BREAST AUGMENTATION
BREAST AUGMENTATION
Breast augmentation, commonly known as boob job, is a surgical procedure that aims at enhancing the size, shape, or fullness of the breast by placing silicone or saline implants under the chest muscles or breast tissue. It may also involve fat transfer , but this option is less common.
WHY OPT FOR BREAST AUGMENTATION SURGERY?
Breast augmentation can:
- Increase fullness and projection of your breasts
- Restore breast size and shape after pregnancy, weight loss or breastfeeding
- Restore symmetry when the breasts are asymmetrical
- Enhance your self-image and self-confidence
WHO IS A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR BREAST AUGMENTATION?
You may be a candidate for breast augmentation if:
- You are in good general health
- You are in good mental health
- You are not pregnant or breastfeeding
- You have fully developed breasts
- Your breasts are asymmetrical
- You are unhappy with your breast shape, size, and volume
- You have realistic expectations for the procedure
- You are non-smoker, and if you are a smoker, you should quit for at least four weeks before and after surgery
WHAT ARE BREAST IMPLANTS?
A breast implant is a medical prosthesis that is placed inside the breast to enhance, reconstruct, or restore the physical form of the breast.
There are two main types of breast implants:
Saline implants (sterile salt water): Saline implants are filled with sterile salt water. They are inserted empty, and then filled once they are in place. These implants have the consistency of water so they can be filled with different amounts of saline solution. This affects the feel, firmness, and shape of the breast.
If a saline implant leaks, the solution will be absorbed and expelled by the body naturally without health risks, but you will probably need surgery to remove the silicone shell. Saline implants are available to all women for breast augmentation over the age of 18 and to women of any age for breast reconstruction.
Silicone implants: silicone gel-filled implants consist of a silicone outer shell filled with a silicone gel with no known human allergies, sensitivities or reactions. In contrast to saline implant, silicone implant flows differently within its shell and can often create a more natural look and feel to the breast, like breast tissue.
If the silicone implant leaks, the gel may remain within the implant shell, or may escape into the breast implant pocket. A leaking implant filled with silicone gel will not collapse. If a silicone breast implant ruptures, your doctor will likely recommend surgical removal of the implant because it might eventually cause breast thickening, breast pain, or changes in the contour or shape of the breast. Silicone breast implants are available to women 22 years of age and older for breast augmentation and to women of any age for breast reconstruction.
PREPARING FOR YOUR BREAST AUGMENTATION PROCEDURE
Before your surgery, it is important to follow your doctor’s instructions. This will increase the likelihood of having an uneventful procedure, a smooth recovery and achieving the best results.
PRE-OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS
- For two weeks prior to surgery, do not take any medication that contains aspirin, as aspirin thins the blood and this can result in unnecessary blood loss during your procedure. Your doctor will provide you with a list of medications you should not take during this period.
- Make sure you discuss with your doctor any herbal or alternative medicine products that you take and whether or not these are safe to take before and immediately after surgery.
- Notify your doctor as soon as possible if you develop an illness, such as a cold, prior to surgery.
- Stop smoking for two weeks before and two weeks after surgery. Smoking decreases blood flow to the skin and impair wound healing.
- Avoid drinking alcohol for two days before and two days after your surgery, because it can interfere with the sedation you are given during surgery.
- Schedule mammograms and routine dental procedures before your surgery. You will not be able to have these appointments for six months after surgery.
- Do not shave for three days before your surgery.
- Take a bath or shower the night before or the morning of surgery with an antibacterial soap.
- Do not wear any nail polish, makeup or jewelry. Please remove all body piercings and sculptured nails may have to be clipped for monitoring purposes.
- On the day of your procedure, do not apply deodorant, perfume, powder or lotion.
- It is recommended that you take a comfortable clothing, preferably something you do not have to pull over your head.
- Stop eating and drinking after midnight on the night before surgery.
- Go to bed early and get plenty of sleep the night before surgery.
- Make arrangements for someone drive you home after your procedure. This person will also be able to monitor you after your surgery and call your surgeon if any problems arise.
- Be prepared for at least three days of very minimal activity after the procedure.
- Fill your prescriptions prior to the day of surgery and begin your antibiotics the evening prior to surgery.
BREAST AUGMENTATION PROCEDURE
The surgery is normally performed under general anesthesia and requires one night stay in hospital, but sometimes, it can be done under local anesthesia. Your doctor will recommend the best choice for you.
There are four incision options in breast augmentation surgery, which include:
- Transaxillary incision (in the armpit)
- Periareolar incision (around the nipple)
- Inframmammary incision (in the fold under the breast)
- Transumblical incision (around the belly button approach)
Depending on the degree of enlargement, type of breast implant, your particular anatomy, and patient-surgeon preference, your surgeon will choose one of incision options. So you and your surgeon should discuss which incision option is appropriate for your desired outcome.
Types of breast implant placement:
- A submuscular placement (under the pectoral muscle): in this type of placement, recovery may take longer and there may be more pain after surgery.
- A submammary/ subglandular placement (directly behind the breast tissue and over the pectoral muscle): this placement requires the least complicated surgery and allows the shortened recovery time.
The method for inserting and positioning breast implants depends on the size of the implant, degree of enlargement desired, your anatomy, and your surgeon’s recommendations.
After inserting implants, the surgeon closes the incisions with layered sutures in the breast tissue and keeps the skin closed with sutures, skin adhesive or surgical tape.
POST-OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS
- Leave all dressings in place until the doctor removes them or instructs you to do so.
- If you are given a soft bra, you should wear it day and night for the first two to three weeks. Your bra may be removed for washing.
- If you have drains, you will record the drainage and give the totals to the doctor or nurse. When the drainage is 30 ml or less for two days in a row, inform your doctor to have your drains removed.
- You may shower 48 hours after your surgery. If you have a drain, make sure the water resistant drain dressing is firmly in place. You will be instructed how to change this dressing if it gets wet or falls off.
- Take pain medication prescribed post-operatively as directed to relieve pain. This medication should be gradually tapered.
- Do not bathe, use hot tubs, swim, or use lotions or creams on the breast for 2 weeks after surgery or until your incisions are completely healed. If your incision is in your armpit, please do not use a razor after surgery as the area may have decreased sensation and you could hurt yourself.
- Do not sleep on your stomach or side until your doctor gives you permission. You should sleep on your back for about one to three weeks after your procedure.
- Avoid sexual activity for at least the first week after surgery.
- Do not engage in strenuous activity for at least four weeks.
- Avoid heavy lifting or bending down. Do not lift anything over 10 pounds for the first four weeks. You can then increase to 25 pounds once you are four to six weeks out from your surgery. If it hurts, don’t do it.
- Do not wear an underwire bra until your doctor tells you it is okay (usually about three months).
- No tanning on incision line for at least six to twelve months.
RISKS AND COMPLICATIONS OF BREAST IMPLANTS
Every surgical procedure has risks and nearly 50 percent of those having breast augmentation experience some kind of complication. The decision to have this surgery is personal. You should weigh the potential benefits in achieving your goals
