The history of mammoplasty (breast augmentation) dates back to the 19th century. As soon as women began to take off their corsets, there were attempts to somehow influence the shape and size of the mammary glands.
First, liquid paraffin was injected into the tissues, and then they tried to enlarge the breasts using the most incredible materials: glass balls, ivory, cartilage, wool. The consequences of such experiments had nothing to do with health and beauty. It should be noted that the surgeon who tried to enlarge the breast with the help of the patient's adipose tissue is the closest to solving the problem. This idea will develop later. But then the result was not fixed, because adipose tissue was absorbed fairly quickly.
In the second half of the twentieth century, the invention of silicone gave a new impetus to plastic surgery. The liquid silicone gel is injected directly into the chest area. Complications of such operations did not wait long: inflammation, granulation, neoplasms. Often women had to agree to complete breast removal to save their lives.
1961-1964 precursors of modern implants were developed, which were silicone bags filled with a specific gel or saline solution. They began to be placed under the gland or under the muscles. However, reports that their use could cause cancer have temporarily delayed their triumphant march. In 2006, the implants were repaired.
Stars and plastic
It is no longer accepted to hide the fact that women resort to the services of plastic surgeons and fix their appearance. Some stars don’t even mind creating extra news to remind themselves. Among those who decided to have breast augmentation with implants and did not regret it were Kate Hudson, Jennifer Lopez, Christina Aguilera.
Should I be afraid?
Of course, any surgical interventions initially worry us. For those who are afraid of surgery and want to enlarge their breasts, they offer all kinds of miracle creams, ointments that contain phytoestrogens, hormone therapy, special physical exercises and injectable preparations (fillers). It must be understood that such actions will not give the desired result. In short, creams and ointments simply cannot penetrate biological barriers, and the concentration of active substances in them is low; exercise can increase the pectoral muscle, but not the size of the gland, and fillers based on hyaluronic acid act only on the skin and subcutaneous layers and only at a young age.
If you have really decided that breast augmentation will help you not only to look, but also to feel much better, just find a clinic and a plastic surgeon you can trust. Trust me, a specialist will not persuade you to have surgery if there is no special need for it. They will listen to you, examine you, choose the optimal shape and size of your breasts, and computer modeling will show you what your figure will look like after mammoplasty. In addition, it will alert you to the consequences, contraindications and possible complications so that you can consciously make a final decision.
When breast augmentation is justified
The main reasons for breast augmentation are:
- Mismatch of the shape and size of the mammary gland with the figure and constitution of the woman (very small or flat).
- Relaxation and loss of shape after feeding.
- Visible asymmetry.
However, often the indication for mammoplasty is one thing - a woman's desire to increase the size and improve the shape of her breasts.
A specialist may refuse surgery if:
- Less than 1 year has passed since the end of lactation.
- There are changes in the gland in the form of mastopathy or a tumor is found.
- There are severe chronic diseases, including blood clotting disorders or pathology of the endocrine system.
- Inflammatory and infectious processes are active in the body.
Possibilities of implantation and surgery
In order for enlarged breasts to look as natural as possible, and for patients not to worry about whether the plastic is noticeable, different versions of silicone implants and methods of their implantation have been developed.
The requirements for modern implants (endoprostheses) are quite strict. They should be very durable, if possible, have an anatomical shape and not cause serious complications (capsule formation, rejection, displacement).
Depending on the characteristics of the figure, skin condition, individual preferences, the doctor may offer a choice of silicone implants, which differ in:
- Shape: round or teardrop-shaped.
- Sizes: from 150 to 850 ml.
- Filling: special gel or physiological (physiological) solution.
- Surface type: smooth or textured (less prone to scrolling).
Variations in the location of the endoprosthesis are also possible:
- Below the mammary gland (subglandular) - in the presence of its own sufficiently voluminous gland tissue and preserved skin elasticity, otherwise it will be very noticeable.
- Below the fascia (subfascial) - in the pocket of the muscular shell, which consists of connective tissue.
- Below the pectoral muscle (submuscular) - more traumatic, because the muscle must be partially cut off from the ribs.
- Combined location - partly below the gland and below the muscle, the most reliable fixation and less noticeable.
In addition to the method of installation, the type of approach is selected, ie the place where the surgical incision will be:
- in the fold under the gland the most anatomical and faster healing, but not always possible;
- around the areola (nipple) is used in those women who have already breastfed and need correction of the areola-nipple complex;
- under the arm is not the most appropriate option and is quite traumatic.
What does breast augmentation surgery with implants look like (augmentation mammoplasty)
Prior to surgery, the patient must undergo an examination that includes blood and urine tests, clinical and biochemical tests, tests for coagulation, HIV and syphilis, ECG, fluorography and mammography. Only after that is the operation scheduled. Two weeks before the operation, blood thinners, smoking and alcohol are stopped, because they have a bad effect on wound healing. Prior to the intervention, regardless of the type of anesthesia, the patient does not eat or drink for 8 hours.
The operation is performed under general or local anesthesia. First, the so-calledpocket for implants, assembly and then final installation. If the filling is physiological, a silicone sheath is inserted first, and then the implant is filled with fluid.
After that, drainages are introduced to drain blood and other liquid contents from the operating room, and a special compression garment is put on, which fixes the breast in the desired position.
Lipophilic
If you need a slight correction of the décolleté, then breast augmentation is possible without the installation of implants. This is lipofilling. A certain amount of fat is taken from the place with developed adipose tissue, filtered and injected in the area of the breast. On the one hand, this method combines 2 operations to shape the figure at once: liposuction and mammoplasty, so it may be most suitable for some patients. On the other hand, after some time the fat is absorbed and the process will have to be repeated.
It can also be used in combination with augmentation mammoplasty, if it is necessary to smooth the area of the implant location.
Living with new breasts
After discharge from the clinic (usually on the second day), bandages are performed, scars are bandaged, and pain medications are given as needed. The sutures are removed after a week.
Patients wear compression underwear for at least one to two months, and at this time they can only sleep on their backs. Up to 3 months of heavy physical activity, thermal procedures, swimming pool are contraindicated.
The final result of the operation can be assessed only after six months. Modern implants allow you to live a full life without hesitation. The only thing you have to part with is jumping from a height. It is better to plan the pregnancy not earlier than a year after the operation. You also need to monitor your weight and skin condition. Sudden fluctuations in body weight can lead to sagging breasts.
Otherwise, you can enjoy the beautiful bust and attention of the opposite sex. Now the improvement of one's own body takes place without harm to health.
So weigh the pros and cons, consult an experienced professional and boldly go to your sleep.