Breast augmentation is one of the most popular plastic surgeries in the direction of mammoplasty. Augmentation mammoplasty is a complete surgical procedure. Breast augmentation surgery is performed under general anesthesia and requires careful preparation of the patient, as well as his stay in the clinic (the period varies depending on the complexity of the surgery and the patient's condition). Currently, various methods of breast augmentation using various implants have been developed and successfully applied. Indications for surgery are primary aplasia (absence of mammary glands), primary hypoplasia (underdevelopment of mammary glands), involution of mammary glands, mastectomy (surgical removal of glands, both complete and partial).
From the history of mammoplasty augmentation
The need for breast augmentation surgeries was dictated by diseases that required excision of breast tissue or led to deformity, asymmetry of the mammary glands in women. The first attempt at breast augmentation was in 1889. Liquid paraffin was used as a filler (implant) that was injected into the breast. In 1895, the first augmentation surgery was performed using the patient’s own tissues (in this case a lipoma removed from the patient’s thigh). Unsatisfactory results of the performed operations encouraged further search for alternative materials. So throughout history, doctors have used glass beads, foam, sponges, polyurethane, ivory and many other materials. The introduction of such materials has led to the development of inflammatory processes in mammary gland tissues, infections, tissue necrosis and rejection of implanted materials.
It was not until the 1960s, for the first time in medical practice, that silicone implants were used for breast augmentation, which are prototypes of those breast implants used in modern plastic surgery. The shell of the first implants allowed the passage of filler molecules, which led to the development of aseptic inflammation in patients, and the smooth surface of the implant led to the development of capsular contraction.
In the 1980s, scientists hypothesized that silicone breast implants caused the development of breast cancer. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has conducted numerous studies without finding confirmation or refutation of this hypothesis. Modern breast implants are completely safe for the health of patients, and innovative technologies allow you to recreate the natural relief, shape and tactile sensations when you touch an enlarged breast.
Ways to enlarge breasts. Non-surgical techniques. Implants
There are two main methods of breast augmentation: surgery and non-surgical practices.
Surgical methods of breast augmentation differ in the type of approach to the breast:
- Dissection of tissue into folds(in the natural line of bending), which is most convenient for the surgeon, provides greater access to the tissues, and is desirable for patients because the scar will be hidden in the folds;
- Dissection of tissue around the areola.The scar is assumed to be less visible in the areola area, however, this technique involves the risk of damage and scarring of the milk ducts, which will interfere with natural lactation during breastfeeding;
- Axillary approach- tissue dissection in the patient's armpit, is the most dangerous method of breast augmentation. The main advantage of the technique is the complete absence of scars on the mammary glands.
According to the method of implant placement, a difference is made between the placement of implants directly under the breast and under the pectoral muscle. Recently, plastic surgeons discussed another technique for placing breast implants under the fascia of the pectoral muscle, and that is actually placing under the breast.
Non-surgical breast augmentation techniques include complexes of exercise, dietary supplements, hormonal medications (slight breast augmentation is one of the side effects of some groups of medications). It should be noted that physical training is not effective, because it involves the pectoral muscles. The mammary gland itself does not contain muscle tissue. Dietary supplements and hormonal medications give only a temporary slight breast enlargement.
Modern implants are characterized by their shape (round, drop-shaped), surface texture (smooth and ribbed texture), as well as filling (saline, gel, hydrogel). The shape and size of the implant are chosen individually, based on the natural relief of the patient's breast.
Rehabilitation period after breast augmentation
The rehabilitation period after breast augmentation surgery is characterized by swelling, painful feelings, bruising. For the first 14 days after the operation, the patients are given complete rest. Specially selected overalls must be worn during the first month. In the first three months after breast augmentation, patients should avoid physical activities, visit the pool, sauna. The final result after breast augmentation can be assessed only after 9-12 months.
Breast augmentation: feedback on surgery
Before deciding on breast augmentation surgery, whose examinations are very controversial, the patient must understand that mammoplasty is a complete operation, and not a cosmetic procedure that involves certain health risks. To avoid the negative consequences of surgery, patients are urged to study existing methods of breast augmentation surgery, available types of implants, and also visit consultations with several plastic surgeons. Breast augmentation, the examinations of which are available on the global network, requires a great deal of experience from a plastic surgeon in this particular direction. Surgeon's error can lead to side effects in the form of asymmetry, various sizes, visible scars, as well as the development of capsular contracture, inflammation, implant rejection and damage during surgery.
Breast augmentation before and after
Many plastic surgeons offer patients to explore a portfolio that includes surgeon’s work on breast augmentation before and after. This visual demonstration of the results allows patients to assess the actual possibilities of surgery. The portfolio features photographs of patients and breast augmentation results before and after from different angles. Computer modeling allows the application of the desired proportions to the patient's actual physical image.