Posted by Dr. Miguel Fernández Calderón: 15/12/2023
Breast augmentation is the most sought-after surgical procedure among women worldwide. Millions of women undergo surgery to achieve larger, firmer breasts. If you’re interested in this type of procedure, it’s essential to gather as much information as possible before entering the operating room. With this in mind, below you’ll find everything you need to know about breast augmentation: Options and care.
What is breast augmentation?
Breast augmentation refers to surgical procedures designed to increase the size and improve the shape of the breasts, either through fat transfer or the placement of breast implants.
Breast augmentation is performed on patients with small or sagging breasts, unlike what happens in breast reduction surgery.
Realistic expectations and results
When undergoing cosmetic surgery, it’s important to have realistic expectations regarding the results you can achieve, taking into account your initial physical condition. These procedures help achieve a more sculpted body with a more contoured figure, which can boost women’s self-esteem, but it’s always important to remember that the perfect body doesn’t exist, and no plastic surgery can deliver such results.
Breast augmentation options
There are two ways to increase breast size: one is through implant placement and the other is by injecting fat extracted from other parts of the body.
Additionally, there’s mastopexy in Madrid, which is breast lift and can be combined with implant placement.
Types of breast implants
As for types of breast implants, we can find:
- Silicone implants: As their name suggests, they are made of silicone both on the outside and inside, as they are filled with silicone gel. They come in various shapes and sizes, according to the preferences and needs of each patient and the surgeon’s recommendation. This type of filler offers a more natural shape and feel, similar to natural breasts; furthermore, it’s unlikely that rippling or creasing will appear. However, they are susceptible to filler leakage, so they require checkups every five years or sooner.
- Saline implants: These are silicone shells filled with sterile saline solution or salt water. The surgeon inserts the empty implant and positions it, then fills it, which means the incision is smaller than with silicone. Due to the liquid filling, they can ripple or wrinkle. There’s also a variant of these implants known as structured, whose interior design helps provide a more natural feel. If they rupture, the saline they contain will be safely absorbed by the body without any risk or consequence.
Breast augmentation with own fat
Breast augmentation with own fat is a cosmetic surgical procedure that consists of extracting fat from one area of the patient’s body, generally the abdomen, hips or thighs, and then grafting it into the breasts to increase their volume.
It’s a technique that offers more natural results, is quite safe and is considered less invasive than implants.
Surgical techniques in breast augmentation
The methods used by surgeons for breast augmentation are subglandular implant placement and submuscular placement.
- Subglandular: This is the technique in which the breast implant is placed above the chest muscle, and is the most commonly used. In this approach, the incision is located in the fold beneath the breast and the implant remains behind the breast tissue. It’s a relatively straightforward and safe procedure with low risk of complications.
- Subpectoral: When the implant is inserted behind the chest muscle, it’s referred to as subpectoral placement. In this case, the surgeon must make an incision below the pectoral muscle to insert the implant; resulting in a more complex procedure. Despite this, the results are more natural and the breasts feel firmer. There is a risk of implant capsular contracture.
Preparation for surgery
The care taken before breast augmentation surgery can affect final results. Hence the importance of planning and consulting with a specialist to ensure the procedure’s success.
Initial consultation and medical evaluation
Confirming that the patient’s general health is in optimal condition is an essential step prior to surgery. A physical evaluation and laboratory tests must be performed. This can be done by the surgeon or a general practitioner.
Subsequently, the plastic surgeon will handle the aesthetic portion, discussing the procedure with the patient—what it consists of, the benefits it offers, as well as the risks and complications. The physician will indicate which method is most suitable for the particular patient, and in case implants are used, which size and shape is most appropriate. Additionally, they will provide preoperative instructions and care guidelines.
Preoperative instructions
Some of the instructions the surgeon may give before surgery include:
Maintain a balanced and healthy diet. This helps tissues recover better and faster.
Exercise regularly to help you feel good.
