The female breast is one of the most important symbols of femininity and sexuality, so it is only natural that everyone wants beautiful breasts. Unfortunately, time works against this, so most women are not satisfied with the shape or size of their breasts, which can cause a lack of self-confidence and a deterioration of their sex life.
It is not only age that can cause a personal need for change over time, but significant weight loss can also cause changes in the structure of the breast tissue, as can breastfeeding, which is the most natural thing in the world. However, it can happen that even after a few months of breastfeeding, the breast does not look the same as it did before breastfeeding, which many women find difficult to deal with, as it will not return to its original state. This aesthetic change can cause inner psychological problems, which in turn are associated with constant pressure.
Breast augmentation, breast enlargement provides a solution to have larger and fuller breasts!
During the free consultation, the doctor will discuss with you what your expectations and possibilities are regarding the surgical procedure, and you will choose which method is best to use to enlarge your breasts. There are basically three options: implant, breast augmentation with your own fat, or breast augmentation with breast lift.
There are several types of implants, which can be distinguished by their surface (smooth, textured), their shape (traditional round, teardrop-shaped, anatomical) and the materials they contain (various states of matter silicone). Modern generation silicone gel-filled implants do not need to be replaced and are completely safe to use. In contrast, older types of implants, which had to be replaced within a few years.
In all cases, it is necessary to have ultrasound examinations from time to time in order to rule out any suspicion of injury. MRI can detect injuries. Most manufacturers provide a guarantee in case this happens later and will take care of the new implant.
What else should you know about breast augmentation? How are these procedures performed?
Before breast augmentation, as part of the preparation for the surgery, an examination may be recommended, general tests should be performed: laboratory tests, ECG, X-ray, breast ultrasound or mammography.
There are two possible ways to insert the implant: directly under the gland or under the muscle. This affects the final result, as the final condition can be flat-shaped, high-shaped or teardrop-shaped, depending on the method of insertion. Both insertion procedures have advantages and disadvantages.
Placement under the gland is the more traditional solution, but if the glandular tissue and subcutaneous fat tissue are too small, we may get a less natural shape. In contrast, submuscular placement may be a suitable solution in this case, but it can make movement difficult in the case of active, competitive sports, and there is also an increased chance that the implant will move, but the chance of capsule formation is reduced.
Differences can also be observed in the sagging of the breast between the two methods. The implant placed under the muscle retains its position between the muscle and the chest, so the breast is less likely to sag, but this can also be a disadvantage in cases where the own breast sags, so that a double contour breast can develop. In contrast, in the case of implants placed under the gland, a double contour cannot develop, but with the breast, it is more likely to sag and thus lose its shape.
During breast augmentation surgery, the breast implant can be inserted in three ways. With the help of an axillary, periareolar and submammary incision. In the case of beautiful scarring, all three procedures result in an almost invisible incision, but in the case of scarring, the incision made around the nipple is very noticeable, and the axillary incision becomes visible in the case of a cut-out dress.
The incision under the breast is hardly visible even in the case of scarring in a standing position, which is why this solution is usually preferred. In addition to these, it should also be taken into account that in the case of a small nipple, the periareolar incision cannot be used, and in the case of the axillary incision, the insertion can usually only be done under the muscle.
Breast augmentation surgery is performed under general anesthesia. If there are no complications, the hospital can be left the next day, but it is important to take care of the post-operative tasks for the sake of recovery. For 3-4 weeks, it is not allowed to lift heavy objects or do sports, and it is also forbidden to raise the arm above the head on the first day after the surgery. For 4 weeks, you should wear a special bra day and night, then the bra can be left off at night, and after 6 weeks, it is no longer mandatory to wear it during the day, but in some cases it is recommended. The external scars can heal in up to 6 months.
As with any surgery, health complications can develop with any procedure. The most common is capsular contracture, or the formation of a capsule, which occurs in 5-8% of cases. It has four stages:
In the first stage, a layer of connective tissue forms around the implanted implant, which is the body's natural reaction and develops after every surgery. In the second stage, this can already be felt, in the third case it is already visible, and in the fourth stage it is painful. The third and fourth stages require surgical intervention. In addition, inflammation and scar healing disorders can also develop. These cases develop in a maximum of 1-2%, i.e. rarely, essentially pose a minor risk.
From a physical point of view, every surgery is stressful for the body, be it breast augmentation, laser liposuction or any medically indicated surgery. It is highly recommended to follow the healing-promoting tasks to the maximum, the importance of which depends not only on, for example, how old the patient is or what treatment they are undergoing. Let us not forget that even a lip filler, wrinkle filler also carries risks, which we will tell you about without exception during the personalized consultation. We provide all the information about the post-operative tasks!
