Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation, also known as breast enhancement, refers to a cosmetic surgical procedure that involves the placement of breast implants under the breast tissue or chest muscles. This procedure is mainly aimed at making the breasts fuller and bigger either for cosmetic reasons or for reconstructive purposes, like after undergoing a mastectomy for breast cancer. Sometimes, breast enhancement may involve autologous fat transfer from different parts of your body to the breasts to change the shape, size, or texture, depending on your individual goals. Perhaps you are still not sure if you should go ahead with your breast enhancement plan. You can decide to have your breasts enhanced for a variety of reasons, but how do you know if this procedure is the best for you? Breast enhancement is for anyone who wishes to enlarge their breasts if they are naturally small or restore the shape and size of the breasts after breastfeeding weight loss, or pregnancy. If your reasons fall in any of these categories, you can achieve your breast aesthetic goals!

A breast implant is a medical prosthesis that is placed inside a woman’s breast to reconstruct, create, or augment its physical appearance. The most common categories of breast implants are saline & silicone implants. The saline implants are made up of a sterile saline solution, such as salt water, that is held in an elastomer silicone shell. The amount of saline solution in the shell influences the breasts’ shape, firmness & feel. Silicone breast implants are made up of a silicone shell that is filled with silicone gel. Most women prefer this option because the implant feels almost the same as the natural breast. If you go for this option, you will be required to undergo regular check-ups to make sure that the implants are in perfect condition.

Your choice of the most appropriate type of breast implant is not as easy as deciding between silicone and saline fill. Several factors will inform your decision. For instance, you need to decide on the shape of the implants. Do you want teardrop or round-shaped implants? The texture of the implants is another factor to consider because some implants are textured while others are smooth. The overall size of the implants is also another aspect to consider. Additional features such as the body posture, proportion, and the elasticity of your skin may influence the size of the breast implant to use. Regardless of what size you choose, avoid overly large implants because they may lead to breast ptosis or even cause shoulder and back problems.

While breast augmentation is one of the commonly performed cosmetic surgeries, you need to know everything about this procedure before deciding to have it done. Here are a few critical issues you should know.

Fat transfer involves the extraction of fat from different body parts, which is then injected into the breasts. This type of augmentation is limited to maximum two cup sizes. If you are looking for something more than that, it is advisable you go for the implants.

Increasing the volume of your breasts if they are sagging will only exacerbate the appearance. A breast lift is a more suitable procedure if you want to correct sagging breasts. This procedure involves repositioning of nipples and areolas and tightening and removing excess tissues. If you have been pregnant, or breastfeeding, combining augmentation and breast lift can guarantee you the best results.

Breast lift surgery, also known as mastopexy, is a cosmetic procedure to improve the appearance of breasts that are sagging due to age, weight fluctuation, or genetic ptosis. During the breast lift surgery the tissue around the breasts is tightened and excess skin is removed to reshape and recontour the bust. Our surgical goal in a breast lift is to revive a youthful breast appearance by restoring the shape and projection of the breast while minimizing visible scars. A breast lift may be performed in conjunction with breast augmentation or as part of a mommy makeover. For more information about breast lifting click on Mastopexy.

Considering the incision area is important, as the chosen location may interfere with your ability to breastfeed in the future. If you are planning to breastfeed later, notify your surgeon in advance. In such cases, your incisions will at the axilla or under the breasts as opposed to having them around the areola.

You will need to make careful considerations about where the pocket implants are placed. The available options include a sub-muscular and sub-glandular placement. The sub-muscular method, also known as the sub-pectoral, is done underneath the muscle, while the sub-glandular is done between the pectoral muscle and the mammary gland. With the sub-glandular option, you will be more comfortable when breastfeeding, and it takes a shorter time to recover after the procedure. Additionally, the implant does not affect the function of the pectoralis muscle. For the sub-muscular placement, the muscle and tissue of the breasts are used to support the implant.

1. Am I a perfect candidate for a breast enhancement?

Any woman can augment their breasts, but before you do, ensure that you are healthy and have definite goals. Breast enhancement is best for you if you have always desired to improve the shape of your body, boost the size of your breasts, or even want to match certain clothing styles. If your breasts have changed in appearance and size after breastfeeding, augmentation is a perfect approach to shape, resize, and reposition them.

2. How long takes the recovery time?

The time it takes to recover after a breast enhancement procedure varies from one person to the other. Most patients resume their normal duties after at least 48 hours. An expert at Cades Hospital will explain to you this aspect of the surgery during your consultation.

3. Will augmentation lift the sagging breasts?

Placing implants underneath the breasts can lift them moderately. The extent to which the lifting occurs varies from person to person and depends on the stretch of the skin, specific characteristics, and the size of the implant used. If you have sagging breasts, the best approach to reposition them is through a breast lift. However, in most cases, your surgeon may recommend a combination of augmentation and breast lift.

4. Will I need additional surgeries after augmentation

Sometimes you may need additional surgeries to achieve optimal symmetry or the breast size and shape you need. Your surgeon will advise you about the need for other supporting procedures. You may need to undergo other surgical procedures if the augmentation procedure results in any complications, such as capsular contracture or implant rupture. Breast implants are subject to aging, so with time, you may need to undergo several surgical procedures to address the effects of aging or gravity.

5. What if I want to breastfeed after an augmentation?

You can breastfeed after breast enhancement, but the implants should be placed strategically. Sub-muscular placement does not interfere with the functioning of your breasts. Make sure you notify your surgeon about your plans to breastfeed in the future so we can place the implants well to allow you to do so.

6. Can I resume my routine after a breast enhancement?

How soon you can resume your daily activities will depend on the nature of your work and its physical demands. Regardless, you should avoid any upper arm movements within the first two weeks after the procedure. Do not lift anything that weighs over 5 pounds. If your work involves a lot of movements or heavy lifting, it is advisable to not work until it is safe to do so.

7. What should I expect?

The breast enhancement procedure is carried out under general anesthetic. Your Cades Hospital surgeon will make an incision around the nipple, under the arm, or even under the breast. The choice of the incision location is influenced by several factors, including the degree of enlargement, your body, and the type of implant, among others. After the incision, the implant will be placed in a pocket below or above your chest muscle. We will then use surgical tape or sutures to close the cuts.

8. Am I too old for a breast enhancement?

Age is an important aspect of consideration when planning for any surgery. Breast enhancement is recommendable for women in their 30s. However, this does not rule you out If you are past this age bracket. Many women in their 40s and 50s have had successful breast enhancement in the past. Irrespective of your age, we encourage scheduling for an initial consultation with a surgeon to help you establish the most appropriate direction for your cosmetic goals.