You might have heard of breast augmentation surgeries under many different names such as augmentation mammoplasty, and breast prosthesis/implant surgery. The aim of this surgery is to increase the volume of the breast of the individual who is not satisfied enough with the size of her breast. Obviously, the other main aim is to obtain an appearance as natural as possible while increasing the breast volume.
For breast augmentation, implants (prostheses) are usually preferred, but it is also possible to perform breast augmentation using the adipose tissue obtained from the individual’s own body. In some cases, using both the implant and the individual’s own fat might lead to a more beautiful outcome.
Who is suitable for breast augmentation surgery?
Breast augmentation surgery can be planned for anyone not satisfied with their breast volume, but this planning must be completely personal. Many factors such as the patient’s rib cage shape, skin quality and thickness, and vertebra position directly affect how the implant will look on the patient. After a detailed examination, your doctor will share the method most suitable for you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Breast Augmentation Surgery
Where will my scar be?
Location of the scar is one of the most frequently heard questions on this procedure. Although different techniques and consequently different scar locations have been described over the years, the incision most frequently used today and considered the safest is the one made under the breast. Initially, your scar will be very prominent in terms of location, color, and texture but over time it will be less raised, its color will lighten and in the long term, it will only be visible if looked at very carefully. However, it must be kept in mind that the quality of the scar might be low depending on the personal factors that negatively affect wound healing.
Where will my implant be placed?
Where the implant will be placed is directly associated with the amount of breast tissue and structure. For a natural look, the implant edges must not be palpable and there must not be a sharp transition under the skin. While the implant can be placed directly under the breast tissue / over the muscle in patients with sufficient skin tissue, placing the implant partially under the muscle tissue and partially under the breast tissue (dual plane) will give more optimal results in patients who are thin or have insufficient breast tissue thickness.
What should the shape of my implant be?
Breast implants have 2 different forms: round and teardrop-shaped (anatomic). Both implant shapes have their own advantages and disadvantages. The shape most suitable for you will be decided after the assessment, by taking your expectations into account as well.
How is the size of the breast prosthesis determined?
Traditionally, the size of a breast prosthesis is determined according to the measurement of the breast base and the patient’s expectation. The implant suitable to the current measurements must be chosen in order to attain a natural look. Moreover, today, implant size can be determined by using 3-dimensional simulation software.
How is breast augmentation surgery performed?
Breast augmentation surgeries are performed when the patient is under general anesthesia.
How long do breast augmentation surgeries last?
The duration of the surgery is approximately 1 hour.
What are the risks of this surgery?
All complications (such as bleeding and infection) that can be observed after any surgical procedure can also be observed in this procedure. In some cases, surgical intervention might be required again.
One of the complications of this procedure that requires a special emphasis is the capsular contracture. Around each foreign material (including breast prosthesis) inserted into the body, a structure called a capsule develops. However, in some people, although its cause is not exactly known, these capsules might harden over time, can cause shape deformity by compressing the implant, and even can cause pain. In such cases, the capsular structure is relieved by a second surgical procedure, or the capsule is completely eliminated, and the breast is reshaped.
Another risk regarding capsule development is the development of Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (ALCL) originating from this structure. ALCL is not directly related to the breast implant; it can originate from the capsule structure that forms around any implant placed inside the body. However, ALCL development is a very rarely observed complication.
When can I go back to my normal life after the surgery?
It is natural to feel pain and tightness after the surgery, and these will decrease in time. You can take a shower 2 days after the surgery and start driving your car 7 days after the surgery. For 3 months, you must avoid sports and activities which require you to use your chest muscles (pectoral muscle).
How is my breast cancer risk affected?
There is no scientific data on whether breast implants increase the risk of having breast cancer.
What is Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma seen in patients with breast implants?
This type of lymphoma, called ALCL in short, originates from the capsule structure formed around any implant inside the body, during the natural course of recovery. ALCL must not be confused with breast cancer.
Can I breastfeed after breast augmentation surgery?
Breast implants do not prevent breastfeeding. There is no scientific evidence indicating otherwise.
How is the postoperative process?
When you wake up from the general anesthesia, you will find that you are wearing a sports bra, which you will use for 1 month after the surgery, and that there are 2 drains running along the sides of both your breasts. It is not unexpected to have pains in the early postoperative period, but it can be kept under control with analgesics. You may carry out your daily activities. There can be areas with numbness or loss of sensation in the breast; these will improve over time.
Is the outcome attained with breast augmentation surgery permanent?
Unless there are any problems related to the implant or tissue, breast augmentation surgeries provide a long-term outcome. However, secondary deformations may develop due to the loosening of the soft tissues over time or the capsule structure formed around the implant, and these might require surgical correction.
How long does the breast prosthesis last?
Breast prostheses used today are timeless. They can be used for a lifetime unless there is a problem.
Can sagged breasts be corrected with a breast prosthesis?
Depending on the degree of sagging, the breast can be made to acquire a beautiful form by using breast prosthesis alone; but in sagged breasts, usually, breast lift surgery in addition to breast prosthesis is required. Which method will give the desired outcome can be determined only after the patient is examined.
Is it possible to augment breasts without surgery?
Today, we hear that various materials are injected into the breast under the name of non-surgical breast augmentation; however, there is no scientific evidence for the reliability of these methods. Thus, it is impossible to achieve breast augmentation safely without surgery.
Can people tell if I have breast prosthesis? Is the outcome natural?
Particularly in the early stage, toughness and tension will be observed in the breast area due to intense edema, and the breasts will appear larger than the final outcome. The more compatible an implant is selected for the patient’s body, the more natural the outcome will be.
Does breast prosthesis explode?
New generation breast prostheses are very durable and resistant to traumas, but the integrity of the prosthesis is disrupted inevitably as a result of penetrating and cutting traumas.
Is hospitalization necessary after breast augmentation surgery?
Since the surgery is performed when the patient is under general anesthesia and you will have drains after the surgery, a hospital stay of 1 night is recommended.
What kind of bra must be used after breast augmentation surgery?
Sports bra must be used for 3 weeks.
Is there a loss of sensation at the nipple after breast prosthesis surgery?
There can be numbness or loss of sensation at the nipples after the surgery. This is almost always temporary.
What is the optimum age for surgery?
For a healthy outcome, breast development must be complete. Ideally, the patient must be at least 18 years of age.
Sports after surgery
You can begin to take mildly brisk walks when you feel ready after the surgery. At the end of the 1st month, you can do almost all of your physical activities except heavy lifting. You may begin to perform all exercises that do not challenge chest muscles as of the 6th week. At the end of the postoperative 3rd month, you can do any type of sports. Listen to your body at each stage and avoid the activities that challenge you and cause discomfort regardless of time after surgery.
Sex life after the surgery
The time to go back to your sex life must be regarded similarly to the time to go back to physical activities.
Smoking after the surgery
One of the most important factors that disrupt the quality of the surgery during the recovery period is smoking. Disrupted circulation due to smoking leads to wound healing problems, infections, and worsening in scar quality. Ideally, smoking must be avoided for 3 weeks before and after the surgery.
Traveling after the surgery
If you do not have any condition that requires follow-up after breast augmentation surgery, traveling is allowed.
Can breast prosthesis be removed later on?
The breast prosthesis can be removed whenever the patient wishes; however, depending on the time the implant is in, the breast from which the prosthesis is removed will have a deflated and deformed appearance.