Breast Enlargement / Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation is a surgery used to enhance the size of the breasts by inserting breast implants or by transferring fat. Women may decide to undergo breast augmentation for a variety of reasons. These reasons may centre around the breasts that are observed to be underdeveloped or because of the differences in the size of breast or breast changes following pregnancy or breast feeding. Breast augmentation can provide a woman with more proportional shape and size which may help them to boost confidence.
Breast implants are commonly used in breast augmentation by many of the cosmetic surgeons. There are various factors which need to be considered with breast enlargement/breast augmentation surgery, some of which are as follows:
Types of breast implants to be used
Silicone based breast implants are commonly used for breast augmentation. Silicone implants have an outer shell which is made from several layers of elastic silicone material which usually increases the durability of the implant without compromising the look of the breast once they are inserted.
Shape of the implants
Breast implants comes in two different shapes: round and anatomical. Amongst this which shape to be considered depends on the look the patient desires to obtain however, patients body shape and volume of the existing breast tissue should be considered while deciding the shape of implant to be inserted. Both the implants can provide natural results but selecting the proper size of the implants is important.
Size of implants
This is a tricky step for most of the patients. During the consultation with a plastic surgeon a sizing test is done where it is possible to test out different breast implant sizes. The plastic surgeon will be then able to have a discussion regarding all the possible options available. The size selection of the implants is a joint decision which depends on patient’s body size, proportions, chest width and symmetry.
Position of the implants
Breast implants can be placed either beneath the breast tissue on the top of the pectoralis muscle i.e. in sub glandular plane or partially beneath the pectoralis major muscle (upper half) and partly underneath the breast gland (lower half). This is known as dual plane.
Pregnancy and Breast Implants
The existence of breast implants will not affect your ability to become pregnant, deliver a baby, or even breastfeed. Breast implants does not have adverse effects on children.
It is usually recommend not to undergo breast augmentation for six months after a patient has stopped breast-feeding. Also, if breast augmentation is done before pregnancy it is necessary to consider that the shape and volume of breasts may change after pregnancy and breast-feeding.
Patients must be 18 years of age or older, must be in good health and have reasonable realistic expectations for their surgery.
The pain after the procedure is managed by proper analgesics to relieve your discomfort. You may need to use such medication for 72 hours to one week.
You will be shifted to recovery room after the procedure. Your breasts will be supported with a sport bra. It is recommended that your family member or friend should drive you home after the effects of the sedative completely wear off. You will be discharged with a course of antibiotics to avoid any infections and painkillers to reduce the pain. A follow-up appointment will be organised within a week.
It is advisable to continue with normal daily non strenuous activities within five days after the procedure. No strenuous activities like gym exercises, weight lifting etc. should be carried out during the first two weeks following the surgery.
