Breast Implants
Procedure - Breast augmentation, also known as augmentation mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure to enhance the size and shape of a woman’s breasts. Following the surgery a specific bra must be worn for one to two weeks. Breast augmentation/ enlargement (mammoplasty) is typically performed to enlarge small, underdeveloped breasts. The surgery may also be done to balance asymmetry that may result from post mastectomy reconstruction. The implants are inserted through incisions under the breast (inframammory incision).Breast reconstruction is performed on patients whose breast has been surgically removed due to cancer or other diseases. In these cases the patient usually suffers from depression. Many patients do not know that the reconstruction of their breast is possible with the help of plastic surgery. The reconstruction can be done with prosthesis or with the use of excess fat that has been removed from other parts of the body. In some cases, the costs of the procedure are covered by the state insurance. There are several types of implants, ranging from silicone implants to saline-filled implants, which is a harmless salt-water solution.
Some information of the types of implants:
- Texture: The implant shell may be smooth or textured
- Shape: The implant may have a round profile or one that is anatomic (teardrop or tapered shape)
- Profile: The implant may have a low, medium or high projection (the depth of the implant from the base to the highest point of the implant curve)
- Diameter: The width of the implant measured across it’s base (the side of the implant that will be positioned over the chest wall)
Aesthesia - General Anesthetic.
Hospital Stay - Patient must stay over night at the clinic after the procedure is performed.
Removal of Stiches - 10 days after the surgery
Scar Tissue Healing Period - 6 to 12 months
Risks And Side Effects – Capsular Contracture is the most common side effect that occurs. It is when the scar tissue around the implant contracts and makes the implant feel hard and dense. This can result in the replacement of the implant, removal of the scar tissue around the implant or complete removal of the implant. Lack of implant permanence, including deflation, implant rupture or shifting, may also occur. Increase or decrease in sensitivity of nipples or breast skin, which is occasionally permanent.
A breast lift can leave the patient with unevenly positioned nipples and wide scars. Since breast reduction surgery removes most of the milk ducts leading to the nipples, future breast-feeding may not be possible after reduction mammoplasty and contour irregularities may also develop. Others side effects are: hematoma, swelling, bleeding, and excessive sensitivity. There should be minimal contact with the breast right after the surgery for about two weeks.
