using an instrument known as a retractor, the surgeon will open the incision in order to gain better access to the breast tissue below. Although the incision will be made as inconspicuously as possible, its length and appearance may vary depending on the type and size of implant, your body contours, and the surgeon's preference.

Under the Breast Technique Step 2

The surgeon will carefully separate the breast tissue with a minimally invasive cautery device and a scalpel, in order to reach the area of the breast in which the pocket will be formed. Using an instrument known as an elevator and their fingers, the surgeon will carefully create a pocket in which to place the breast implant.

Under the Breast Technique Step 3

Unlike saline implants, which are usually inserted empty, silicone implants are pre-filled. As silicone implants are pre-filled, they generally require a slightly larger incision than saline implants. The surgeon will insert the implant into the pocket and visually inspect your breasts to ensure that they are symmetric. They may adjust the pocket and the position of the breast implant itself to ensure that the desired look is achieved.

Under the Breast Technique Step 4

The incisions will be closed using sutures in the breast tissue. Sutures, skin adhesive or surgical tape may be used to close the skin. Your surgeon may choose to use non-dissolving sutures, which will be removed in seven to ten days. The scars from the incisions will fade slowly over several months, but it may take up to a year for them to refine completely. As with any surgery, you will most likely experience some pain and swelling after surgery. The majority of the swelling will likely subside within a few days. However, some swelling may persist for several weeks.

Under the Breast Technique Summary

You will most likely be able to return to work within three to seven days after your procedure. However, it is important that you avoid any strenuous activity and lifting for approximately three to four weeks. Doing so may delay healing and could damage the implants. You will be able to notice the final results from your procedure once the implants have settled and the swelling has subsided completely.

It is important to realize that your breasts will continue to change shape over time. However, the results from breast augmentation are typically long-lasting, which means that your breasts will maintain the fuller, shapelier appearance that you desire for years to come.

Recovery and Results

Moderate bruising and swelling after surgery are normal, and will typically subside within a few weeks. Scars from the incisions may fade considerably over time. Before you leave, your doctor may fit you with a compression dressing or bra and prescribe medication to manage your discomfort for the first 24-48 hours and as needed. Plans should be made to have someone take you to and from surgery. And it is a good idea to allow yourself a few days to recover before resuming your daily activities. Be sure to follow your doctor’s recovery plan to avoid any complications. Breast implants are not considered to be a lifetime device and may require future replacement.

Compression Garment Overview

Your physician may place you in a special bra or compression garment to aid in the healing process. Compression garments provide support and comfort, minimize swelling, and help to maintain the position of the implants. This is why it is important that you wear the compression garment as recommended by your physician.

Risks and Results

Consult your physician regarding proper healing, how implants may affect breast feeding, options for future revision since implants are not intended to last a lifetime, and risks such as rupture or capsular contracture, in which scar tissue may compress and distort an implant. Your results will be noticeable immediately following your procedure and any dressings, surgical drains, and non dissolving sutures are typically removed within about a week. Some tenderness, swelling, and discoloration are typical and will fade away within a few weeks. Likewise, scars from your incisions will typically fade to thin, slightly discolored lines. Decades of experience with the science of breast augmentation have greatly improved safety, and nearly all patients are extremely satisfied with their results.