Breast Augmentation | Breast Augmentation and Lift

What is breast augmentation surgery?

Breast augmentation surgery is considered one of the leading aesthetic surgeries in the world, its goal is to fill and shape the breast so that it appears full, natural, and tailored to the patient’s unique body structure. It is an aesthetic surgical solution designed to fill in lost breast volume and correct asymmetry, due to the effects of age, drastic weight loss, pregnancy, or breastfeeding.

How is breast augmentation surgery performed?

Breast augmentation surgery is performed under general anesthesia, so that the patient does not feel any pain or discomfort during the treatment. After the patient is anesthetized, the doctor makes an incision in one of the following areas, as needed:

• In the seam between the breast and the chest
• In the armpit area

After making the incision, the treating physician will perform a lift on the breast tissue in order to create a kind of pocket that will be used to insert the designated implant. After inserting the implants, the physician will suture the incision using hidden, invisible stitches and will bandage the treated area with appropriate bandages.

What types of incisions can be made in breast augmentation surgery?

There are several types of incisions common in breast augmentation surgery:

Incision in the submammary fold

This is the most common incision, because it provides convenient and effective access to create the “pocket” through which the implant will be inserted. In addition, making the incision requires only minimal damage to the breast tissue and leaves behind a small scar in the inframammary fold. One of the most notable advantages of this method is the reduced chance of complications during surgery.

Incision through the armpit

A method that is not common and is only performed in rare cases, when there is a concern for abnormal scarring in the chest area. This procedure is considered complicated and cumbersome, due to the need to separate tissues before inserting the implant and positioning it perfectly and precisely. This procedure carries a risk of possible complications during the surgery, so it is not common in most surgeries.

What methods are available for breast augmentation?

There are 2 leading methods in the world of aesthetic medicine used for breast augmentation:

Breast augmentation using silicone implants

The use of silicone implants for breast augmentation is considered the most common method in the field. The implants come in a variety of shapes, sizes and profiles, allowing for a perfect, natural and proportional fit for each patient. The main advantage of this method is the ability to predict the result in advance and achieve long-lasting results. Modern implants are safe to use and undergo strict quality tests, which ensures the safety of the patient.

Breast augmentation using autologous fat

This method, also known as “natural implant,” is based on suctioning fat from excess areas of the body and reinjecting it into the breast. The main advantage is the natural result and the fact that no foreign materials are used. In addition, the patient benefits from a double improvement – both in the area of ​​fat donation and in the breast itself. This method is especially suitable for those who are interested in gentle lifting and enlargement and a completely natural appearance.

Where are the implants placed in breast augmentation surgery?

The implants are placed under the muscle, above it, or both. Each such decision has advantages and disadvantages and is determined based on a number of characteristics, including the patient’s medical history and breast structure, the type of implant, and the size of the implant.

Implant placement above the muscle

This means that the implant is placed between the breast tissue and the pectoral muscle, which is a less invasive procedure than the option of placing the implant under the pectoral muscle. Furthermore, recovery from breast augmentation surgery using this method is accompanied by an easier and faster recovery process, accompanied by less pain. The disadvantage of this method mainly concerns especially thin women with small breasts, due to the chance of the edges of the implant protruding slightly due to the lack of tissue.

Implant placement under the muscle

This refers to the placement of the implant under the pectoralis major muscle, a position known for its ability to blur the boundaries of the implants, even in particularly thin women. Furthermore, the resulting appearance is natural and aesthetic, even when it comes to round implants with a high profile. In addition to all this, the surgery itself is considered a complicated procedure compared to the placement of the implant above the pectoral muscle, due to the need to cut the muscle fibers. Furthermore, the recovery period is longer and may be accompanied by discomfort and minor pain. Another disadvantage may occur when the pectoral muscles contract following activity, this contraction can cause the breasts to move to the sides in an unnatural and noticeable way.

How long does breast augmentation surgery take?

Breast augmentation surgery lasts an average of about an hour and a half to two hours, depending on the technique chosen. The surgery is performed under general anesthesia, under full medical supervision.

What techniques are recommended to be combined with breast augmentation surgery?

The common recommendation is to combine breast augmentation surgery with a breast lift, in order to treat both sagging breasts and lack of volume, through one combined surgical procedure. The resulting result gives a youthful, firm, and full appearance to the breasts and chest area. The combined technique is especially suitable for women after childbirth, significant weight loss, or as a result of the natural aging process.

What is the recovery process after breast augmentation surgery and when do you see results?

The recovery process from breast augmentation surgery is gradual and takes several weeks to achieve the final result. In the first few days, you may feel some discomfort, swelling, and mild pain, but these gradually subside. You can return to your normal routine after a week to 10 days, which can vary from patient to patient and is done gradually. The final result is achieved after an average of three months, when the swelling subsides and the breast takes on its final shape.

When can I return to normal life after breast augmentation surgery?

Most patients can return to light office activities after a week. Strenuous physical activity will be gradually allowed starting in the sixth week, depending on the surgeon’s instructions and the progress of recovery.

What side effects can occur after breast augmentation surgery?

After breast augmentation surgery, the sensation in the breast or nipple may be impaired, but these effects disappear over time.

You can breastfeed after breast augmentation surgery.