Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation, also known as augmentation mammoplasty, involves using breast implants and/or fat transfer to increase the size and enhance the shape, contour and symmetry of the breasts.
Breast augmentation increases fullness and projection of the breasts, better defines cleavage lines and boosts self-confidence.
Breast augmentation does not correct or lift moderate to severe sagging breasts. A breast lift may be required along with a breast augmentation for sagging breasts to look fuller and more lifted. Breast Augmentation also cannot adjust severe asymmetry between the breasts.
You may want to consider breast augmentation if:
- You believe your breasts are too small and/or disproportionate for your body.
- Your breasts have decreased in size or have become less firm after pregnancy or due to weight loss.
- Your breasts are asymmetrical with one of them considerably being smaller than the other.
FAQ
In general, incisions will be 3-5 cm in length, placed in hidden areas such as the fold under the breast (infra-mammary fold), in the armpit (axillary incision) or along the areolar edge (peri-areolar incision). The incision lines will fade away with time and become barely noticeable . The quality of the scar depends on several factors such as genetics and exposure to nicotine and sun. At The Skin Clinic we also use laser skin resurfacing to improve the scar outcome.
Implants can be inserted:
Under the breast tissue but on top of the muscle for patients with sufficient breast tissue to cover it.
Behind the breast muscle, this helps provide more coverage for the implant, leading to less implant visibility and rippling. This is especially important for women who have less breast tissue. The muscle can also help support the implant over time and provide a longer lasting result.
The choice of implant pocket depends on several factors such as the type, the size of the implant you choose and the desired outcome.
Internal bra relies on different surgical techniques involving a special way of using sutures and meshes to secure the inferior pole of the breast and hold the implant in place. The main purpose of the internal bra is to increase the chest-to-umbilical distance, push the implant medially for better defined cleavage lines, secure the implant in a tight pocket so it does not fall with time and make sure the breasts don’t slide laterally when the patient is lying down.
Breast implant options include:
Saline implants: filled with sterile salt water.
Traditional Silicone implants: filled with silicone gel. If the implant were to break, the gel could stay within its shell or leak into the breast.
Form-stable Silicone implants: often called gummy bear implants because they retain their shape even if the implant shell breaks. They are made of a thicker silicone gel and are firmer than the traditional ones.
Breast implant shape:
Round implants: These implants usually make breasts look fuller.
Anatomical implants: Teardrop shape that provides a more natural result.
Breast implant texture:
Smooth implants: The softest of all types of implants. They should be placed in tight pockets below the muscle to avoid movement and complications.
Textured implants: These implants cause scar tissue formation which holds the implant in place and makes it less likely to move around inside the breast. This type of implant might, though in very rare cases, cause breast implant associated anapestic large cell lymphoma.
Choosing the type of implant typically comes down to personal preference and the surgeon’s opinion.
Complications sometimes occur, but with proper patient preparation, careful execution and follow up we reduce their occurrence and if they ever occur we are able to manage them.
The risks of breast augmentation surgery will be discussed in full details during the consultation.
Breast implants do not have an expiration date but are not guaranteed to last a lifetime; future surgery may be required to replace the implants if complications arise at any certain point in time.
In the case of traditional breast augmentation surgery you will not be able to move your arms freely for weeks. While the new technique provides a 24 hour recovery after surgery, allowing patients to go back to their daily activities within 24h. With this advanced technique, the recovery time is minimal as the procedure involves minimal bleeding and tissue damage.