Breast Augmentation Surgery

Breast augmentation surgery, otherwise known as Augmentation Mammaplasty is a procedure where an artificial implant is placed either under the breast tissue or underneath the chest muscle behind the patient’s breast.

Breast augmentation surgery has the result of enhancing the overall size and shape of the individual’s breast, and is one of the most commonly performed cosmetic surgery procedures. The breast implants used today, tend to be a silicone shell filled with either a saline solution or a silicone gel.

Why Have Breast Augmentation Surgery?  

There are a number of reasons why individuals will undergo breast augmentation surgery. The main reason that individuals choose to undergo breast augmentation surgery is that they feel that their breasts are too small, which can result in a lack of self confidence in an individual. Other reasons for breast augmentation include the effects of time on the breasts, or sagging following pregnancy. Other factors such as a decrease in breast tissue due to a loss of weight can also result in individuals choosing to undergo breast augmentation surgery.

Preparing For The Surgery, And The Procedure:  

Prior to your procedure, your surgeon will discuss with you at length your individual requirements and the possible results of the surgery. They will also the various types of implants used, which ones they prefer, as well as their preferred method of insertion. During the initial consultation with your surgeon, it is important to ask any questions that you feel you need answering.

Breast augmentation surgery usually takes between 1-2 hours to complete, and will be performed under a general anaesthetic. The location of the incisions and the method of insertion will usually depend on the surgeons recommendation and your individual preferences. Small incisions are usually made in the armpit or along the natural crease underneath the breast. Through these incisions, the surgeon will work to create a small pocket beneath either the breast tissue or beneath the chest muscle.

In the majority of instances, you would be required to stay in hospital overnight, although a number of clinics do perform breast augmentation as a day surgery. It is also worthwhile ensuring that someone will be available to drive you home following your surgery.

Breast Augmentation Recovery Period:

The majority of breast augmentation surgery patients are able to return to work after a few days. In the days straight after your surgery, it is likely that your breast will feel sore, and you will experience a certain of bruising and swelling. This will subside over the course of the following few days, and your surgeon may well give you certain medication to assist in this process.

It is likely however that your surgeon will advise you to avoid any forms of strenuous activity for around 10 days following the procedure. 

The Risks Of Breast Augmentation Surgery:

Despite the fact that breast augmentation surgery is one of the commonly performed procedures, there is still an element of risk involved. Problems with include issues such as capsular contracture, where the implant is squeezed by the scarring on the tissue surrounding the new implant. This is usually treated by a removal of the scarred tissue or in some instances a removal of the implant itself.

Over time, other issues such as a leaking implant may occur. With saline filled implants the solution will be slowly absorbed into the body and will be expelled via the usual process. With silicone gel filled implants, it is likely that the gel would remain in the breast pocket surrounding the implant. For this reason, woman who have silicone gel filled implants are recommended to visit their plastic surgeon on a regular basis to confirm that the implants are performing appropriately.