Avoid smoking, as it can slow down recovery and may even cause complications.
Discontinue certain medications, such as aspirin.
Surgical procedure
Anesthesia and incisions
Breast augmentation surgeries, regardless of the technique chosen, are performed under general anesthesia.
Regarding incisions, the surgeon’s goal should be to keep the cuts as concealed and discreet as possible. The inframammary incision is made in the fold beneath the breast, while the periareolar incision is made around the areola. The latter is less visible but has the disadvantage of potentially damaging the nerves and blood vessels of the nipple, which could affect sensitivity.
Finally, there is the axillary incision, which is made to insert the implant through the armpit. Although it is the least visible of the three, it is the most complicated and carries a higher risk of infection.
Implant placement and incision closure
After making the incisions, the surgeon will create a pocket or space through which the implant will be inserted, according to the selected technique—either in front of or behind the muscle. In the case of saline implants, this is when they will be filled.
Upon completion, the incisions must be closed using sutures, skin adhesive, or surgical tape. The cuts will take a few weeks to heal. It is important to follow all instructions to ensure the process is successful and rapid.
Recovery and postoperative care
Immediate post-surgery care
Any discomfort felt in the hours following surgery is controlled with medications prescribed by the surgeon, such as anti-inflammatory and pain relief medications. After 24 hours, the bandage is removed and replaced with a compression garment to keep the breasts in place.
Among the care following breast augmentation surgery, we cannot forget cleaning the area, which only requires water and mild soap, drying well to prevent moisture from affecting the incisions.
The patient will also need support from a friend or family member to accompany them and help with household tasks. During the first few days, you should avoid sudden movements, lifting heavy objects, or any type of physical exercise.
Long-term follow-up and check-ups
Follow-up consultations after breast augmentation surgery allow the specialist to monitor the patient’s progress. To track improvement, the patient should schedule appointments once a month during the first six months, and then twice a year.
Risks and complications
Common complications and management
- Infections, which may present with swelling, pain, and redness. To manage this, it is essential to consult your surgeon immediately.
- Capsular contracture of the implant. If you suspect this, contact your surgeon right away. A second surgery may be necessary.
- Loss or changes in breast sensitivity, which may be permanent or temporary.
- Implant rupture, though unlikely, is a possibility. It becomes evident with changes in the implant’s shape or size and severe pain. In these cases, surgery is needed to replace the implant.
Prevention and treatment of complications
The best way to prevent problems during and after breast augmentation is by choosing a qualified plastic surgeon with proven experience in the type of procedure. It is also important to clarify all doubts, care instructions, and risks before surgery.
Finally, remember that strictly following the specialist’s instructions will help you achieve better and faster recovery, ensuring the best results.
Frequently asked questions
Duration and costs of surgery
These procedures typically take between two to four hours, depending on the type of implant and technique chosen. These factors also influence the cost, but generally the surgery ranges between €4,000 and €8,000.
Expected lifespan of implants
Several factors can have a direct impact on the lifespan of implants, such as the type and size, as well as where they were placed and the patient’s lifestyle. However, in general, the lifespan can be between 10 and 20 years.
Conclusion
Breast augmentation surgery is a solution for women of practically all ages who wish to enhance their bust, achieve fuller and firmer breasts. It can even be combined with other procedures or be part of mommy makeover surgeries to achieve a more defined and contoured silhouette. To achieve an effective result, it is essential to choose a good surgeon who knows the best techniques and recommends the best type of implant for each individual case.
It is important to remember that any plastic surgery carries risks and potential complications, of which the patient must be informed before entering the operating room. Postoperative care is also essential to maintain the patient’s good health and ensure successful results.
Sources:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/11024-breast-augmentation
https://www.brooksplasticsurgery.com/blog/which-type-of-breast-implant-is-best
https://www.topdoctors.es/articulos-medicos/tipos-de-implantes-e-incisiones-en-la-operacion-de-aumento-de-mamas#
