Breast augmentation: silicone implants

Introduction

For over 50 years, breast augmentation has been one of the most popular plastic surgeries. It is possible to increase or restore breast size using silicone breast implants or fat (fat transfer breast augmentation). Breast augmentation usually results in improved image and self-confidence.

Indications

Breast implants are used to increase breast size or to restore volume that has been lost after pregnancy, aging, or weight loss.

At Global Plastic Surgery, breast augmentation can:

• Increase the fullness and projection of your breast, especially the upper portion (to improve "empty" breasts)
• Correct your breast shape and asymmetries

At Global Plastic Surgery, you will be considered a suitable applicant for this procedure if you have a positive outlook and realistic goals, so that the selected procedure can be successfully achieved. If you are a non-smoker or quit smoking at least 1 month prior to the procedure, the results will be more predictable. However if you cannot quit smoking, complications must be expected and the procedure may be suspended.

At Global Plastic Surgery, surgical patients are also committed to a healthy lifestyle, good nutrition and physical activity.

Type of breast implant

There have been several types of implants developed in recent years. At Global Plastic Surgery, we use only the highest quality breast implants. After surgery, you will receive a passport of your implants to carry with you at all times as proof of their quality, for traceability and in case of problems.

For the choice of smooth vs. textured or anatomic vs. round implants, this will be discussed directly with you during the consultation.

Smooth implants move more freely in the breast tissue, looking more natural, but may also be more visible (wavy) and may shift. Textured implants are more fixed in their pocket after surgery and may have a lower incidence of capsular contracture (tight-scar formation around the implants). Round implants tend to make the breast fuller than anatomical implants. Anatomical implants may rotate giving the breast an unnatural appearance.

Procedure

Under general anesthesia, the implants are placed either under the pectoral muscles (submuscular) or under the breast gland (subglandular). The operation usually takes between one and two hours.

The incision may be placed in the sub-mammary fold, or / and around the nipple (when a breast lift is performed).

In some cases, a small thin tube may be placed under the skin to drain excess fluid or blood that may collect over the course of 24 hours (drainage).

At Global Plastic Surgery, all instructions for caring for these tubes will be provided before and after the surgery.

Downtime

The surgery at Global Plastic Surgery is normally not very painful, as extra attentionis given to the patient's comfort. A special bra will be provided and worn by patients for up to 6 weeks after surgery. Normal activities are possible about a week after surgery. Sports are not possible until 6 weeks to prevent complications.

Results

Results are immediately evident, although some evolution (with slight changes in shape and volume) occurs for a few months due to tissue healing.

Risks

As with any surgical procedure there are some rare risks such as infection, hematoma and wound healing problems.

At Global Plastic Surgery, we are meticulous about preventing and educating patients on how to avoid these problems.

After thorough discussions with your surgeon, you will decide if risks, potential complications and benefits are acceptable to you.

A specific complication with breast augmentation surgery is implant displacement. For this reason, we offer special bras to patients and specific instructions to avoid this complication.