Breast Augmentation

Augmentation is a type of surgery to enhance the breasts by adding volume to it. It can be silicone, saline, or fat transfer. The surgery will mound the woman’s breast according to the desired and appropriate size and shape for her body structure.

 

Some women who has small breast fat or others have FLAT breasts, are most likely wants to mound their breasts. Some who has enough body fats will prefer to have fat transfer stem cell enriched breast augmentation, means the surgeon will remove fat from abdomen or thighs and process some fat to stimulate the stem cells and together install back to the patient’s breast. Some who doesn’t have enough fat, especially skinny women will have to have silicone or saline implant.

 

INCISION AREAS:

 

Breast Implant Incision Type 1: Periareolar Incision

This method of incision is made around the outline of the. The disadvantages of this incision type are that 2-5% of patients lose nipple sensation, and 20% are unable to breast feed as compared to other incision sites. Hence its advantage is that it provides the surgeon the best access and control over on the implant position.

 

 

Breast Implant Incision Type 2: Transaxillary Incision

The transaxillary incision is created through a channel from the armpit’s natural crease to the breast for placing the implant. In some cases, the surgeon will use endoscope (a small camera) to get a good visual access in the breast.One disadvantage is that 5% of patients with will have possible risk of asymmetry of the breast implant. Best thing is that there is no scaring on breast that would give the breast a better natural look.

 

Breast Implant Incision Type 3: Inframmary Incision

The inframmary incision is performed along the bottom of breast, the implant is placed along the crease or fold of the breast. This type of incision may leave a scar along the lower portion of the breast where the bra strap lies; though it can be easily hide by the bra. Its major advantage is that it provides the surgeon to have close access to the breast, which provides excellent visibility and accuracy of the implants placement.

 

Breast Implant Incision Type 4: TUBA Incision

TUBA Incision the surgeon will create an access from rim of the navel, and underneath the skin through a tunnel of fatty tissue. The surgeon needs to use endoscope to act as a guide through the pathway from navel to breast. The surgeon depends on the endoscope to identify the breast implants placement, and symmetric positioning. On the other hand, there are no incisions in the breast area, which also gives better natural look.

 

Breast Augmentation Implant Positioning

Subglandular placement->the breast implant is inserted above the muscle.

Advantages:

√ the shape of the breast will not be affected when the pectoralis contract.

√ less pain than submuscular placement.

 

Submuscular placement-> the breast implant is inserted below the muscle.

Advantages:

√ no “stuck on” look because the implant is covered by the muscle

√ no rippling/ wrinkling feeling of the implant

√ less chance of capsular contracture, interference with mammogram and breast feeding

 

 

Before breast augmentation surgery

Before having breast reconstruction/augmentation, you must have laboratory test such as mammogram if needed, and ekg, CBC, and whatever the doctor prescribed you to have. After reviewing your medical history and overall health, your surgeon will explain which reconstructive options are best for you based on your age, health, body type, lifestyle, and goals. Discuss with your surgeon openly about what you desire and your concerns regarding the operation. Your surgeon will explain the limits, risks, and benefits of each option.

 

Breast reconstruction and augmentation willimprove your self-esteem and renew your self-confidence. But you have to keep in mind on how to take care of your implant or reconstructed breast carefully to avoid any complication or infection. You also have to learn how to massage the implant, and do it religiously.

 

Preparing for your surgery

Your plastic surgeon will give you clear instructions on how to prepare for surgery. These will include:

• Help with  quitting smoking

• Instructions to take or avoid certain vitamins, medicines, and supplements for a period of time before your surgery

• Guidelines on eating and drinking before surgery

• Someone must take you home or stay with you in the hospital.

 

After breast reconstruction surgery

What to expect

In some patients, they will feel sore and tired 2 weeks after the surgery, or could be longer. It depends with the procedure being done and the response of the patient’s body to surgery or her recovery mechanism. Your doctor will give you pain reliever meds, and other medicines to alleviate discomfort.

 

You need to take your antibiotic meds as prescribed, and come to follow up regularly. Change your wound dressing cleanly and avoid touching your wound with unclean hands. Your doctor may recommend you to massage the implant gently after 2 weeks and how to do it properly, these will be advised to you spontaneously.

 

Getting back to normal

• It may take up to about 8 weeks for bruising and swelling totally disappear.

•  It may take as long as 1 to 2 years for tissues to heal and scars to fade. You can do cosmetic treatment to fasten the healing of scar or to make it very light for the eyes to see.

• You will have an appropriate bra for your breast to hold together. Your support bra will depend on the type of surgery you had. After you heal, underwires and lace might feel uncomfortable if they press on scars or rub your skin.

• Follow your surgeon’s advice on when to begin stretching exercises and normal activities. You need to avoid any overhead lifting, strenuous sports, and some activities that will strain the muscle in the breast or move the breast vigorously.  Check with your surgeon for specific guidance.

• Silicone gel implants may open up or leak inside the body without causing symptoms. Surgeons usually recommend regular magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of implants to make sure they aren’t leaking. (This isn’t needed with saline implants.) You’ll likely have your first MRI 1 to 3 years after your implant surgery and every 2 years from then on, although it may vary by implant. Your insurance might not cover this. Be sure to talk to your doctor about long-term follow-up.

 

 

Breast Augmentation: This procedure will require your admittance into the hospital as well as the use of anaesthesia. All of the silicone we use is imported from the United States. The surgery leaves scars either in the under-arm area or the bottom ridges of the breasts, depending on the shape of the patient’s breasts themselves. The silicone is placed beneath the muscle to prevent complication with breast-feeding in the future.

 

Recovery Period for Breast Augmentation  : 1 night at  Hospital + 5 to 7 days of recovery