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 surgical procedure and the patient's condition). Currently, various breast augmentation methods using different implants have been developed and successfully practiced. The surgical indications are primary aplasia (absence of mammary glands), primary hypoplasia (underdevelopment of the mammary glands), involution of the mammary glands, mastectomy (surgical removal of the glands, both complete and partial).
From the history of augmentation mammoplasty
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 made in 1889. Liquid paraffin was used as a filler (implant), which was injected into the mammary gland. In 1895, the first augmentation surgery was performed using the patient's own tissue (in this case, a lipoma that was removed from the patient's thigh). The unsatisfactory results of the operations carried out prompted further research into alternative materials. So, throughout history, doctors have used glass beads, foam, sponges, polyurethane, ivory, and many other materials. The introduction of such materials led to the development of inflammatory processes in the tissues of the mammary glands, infections, tissue necrosis and rejection of implanted materials.
It was only in the sixties of the last century, for the first time in medical practice for breast augmentation, that silicone implants were used, which are the prototypes of those breast implants used in themodern 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 contracture.
In the 1980s, scientists hypothesized that the silicone breast implants used caused breast cancer to develop. The Food and Drug Administration has conducted numerous studies without finding any 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.
Breast augmentation methods. Non-surgical techniques. Implants
There are two main methods of breast augmentation: surgery and non-surgical practices.
Surgical methods of breast augmentation differ by the type of breast access:
- Tissue dissection in the fold(in the natural fold line), which is most convenient for the surgeon, providing better access to the tissue, and is preferable forpatients, because the scar will be hidden in the fold;
- Dissection of the tissues around the areola.It is assumed that the scar is less visible at the areola, however, this technique carries a risk of damage and scarring of the milk ducts, which will interfere with natural lactation while breastfeeding;
- Axillary approach- dissection of the patient's armpit tissue is the most dangerous method of breast augmentation. The main advantage of the technique is the complete absence of scars on the mammary glands.
Depending on the method of placing implants, a distinction is made between placing implants directly under the breast and under the pectoral muscle. Recently, plastic surgeons have been talking about another method of placing a breast implant under the aponeurosis of the pectoral muscle, which is actually placed under the breast.
Non-surgical breast augmentation techniques involve complexes of physical exercises, dietary supplements, hormonal drugs (slight breast augmentation is one of the side effects of some groups of drugs). It is worth noting that physical training is ineffective, as it involves the pectoral muscles. The mammary gland itself does not contain muscle tissue. Dietary supplements and hormonal drugs only cause temporary slight breast augmentation.
Modern implants are distinguished by their shape (round, teardrop-shaped), surface texture (smooth and ribbed texture), as well as their filling (saline, gel, hydrogel). The shape and size of the implants are selected individually, depending 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 sensations, bruising. The first 14 days after the operation, patients get complete rest. During the first month, a specially selected compression garment should be worn. In the first three months after breast augmentation, patients should avoid physical activity, visit the swimming pool, sauna. The final result after breast augmentation surgery can only be assessed after 9 to 12 months.
Breast augmentation: feedback on the operation
Before deciding on a breast augmentation operation, the reviews of which are very controversial, the patient must understand that mammoplasty is an operation in its own right and not a cosmetic procedure which involves certain health risks. In order to avoid the negative consequences of the operation, patients are invited to study the existing methods of breast augmentation surgery, the types of implants available and also to visit the consultations of several plastic surgeons. Breast augmentation, reviews of which are available on the global network, requires considerable experience of a plastic surgeon in this particular direction. A surgeon's error can lead to unwanted consequences in the form of asymmetry, different sizes, visible scarring, as well as the development of capsular contracture, inflammation, implant rejection, anddamage during operation.
Breast augmentation before and after
Many plastic surgeons suggest that patients explore the portfolio, which contains a surgeon's work on breast augmentation before and after. This visual demonstration of the results allows patients to assess the real possibilities of the operation. The portfolio shows photos of patients and the results of breast augmentation before and after from different angles. Computer modeling makes it possible to apply the desired proportions to the actual physical image of the patient.