The history of mammoplasty (breast augmentation) dates back to the 19th century. As women began to remove their corsets, there were attempts to influence the shape and size of their mammary glands.
First, liquid paraffin was injected into the tissues, and then they tried to enlarge the breasts using the most incredible materials: glass balls, ivory, cartilage, wool. The results of such experiments had nothing to do with health and beauty. It should be noted that the surgeon who tried to enlarge the breasts of most patients with the help of his own fat came to the solution of the problem. This idea will be developed later. But then the result was not stable, because the adipose tissue was absorbed quickly enough.
The invention of silicone in the second half of the twentieth century gave a new impetus to plastic surgery. Liquid silicone gel was injected directly into the breast area. Complications of such operations did not last long: inflammation, granulation, neoplasms. Often, women had to agree to have their breasts removed completely to save their lives.
The predecessors of modern implants were made in 1961-1964, they were silicone bags filled with a special gel or saline solution. They began to be placed under the pancreas or under the muscle. However, reports that their use could cause cancer have temporarily postponed their victory march. The implants were rehabilitated in 2006.
Stars and plastic
It is no longer acceptable for women to hide the fact that they seek the services of plastic surgeons and improve their appearance. Some celebrities don't even consider creating an additional news feed to remind themselves. Kate Hudson, Jennifer Lopez and Christina Aguilera are among those who decided to have breast augmentation with implants and did not regret it.
Should you be afraid?
Of course, any surgical intervention worries us at first. For those who are afraid of surgery, but want to enlarge their breasts, all kinds of miracle creams, ointments containing phytoestrogens, hormone therapy, special physical exercises, injections (fillers) are offered. It should be understood that such procedures will not give the desired result. In short, creams and ointments simply cannot penetrate biological barriers and have low concentrations of active ingredients; Exercise can increase the pectoral muscle, but not the size of the gland, and hyaluronic acid-based fillers affect only the skin and subcutaneous layers, and then only at a young age.
If you have really decided that breast augmentation surgery will not only help you look better, but also make you feel better, simply find a clinic and plastic surgeon you can trust. Believe me, if there is no special need, the specialist will not convince you to operate. They will listen to you, examine you, choose the optimal shape and size of your breasts, and use a computer model to show you what your figure will look like after mammoplasty. In addition, they will warn you of the consequences, contraindications, and possible complications so that you can make a conscious final decision.
When breast augmentation is guaranteed
The main reasons for breast augmentation are:
- Inconsistency of the shape and size of the mammary gland with the female figure and constitution (very small or straight).
- Shaking and loss of shape after eating.
- Visible asymmetry.
But often the indication for mammoplasty is one thing - a woman's desire to increase the size and shape of her breasts.
The specialist may refuse the operation in the following cases:
- Less than a year has passed since the end of lactation.
- The gland changes in the form of mastopathy or a tumor is found.
- There are severe chronic diseases, including blood clotting disorders or endocrine system pathology.
- Inflammatory and infectious processes are active in the body.
Implant and surgical options
Different versions of silicone implants and their installation methods have been developed to make the enlarged breasts look as natural as possible and the plastic to be noticeable so that patients do not have to worry.
The requirements for modern implants (endoprostheses) are quite strict. They should be highly durable, preferably anatomically shaped and not cause severe complications (capsule formation, rejection, displacement).
Depending on the characteristics of the figure, the condition of the skin, individual preferences, the doctor may offer a choice of silicone implants, which differ in the following:
- Shape: round or teardrop-shaped.
- Dimensions: 150 to 850 ml.
- Filling: special gel or saline solution.
- Surface type: smooth or textured (less prone to displacement).
Changes at the endoprosthesis site are also possible:
- Under the mammary gland (subglandular) - when the gland has its own sufficient volume of tissue and maintains the elasticity of the skin, otherwise it will be strongly noticeable.
- Beneath the fascia (subfascial) - a pocket of muscle shell consisting of connective tissue.
- Under the pectoralis muscle (subcutaneous) - more traumatic, because the muscle must be partially cut from the ribs.
- Combined space - partly under the cloth and under the muscle, the most reliable fixation and less noticeable.
In addition to the installation method, the type of entrance, ie the place where the surgical incision will be made, is selected:
- the most anatomical and faster healing in the subcutaneous layer, but not always possible;
- the areola area (nipple) is used in women who are already breastfed and need correction of the areola-nipple complex;
- Under the armpit is not the most affordable option and is quite traumatic.
What is breast augmentation surgery (mammoplasty) with implants?
Prior to surgery, the patient should be examined for blood and urine tests, clinical and biochemical tests, coagulation tests, HIV and syphilis, ECG, fluorography and mammography. Only then is the operation scheduled. Two weeks before the operation, blood thinners are discontinued, smoking and alcohol are prohibited, as they have a negative effect on wound healing. Prior to the intervention, the patient does not eat or drink for 8 hours, regardless of the type of anesthesia.
The operation is performed under general or local anesthesia. First, the implant pocket is prepared, the fitting is made, and then the final installation is carried out. If the filling is saline, first the silicone shell is placed, then the implant is filled with liquid.
After that, drains are inserted to drain blood and other fluids from the operating area, and a special compression garment is placed, which stabilizes the breast in the desired position.
Lipofilling
If you need a minor correction of the décolleté area, then breast augmentation is also possible without implant placement. This is lipofilling. A certain amount of fat is removed from the developed areas of adipose tissue, filtered and injected into the chest area. On the one hand, this method combines 2 operations to shape the figure at once: liposuction and mammoplasty, so it may be most suitable for some patients. On the other hand, after a while the fat is absorbed and the procedure will need to be repeated.
If the area where the implant is located needs to be smoothed, it can also be used in conjunction with a magnifying mammoplasty.
Living with new breasts
After discharge from the clinic (usually the second day) bandages are applied, the scars are closed with plaster, and if necessary, painkillers are given. After a week, the stitches are removed.
Patients wear compression underwear for at least a month or two, during which time they can only lie on their backs. Contraindicated in heavy physical activity, thermal procedures, swimming pool for up to 3 months.
The final result of the operation can be assessed only after six months. Modern implants allow you to live a full life without hesitation. The only thing you have to leave is to jump from a height. It is better to plan a pregnancy no later than one year after surgery. The weight and condition of the skin should also be monitored. Sudden changes in body weight can cause sagging breasts.
Otherwise, you can enjoy a beautiful bust and the attention of the opposite sex. Now your body is improving without harming your health.
So weigh the pros and cons, consult an experienced professional, and boldly go for your dream.