Breast augmentation is one of the most popular plastic surgery 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 time 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 practiced. Indications for surgery 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 deformation, 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 breast gland. In 1895, the first augmentation operation was performed using the patient's own tissues (in this case, a lipoma that was removed from the patient's thigh). The unsatisfactory results of the operations performed prompted a further search for alternative materials. So, throughout history, doctors have used glass balls, 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 the rejection of implanted materials.
Only in the sixties of the last century, for the first time in medical practice for breast augmentation, silicone implants were used, which are the prototypes of those breast implants that are used in modern plastic surgery. The shell of the first implants allowed the filler molecules to pass through, 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 eighties, scientists hypothesized that the silicone breast implants used provoke the development of breast cancer. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has conducted numerous studies without finding 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 touching 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 in the type of access to the breast:
- Dissection of tissues in the fold(in the natural bending line), which is most convenient for the surgeon, providing greater access to the tissues, and is preferable for patients, since the scar will be hidden in the fold;
- Dissection of tissue around the areola.It is assumed that the scar is less visible in the area of the areola, however, this technique entails the risk of damage and scarring of the milk ducts, which interferes with natural lactation during breastfeeding;
- Axillary approach- dissection of tissue in the patient's armpit, is the most dangerous method of breast augmentation. The main advantage of the technique is the complete absence of scars on the mammary glands.
According to the method of placing the implants, a distinction is made between the placement of 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 fascia of the pectoral muscle, which is actually placement 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 should be noted that physical training is ineffective, since it involves the pectoral muscles. The mammary gland itself does not contain muscle tissue. Dietary supplements and hormonal drugs give only temporary slight breast enlargement.
Modern implants are distinguished by their shape (round, teardrop-shaped), surface texture (smooth and ribbed textured), 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, painful sensations, bruising. The first 14 days after the operation, the patients are shown complete rest. During the first month, a specially selected compression garment must be worn. In the first three months after breast augmentation, patients should avoid physical activity, visit the pool, sauna. The final result after breast augmentation surgery can be assessed only after 9-12 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 a full-fledged operation, and not a cosmetic procedure that entails certain health risks. In order to avoid the negative consequences of the operation, patients are urged to study the existing methods of breast augmentation surgery, the available types of implants, and also 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 mistake can lead to undesirable consequences in the form of asymmetry, different sizes, visible scars, as well as the development of capsular contracture, inflammation, implant rejection, and damage during the operation.
Breast augmentation before and after
Many plastic surgeons offer patients to explore the portfolio, which contains the work of a surgeon 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 allows the desired proportions to be applied to the patient's real physical image.