What is a breast augmentation with implants?
Breast augmentation with silicone implants is the most common surgical operation for correcting the shape of breasts. The size and shape of the breast can be changed with breast implants.
Breast implants can be used to correct for example:
- small breasts
- absence of breasts
- size differences in breasts
- malformation
- malformation after breast cancer
Inserting the breast implant is often done simultaneously with breast lift surgery.
Who does breast augmentation with implants suit?
Breast augmentation with implants is suitable for situations in which added volume and rounder shape to the breasts is desired.
An appointment with the plastic surgeon to plan the procedure is crucial to evaluate if breast implants are suitable for you specifically.
At the appointment it can be evaluated seeing the existing breast tissue and the quality of it, if implants would have the desired effect. The surgeon evaluates the size and brand of the possible implant, as well as the surgical requirements, together with the client.
Finding the correct implant for every individual is the most important.
Breast implant under the pectoral muscle
When the implant is inserted under the pectoral muscle, the risk of feeling it under the skin is lower.
The implant inserted under the muscle droops less than the one inserted on top of it, thus making it easier to anticipate the location of the implant.
Because to gravity, however, the breast may settle on top of the implant more clearly, possibly leading to an incorrect positioning of the implant.
Additionally, one disadvantage might be the longer recovery and operation time, and the free movement of the breast when the pectoral muscle activates.
Breast implant on top of the pectoral muscle
Inserting the breast implant on top of the pectoral muscle can shorten the operation and the recovery period.
The breast implant settles naturally with the breast with time.
One disadvantage may be the possibility of seeing the implant under the skin, especially if the tissue covering it is thin.
Finding the correct implant for every individual is the most important.
The larger the desired cup size is, the larger the implant considered must be. The surgeon examines the pre-existing tissue and chest to evaluate if there is enough skin and tissue to cover the implant for a natural result and if the implant size desired is suitable for the client.
If you wish for an implant too large based on the amount of pre-existing breast tissue, the surgeon can inform you of the likely disadvantages it may cause. Overly large implants may look unnatural and only speed up the effects of gravity, thus having the breasts droop easier.
Hardening of connective tissue
The body always forms a harmless, capsule-like layer of connective tissue over the implant, to isolate the foreign object from the rest of the body into its place.
Previously, the hardening of the tissue (capsular contracture) was a common issue (15-20% of women). A hardened capsule is thick and stiff, which can lead to the breasts feeling hard, pain, and in the worst case, asymmetry.
With the increase in using of newer implants and their proper treatment, the risk of the capsule hardening has decreased significantly (around 1% of women). Capsular contracture is treated by changing the implants if needed, splitting the capsule, or completely removing the implants if desired.
More Information
Breast Augmentation with Implants – The Procedure
Before surgery, you must not eat or drink for six hours. Before surgery, the surgeon makes the necessary markings on the skin with a marker while the client is standing upright.
The procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia. The procedure usually takes 1–2 hours. The duration is affected by any procedures combined with the surgery, such as a breast lift.
The goal of surgery is always to achieve the most symmetrical result possible, and breasts of different sizes or levels are corrected to make them as even as possible. At the end of the surgery, the breasts are supported with tape, and a supportive bra is applied in the operating room.
The procedure can almost always be performed as day surgery, meaning you can return home on the same day. However, when you are discharged after surgery, you must have someone to accompany you, and this person must also stay with you for the first night.
Recovery After Breast Augmentation Surgery
After the procedure, pain is not severe. However, pain medication may be needed during the first few days after surgery. An implant placed under the muscle slightly increases postoperative pain.
After surgery, the breasts are swollen. The swelling gradually subsides over the following few weeks. The breasts reach their final shape 2–3 months after surgery.
As the tissues recover, occasional sharp pains inside the breast are typical even for a few months after surgery.
The length of sick leave is typically approximately 1–4 weeks. The length is decided individually.
Using a Supportive Bra
After breast augmentation surgery, a supportive bra should be worn day and night for the first month. After that, the supportive bra should be worn at least during the day for the second month.
Exercise
Stitches and Supportive Taping
The wounds are mainly closed with dissolvable stitches that do not need to be removed.
Supportive taping of the wounds should be continued for 2–3 months after breast augmentation surgery so that the scars become as unnoticeable as possible. We will provide instructions for the best scar care after supportive taping.
Possible Complications of Breast Augmentation Surgery
Surgical procedures always involve risks. In breast augmentation, the greatest risks of complications are related to tissue hematomas and possible infections.
Hematomas
Bruising occurs on the skin as a result of surgery. Sometimes hematomas can be larger.
If blood leaks into the breast after surgery, it may cause pressure symptoms and may even need to be removed in a new surgery. This does not affect the final aesthetic result of the breast, but it does slow down recovery from surgery slightly.
Infections
Although surgery is performed under sterile conditions, bacteria on the skin can enter through the surgical wound and cause infection in the tissues even after surgery.
Minor infections can often be treated with medication. In rare cases, a more severe infection may even lead to repeat surgery, in which the tissues are cleaned in the operating room.
If the implant becomes infected, it usually needs to be replaced, as antibiotics are rarely able to treat an infection that has reached the surface of the implant.
