Breast augmentation is the most popular plastic surgery in the field of mammoplasty. Growth mammoplasty is a complete surgical procedure. Breast augmentation surgery is performed under general anesthesia and requires careful preparation of the patient, as well as a stay in the clinic (duration varies depending on the complexity of the surgery and the patient's condition). Currently, various methods of breast augmentation using different implants have been developed and successfully applied. Indications for surgery are primary aplasia (absence of mammary glands), primary hypoplasia (underdevelopment of mammary glands), mammary gland dissolution, mastectomy (surgical removal of intestines, both complete and partial).
From the history of augmentation mammoplasty
The need for breast augmentation surgery has been expressed in diseases that require excision of breast tissue or cause deformity and 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) injected into the nipple. In 1895, the first enlargement operation was performed using the patient's own tissue (in this case a lipoma removed from the patient's thigh). Unsatisfactory results of the operations led to the subsequent search for alternative materials. Thus, throughout history, doctors have used glass balls, foam, sponges, polyurethane, ivory, and many other materials. The use of such materials has led to the development of inflammatory processes in the tissues of the mammary glands, infections, tissue necrosis and rejection of implanted materials.
Only in the sixties of the last century, for the first time in medical practice, silicone implants, prototypes of breast implants used in modern plastic surgery, were used. The shell of the first implants allowed the passage of filler molecules, which led to the development of aseptic inflammation in patients and the development of capsule contracture on the smooth surface of the implant.
In the 1980s, scientists speculated that silicone breast implants used could cause breast cancer. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has conducted numerous studies without confirming or refuting this hypothesis. Modern breast implants are completely safe for patients' health, and innovative technologies allow them to recreate their natural relief, shape and tactile sensations when touching an enlarged breast.
Breast augmentation techniques. Non-surgical methods. Implants
There are two main methods of breast augmentation: surgical and non-surgical.
Surgical methods of breast augmentation differ in the type of breast insertion:
- (natural bending line) tissue fragmentation is most convenient for the surgeon, provides more access to the tissues, and is superior for patients because the scar will be hidden in the layer;
- Fracture of the tissue around the areola.It is likely that scarring is less visible in the areola area, but this method results in damage to the milk ducts that interfere with natural lactation during breastfeeding and the risk of injury;
- Axillary approach- tissue dissection in the patient's armpit is the most dangerous method of breast augmentation. The main advantage of the technique is the complete absence of traces in the mammary glands.
According to the method of implant placement, there is a difference between placing implants directly under the breast and under the pectoral muscle. Recently, plastic surgeons are talking about another way to place a breast implant under the fascia of the pectoral muscles, which is a placement under the chest.
Non-surgical breast augmentation methods include exercise, dietary supplements, and hormonal medications (light breast augmentation is one of the side effects of some medications). It should be noted that physical training is ineffective because it covers the pectoral muscles. The mammary gland itself has no muscle tissue. Dietary supplements and hormonal medications only temporarily relieve a slight nipple enlargement.
Modern implants differ in shape (round, teardrop-shaped), surface texture (smooth and ribbed texture), as well as filling (saline, gel, hydrogel). The shape and size of the implants are selected individually based 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, pain, and bruising. For the first 14 days after surgery, patients are given complete rest. During the first month, a specially selected compression garment should be worn. In the first three months after breast augmentation, patients should refrain from physical activity, visit the pool, sauna. The final result after breast augmentation surgery can be assessed only after 9-12 months.
Breast augmentation: opinion about the operation
Before deciding on breast augmentation surgery, which is controversial, patients need to understand that mammoplasty is not a cosmetic procedure that poses certain health risks. To avoid the negative consequences of the operation, patients are advised to learn the available methods of breast augmentation surgery, the types of implants available, as well as to visit the consultations of several plastic surgeons. Breast augmentation, which can be considered in the global network, requires a great deal of experience of a plastic surgeon in this direction. A surgeon's mistake can lead to undesirable consequences in the form of asymmetry, different sizes, visible wounds, as well as the development of capsular contracture, inflammation, implant rejection, and damage during surgery.
Before and after breast augmentationMany plastic surgeons offer patients to examine a portfolio that includes the work of a breast augmentation surgeon before and after. This visual representation of the results allows patients to assess the real possibilities of the operation. The portfolio shows photographs of patients and the results of breast growth before and after different angles. Computer modeling allows you to apply the desired proportions to the true physical appearance of the patient.