The history of mammoplasty (breast augmentation) dates back to the 19th century. As soon as women began to remove corsets, there were attempts to somehow influence the shape and size of the mammary glands.
First, liquid paraffin was injected into the tissues, then they tried to enlarge the breasts using the most incredible materials: glass balls, ivory, cartilage, wool. The consequences of such experiences had nothing to do with health and beauty. It should be noted that the surgeon who tried to enlarge the breasts using the patient's own fat came the closest to solving the problem. Later, this idea will be developed. But then the result was not frozen, because the fatty tissue was absorbed quite quickly.
In the second half of the 20th century, the invention of silicone gave new impetus to plastic surgery. Liquid silicone gel was injected directly into the breast area. Complications of such operations were not long in coming: inflammation, granulation, neoplasms. Often, women had to agree to complete the removal of the breast in order to save their lives.
In 1961-1964, the predecessors 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 muscle. However, reports that their use can cause cancer, have temporarily postponed their triumphant march. In 2006, the implants were rehabilitated.
Stars and plastic
Now it is no longer accepted to hide the fact that women resort to the services of plastic surgeons and improve their appearance. Some stars don't even hesitate to create an additional news feed to remember themselves. Among those who have opted for breast augmentation with implants and have not regretted it are Kate Hudson, Jennifer Lopez, Christina Aguilera.
Should we be afraid?
Of course, we are concerned about any surgery at the start. For those who are afraid of surgery, but want to increase the size of their breasts, they offer all kinds of miracle creams, ointments containing phytoestrogens, hormone therapy, special physical exercises and injectable preparations (fillers). It should be understood that such procedures 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 not only help you look but also feel much better, all you need to do is find a clinic and plastic surgeon you can trust. Believe me, the specialist will not persuade you to have an operation if there is no special need. They will listen to you, examine you, select the optimal shape and size for your breasts, and use computer modeling to show you what your figure will look like after mammoplasty. In addition, they will warn you about 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 as follows:
- Inconsistency of the shape and size of the mammary gland with the figure and constitution of a woman (very small or flat).
- Sagging and loss of shape after feeding.
- Visible asymmetry.
However, the indication for a mammaplasty is often one thing - a woman's desire to increase the size and improve the shape of her breasts.
A specialist can refuse an operation if:
- Less than a 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 serious chronic diseases, including blood clotting disorders or pathology of the endocrine system.
- Inflammatory and infectious processes are active in the body.
Implant and surgical options
In order for the enlarged breasts to look as natural as possible, and patients not to worry about whether the plastic is visible, various versions of silicone implants and methods of their installation have been developed.
The requirements for modern implants (stents) are quite strict. They should be very durable, if possible, have an anatomical shape and not lead to serious complications (capsule formation, rejection, displacement).
Depending on the features of the figure, the condition of the skin, individual preferences, the doctor may offer you a choice of silicone implants, which differ in:
- Shape: round or teardrop shaped.
- Formats: from 150 to 850 ml.
- Filling: special gel or physiological solution (saline solution).
- Surface type: smooth or textured (less prone to displacement).
Variations in the location of the stent are also possible:
- Under the mammary gland (subglandular) - in the presence of its own sufficiently large tissue of the gland and preserved skin elasticity, otherwise it will be strongly noticeable.
- Under the fascia (subfascial) - in a pocket of the muscular shell, made of connective tissue.
- Under the pectoral muscle (submuscular) - more traumatic, as the muscle has to be partially cut from the ribs.
- Combined location - partly under the gland and under the muscle, the most reliable and least visible fixation.
In addition to the installation method, the type of access is selected, that is, the place where the surgical incision will be:
- in the fold under the gland the most anatomical and rapid healing, but not always possible;
- around the areola (nipple) is used in women who have breastfed in the past and need correction of the areola-nipple complex;
- under the arm is not the most practical option and is quite traumatic.
How is breast augmentation surgery with implants (breast augmentation surgery)?
Before surgery, the patient should undergo an examination, which includes blood and urine tests, clinical and biochemical tests, coagulation tests, HIV and syphilis, ECG, fluorography and mammography. Only after that the operation is scheduled. Two weeks before the operation, anticoagulants are canceled, smoking and alcohol are prohibited, as they have a detrimental effect on wound healing. Before the procedure, 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 implant pocket is prepared, the adjustment is made and then the final installation. If the filling is saline, the silicone sleeve is inserted first, then the implant is filled with liquid.
After that, drainages are introduced to drain blood and other liquid contents from the operation area and a special compression garment is put on, fixing the breast in the desired position.
Lipofilling
If you need a slight correction of the neckline area, breast augmentation is possible without the placement of implants. It is lipofilling. A certain amount of fat is taken from places where fatty tissue is developed, filtered and injected into the breast. On the one hand, this method combines 2 surgical procedures to shape the silhouette at the same time: liposuction and mammary plastic surgery, so it may be the most suitable for some patients. On the other hand, after a while the fat is absorbed and the procedure will have to be repeated.
It can also be used in combination with augmentation mammoplasty, if there is a need to smooth the area of the implant location.
Living with new breasts
After discharge from the clinic (usually on the second day), dressings are made, the scars are sealed with a bandage, and pain relievers are administered if necessary. The stitches are removed after a week.
Patients wear compression underwear for at least one to two months, and at that time, they can only sleep on their backs. Up to 3 months of intense physical activity, spa procedures, swimming pool are contraindicated.
The final result of the operation can only be assessed after six months. Modern implants allow you to live fully without hesitation. The only thing you need to part with is jumping from a height. It is best to plan for pregnancy no earlier than one year after the operation. You should also monitor the weight and condition of the skin. Sudden fluctuations in body weight can lead to sagging breasts.
Otherwise, you will be able to enjoy a beautiful breast and the attention of the opposite sex. Now the improvement of one's own body occurs without harming health.
So weigh the pros and cons, consult an experienced specialist and boldly go to your dream.