Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure aimed at improving the size and shape of the female breast area. Many women today choose this type of surgery to feel better about themselves and get more out of their beauty. It is essential to feel comfortable with our chest.
This type of surgery lasts between one and two hours under general anesthesia and in an operating room. The intervention consists of a small incision made in the breast groove or around the areola. Then, a pocket is created to place the prosthesis under the pectoral muscle or the tissue of the intervened area.
THE MOST USED MATERIALS FOR CHEST IMPLANTS
Among the most used materials for this type of operation are silicone prostheses and serum prostheses that have different characteristics:
Saline Breast Implants
Saline implants are filled with sterile saltwater. They are inserted empty and then filled once they are in place. Saline breast implants are available for women 18 years of age and older for breast augmentation and for women of any age for breast reconstruction.
Silicone Breast Implants
Silicone implants are already filled with silicone gel, a thick and sticky fluid that mimics the sensation of human fat very well. Most women believe that silicone breast implants look and feel more like natural breast tissue. Silicone breast implants are available for women 22 years and older for breast augmentation and women of any age for breast reconstruction. Silicone prostheses: They are the most used. A silicone prosthesis is composed of three layers of polyurethane, and its filling can be of two types:
- Cohesive gel: it characterizes by a greater union between the gel molecules, which gives it higher density. In the unlikely event of the fracture of the prosthesis, the gel, being more consistent, does not migrate to other parts of the body.
- Soft gel: The shape of prosthesis changes depending on the movements and pressure that are made on the breast. In case the prosthesis broke the gel would leave the capsule, extending through the breast tissue. So it is not entirely recommended.
Serum prosthesis: This type of prosthesis is compatible with the organism so that in case of breakage of the material or leakage of the capsule. The body itself could reabsorb it. Despite this, we also find some disadvantages, such as the loss of volume of the breast with the passage of time or the undulation of the upper part of it.
ASPECTS TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT FOR THE CHOICE OF SIZE SIZE
One of the most demanded issues by patients is the choice of breast size. Several factors come into play here: each woman is different, height, overall weight, or even the size of the chest in women of the same weight, can make what for one is too much for another falls short.
Typically, patients look for a breast that brings naturalness to their silhouette where the volume could correspond to about 260 or 370cc. There are larger volumes, but it is reasonable to increase the current chest by 1 or 2 sizes. Therefore, what should we consider when choosing?
- Previous measures: We must take into account the contour, width, the distance between areolas, and the breast groove. Chest surgery will be fully personalized.
- The shape of the breasts: Before the operation, we must observe the shape of the natural breasts, since they significantly influence the final result. If the patient has a small chest, the increase should not be too exaggerated.
- Breast width: Measuring the width of our breasts is essential to know the right size for the future prosthesis. If we choose a diameter greater than our breast capacity, the result will not be satisfactory.
- Medical recommendations: Although we carry a clear idea from home, it is always advisable to listen to the suggestions of surgeons and other professionals.
- Not giving importance to outside experiences: If your friend has not been satisfied with her breast augmentation, it does not mean that the same thing should happen to you. Each case is different and unique.
What are the risks of this procedure?
As with any surgery, there are potential risks to be aware of, including:
- Infection
- Implant
- leaks Pain and tenderness
- Excessive scar tissue
- Cosmetic
- dissatisfaction Asymmetry
- Talking with your surgeon about these issues and preparing ahead of time can help to dispel any concerns and minimize risks.
THE POSTOPERATIVE AFTER AN CHEST INCREASE
The postoperative phase is one of the most feared. Patients who wish to undergo a breast augmentation want to know what will happen next and if the treatment will be useful.
We show you some guidelines to follow and familiar feelings that are likely during the first months after the operation:
- It is essential to note that the patient will feel similar chest discomfort in the feeling of pressure from a postpartum milk surge. Therefore, it is advisable to take prescribed medication every 4 hours to maintain a constant level of analgesia throughout the day. These discomforts usually last a week and are fully controllable with medication.
- If you notice that the chest swells at first calm, it is entirely reasonable. During the next six months, the inflammation will go down.
- On the sleeping posture: After approximately one week, the patient can sleep on her side. Until then, it is best to do it face up. Six weeks after the operation, it will be possible to sleep on your stomach without feeling discomfort.
- You should know that once the sixth month has passed, the breast touch becomes more natural.
- It is essential to avoid sun exposure of the scar during the first months or even the year.
COMPLICATIONS AND RISKS OF THE CHEST INCREASE
An intervention like this is not without risks that we must be willing to assume if we want to enter the operating room. However, the fact that complications may occur does not mean that they develop in all patients. Each case is unique. The most common risks are as follows:
- Infection: It appears in some cases a few days after the operation. The usual symptoms are fever and possible inflammation.
- The appearance of bruises: Breast augmentation surgery can lead to blood accumulation in areas of the chest that usually disappear on their own over time. In specific cases, drainage should be applied.
- Scars: The scars after the operation are very small and almost invisible. Its care in the first days is essential for proper healing and lower visibility.
- Seromas: They are an accumulation of fluid or fluid that is generated around the breast prosthesis and disappears typically on its own when absorbed by the body.
In some cases, drainage is used for disposal.
Capsular contracture: After undergoing a breast augmentation, there is the possibility of this type of contracture, which occurs because the tissue that is created around the breast implant shrinks and hardens. This injury can cause a lot of pain and offers an unnatural appearance of the chest. The danger of occurring affects a tiny percentage of the implants thanks to the current progress in the new surgical techniques and the latest materials used in the prostheses.
We know that breast augmentation surgery has its risks and complications; however, they are temporary and scarce, so we should not be afraid to undergo the operation. Being an optional surgical treatment, we have the last word in our hands.