Breast Augmentation With Silicone Implant
The size and the fullness of the breasts as one of the symbols of femininity for women have an importance beyond belief in terms of the inner peace and self-confidence in their social and personal lives. Women want to have breast sizes befitting to their age, physique and socio-cultural status to feel free in a wide spectrum ranging from their choices of attire to their holiday plans.
How is breast augmentation operation performed?
Breast augmentation operation is mostly performed by using a silicone implant (silicone breast prosthesis). In some occasions, following the pre-op examinations and anatomical measurements, breasts can be augmented by using body fats. Operation should be performed under operating room conditions and with general anesthesia.
Is there an age restriction for breast augmentation operation and how should the preparation process be?
To plan this operation, the right thing would be to wait for the puberty to end. A period when the breast tissue and the fat cluster is relatively stable should be chosen. The most important stage of augmentation mammoplasty, in other words, breast augmentation operations is the first meeting and examination when the operation is planned by the patient and the physician.
There are two important question to which we should find the answer with the patient prior to breast augmentation operation:
These questions are answered by taking the social preferences and the birth and breastfeeding history of the patient and certain anatomical parameters into consideration, and the operation is planned accordingly. The prostheses can be placed under or on the muscle or under the fascia. These are determined through the detailed examination by the plastic surgeon or the personal preferences of the patient. The place where the operation scar will be at also depends on certain parameters – the operation can be performed at the aerola, the inframammary line, or the armpit.
Is post-op hospital stay after breast augmentation operation necessary? How long is the post-op recovery period?
The duration of the operation is approximately 1-3 hours, depending on the technique used. Patients typically stay at the hospital overnight, and according to their general condition, are discharged the day after. Medical dressings are removed/changed after 5-7 days. While differing from one patient to another, complete recovery after breast augmentation operations will be between 2-6 months.
Will there be an apparent scar at the incision area after breast augmentation?
Breast augmentation operation can be performed with different techniques. The areola or the inframammary line are the areas that are mostly preferred for incision. With the latest advances in technology, lasers are integrated to the operations, thus the scars are much more discreet and acceptable.
Will there be a restriction for breastfeeding after breast augmentation operation?
While there may be a certain amount of decline in lactation and breastfeeding, thanks to the laser assisted technique we are using, this amount is practically zero.
How is the size of breast prosthesis determined? What are the criteria to consider during this process?
In determining the size of the breast silicone prosthesis, it is important to take shoulder width, height, age, weight and other anatomical distances and proportions into consideration. Information such as physical exercise preferences, occupation, plans about pregnancy etc. identifies the size, shape and consistency of the silicone prosthesis to be used.
What is the lifecycle of breast prosthesis?
Next-generation silicone breast prostheses that are being used today can be used for life unless any complication develops.
When can the patients resume their physical exercises after breast prosthesis operation?
The patients who undergo breast augmentation operation, especially ones who are implanted silicone prosthesis under the muscle should completely suspend physical exercises for at least 1 month. Heavy exercises should be avoided for 3 months.