Filling with own fat was not very successful in the past due to the high degree of absorption of adipose tissue. However, with new technologies, much better results can now be achieved. Within half a year, more than 80-90% of the adipose tissue remains, and in the following years, a maximum of 20-30% disappears.
In the case of breast augmentation with your own fat, however, about 100-200ml can be implanted at once, in order to successfully grow capillaries into the new tissues and thus help the new adipose tissue to adhere. If we want to achieve a bigger change, several treatments are needed one after the other.
After childbirth or significant weight loss, the breasts may sag and there may be a large degree of atrophy. In such cases, breast lift or breast augmentation cannot be used separately, but the desired effect can be achieved by combining the two.
No study has ever proven a carcinogenic or immune-damaging effect. Silicone is used in food and cosmetics, and even in implanted pacemakers.
It does not harm milk production or the baby's health. Although, just as naturally large breasts can sag more easily after breastfeeding is finished, so can those enlarged with implants.
According to most manufacturers, the currently used cohesive gel-filled, double-walled, leak-proof implants do not need to be replaced, only in the case of some surgical complications.
Up to certain sizes, which belong to the manufacturer's series, the price is independent of the size. Generally, above 500 cc, the price of the implant increases by 20-30%, and for even larger sizes, it can increase by 50-100%.
Basically, we can place it in two places during plastic surgery: under the pectoralis major muscle or under the mammary gland. In this case, the implant is located between the pectoral muscle and the gland. When the implantation is done under the muscle, only the upper two-thirds are placed under the pectoralis major muscle, according to its course. (In some newer procedures, even less will be.)
When it comes to the correct position for breast implants, you'll find that plastic surgeons often have differing opinions. This is a topic that's frequently debated at medical conferences. Both subglandular and submuscular implant placement have their own set of pros and cons, which explains why both techniques are still widely used today. Submuscular placement is often preferred when the patient has minimal breast tissue and subcutaneous fat, as this can prevent the implant's edges or folds from being visible through the skin.
Implants placed under the muscle can be more painful and are more prone to movement, but they do carry a lower risk of capsular contracture, a common complication. Surgeons who favor submuscular placement often recommend this technique even for patients with larger breasts, as it provides better support and reduces the likelihood of sagging. While this is true, it can sometimes lead to an undesirable outcome where the implant remains in its original position while the natural breast tissue, under the influence of gravity and aging, begins to sag. This can create a 'double bubble' or 'double contour' appearance.
There are several options for implant insertion, including incisions in the armpit, around the areola, through the nipple, or in the inframammary fold (the crease beneath the breast). Each approach has its advantages and disadvantages, and surgeons tend to have their own preferences.
An incision in the armpit leaves a well-hidden scar, but the surgical site is distant from the entry point. This requires a more complex endoscopic surgical technique, which can prolong the procedure and increase costs. In addition, if complications arise, a secondary incision in the inframammary fold may be necessary.
The transnipple approach (through the nipple) can potentially damage the milk ducts, which could lead to blockage and inflammation in some parts of the mammary gland, especially if the patient plans to breastfeed. Both the periareolar (around the areola) and transnipple incisions involve passing through the milk glands, which, even after pregnancy and breastfeeding, may contain harmless bacteria in the ducts. If these bacteria come into contact with the implant, they could trigger an infection.
If wound healing is suboptimal for any reason, the resulting scar may be more noticeable. Since the areola and nipple are central to the appearance of the female breast, a scar in this area can attract unwanted attention. An incision in the inframammary fold, even if it results in a visible scar, tends to be well-concealed and offers the safest access for implant placement.
Opinions vary on this matter as well. Breast massage is often recommended as a preventative measure against capsular contracture. However, some studies suggest that surgeons who do not recommend post-operative massage achieve equally good results.
Complications can occur even with the most meticulous surgical technique. Plastic surgeons are just as invested in a successful outcome as their patients, as an unhappy patient can severely impact a surgeon's reputation. Nevertheless, every surgeon inevitably encounters some complications during their career.
By adhering strictly to professional standards and staying up-to-date with the latest knowledge, the rate of complications can be reduced. The most common complications in plastic surgery are similar to those seen in other surgical specialties. However, while an infection after a hernia repair might be a temporary inconvenience, a similar complication following breast augmentation can jeopardize the entire procedure. The most common problems that can arise during breast augmentation include bleeding, infection, nerve damage, wound healing issues, capsular contracture, implant wrinkling, and implant displacement.
Yes, you can still have breast cancer screenings with implants. It's essential to inform the healthcare provider performing the screening about the presence of implants. An experienced radiologist can often obtain clear mammograms with implants in place. However, if this is not possible, an ultrasound can provide an equally effective screening.
One common misconception is that breast implants can cause problems during air travel. If this were true, what would happen to all the carbonated drinks on the plane?