Breast Augmentation (Enlargement)
What is an Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation, or breast implant surgery, is one of the world’s most common plastic surgery procedures. While many people undergo breast augmentation for aesthetic reasons it is often used as part of rehabilitation after a mastectomy, the surgical removal of breast tissue often undergone in breast cancer treatment. In this latter case it is distinguished as reconstructive breast surgery as opposed to cosmetic surgery.
How is a Breast Augmentation performed?
The surgery itself is performed under general anaesthetic though it may be performed with extensive local anaesthetic alongside an intravenous sedative.
After the primary incision, the nature of which will be discussed with you beforehand as detailed below, the implants will be fitted either below your breast tissue or below your chest muscles.
Reconstructive breast surgery, as opposed to cosmetic breast surgery, may have a slightly different procedure: While it is similar in many ways there is also the option of using tissue from various parts of the body in order to achieve better outcomes. Instead of tissue implants you may also use a saline expander, which is used to slowly and gradually stretch breast tissue by inflation after being implanted under the chest.
People undergoing reconstructive breast surgery will undergo the procedure either immediately or after a determined amount of time depending on the nature of why they need to procedure and their current situation with regards to further treatment of the primary condition.
How to prepare for a Breast Augmentation?
It is worth speaking to your GP, a cosmetic surgeon, or another trusted healthcare professional in order to discuss why you are seeking breast augmentation and to ensure that you have realistic expectations of the surgery and its outcomes.
It is also important that you are aware of any potential risks involving the procedure: These may include scarring, bleeding, infection and issues concerning the implant itself.
Beyond that the surgeon will discuss finer details of the procedure with you such as the types of implant available and the location of the incision. The latter decision will be made with regards to the precise outcomes you wish to achieve.
What happens after a Breast Augmentation?
You may experience pain and discomfort after the procedure and in some cases have difficulty breathing. However this is to be expected and is not necessarily a cause for concern.
You will have to rest for a time at hospital and then at home where you will have to minimise exertion on your part and may use over the counter medications to manage the pain. Some light discomfort may continue for some time after the procedure though this should gradually dissipate. Your surgeon will also give you a series of instructions with regard to your exact management after the procedure.
