What is Breast Augmentation?
For breast augmentation, the patient usually goes under general anesthesia, and the implants (breast implants) are placed under the muscle or under the mammary gland, and the incision is made near the armpits, belly button, nipple, or on the fold under the breast. The size of the breast implants should be decided by the doctor, according to the body type, and since the patient has to go under general anesthesia, a general check-up is necessary. Tests include simple blood drawing, electrocardiograms, chest radiography, and urinalysis.
Prosthesis
In order to have beautiful breast, they should have the right elasticity, and the protruding degree, and they have to be symmetrical, thus prostheses or autologous fats are used to give them the right shape and texture. The commonly used implants are the silicone gel bags and saline bags. Over the time silicone gel bag problems have been highly discussed, but several studies showed that silicone gel bag breast implants are not harmful to the human body.
However, more hospitals started to use saline bags, so the patients wouldn’t have to worry. There are two types of saline bags, depending on the surface. There are fine protrusions and depressions on the surface, in order to prevent the post-op capsular contracture. The other type of saline bags have a smooth surface. Breast implants don’t influence the lactiferous ducts, so breast feeding will not be a problem after implantation.
Saline Bag
There are two kinds of saline bags: one is inflatable and the other one is already filled with saline. The inflated bag has the advantage of reducing the incision site, but according to reports, the size decreases with around 25% after surgery. Therefore, it is better to use a bag filled with saline to prevent the volume change.
When performing the surgery, different methods can be used, classified by the approach and the location of the implant. The implant can be introduced through an incision in the axillae (armpits), areola, belly button, or under the breast. The implant can be positioned either under the muscle, or under the mammary gland, but it is preferred to have the implant under the muscle, in order to prevent capsular contracture. Because the patient goes under general anesthesia, hospitalization is necessary. Stable patients can be discharged on the same day, but it is recommendable to be hospitalized for about one day.
Precautions after the surgery
After breast augmentation, you should avoid excessive activity for about a week, and you should use a bigger bra to let your breasts get a normal position. Stitches can be removed after one week, when you can go back to your normal life. For 1-2 months from the surgery, you should visit the hospital for 1-2 times per week to have an ultrasound massage, and after these 2 months you should continue massaging for breasts for a couple of more months, in order to prevent the capsular contracture.
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