Breast Augmentation Surgery for Full and Shaped Breasts
Breast augmentation surgery is a cosmetic surgery procedure performed to increase breast size and achieve a fuller appearance. This operation is generally preferred by individuals who experience sagging or deformities in the breast area due to breastfeeding, excessive weight loss, aging, or other various conditions.
What is Breast Augmentation Aesthetics?
Breast augmentation aesthetics is a type of operation within the discipline of aesthetic surgery, performed for individuals with insufficient breast volume, those who have experienced a loss of form in their breast tissue, or those who simply desire an aesthetically larger appearance to achieve their goals.
A decrease in breast size can also be seen following natural processes such as pregnancy, breastfeeding, or aging. Breast augmentation aesthetics can help women feel more confident and attractive.
How are Breast Augmentation Surgeries Performed?
For breast augmentation surgery, the size of the silicone (prosthesis/implant) to be placed inside the breast is decided based on the person's anatomical features and desires. The location of the incision for placement is also determined. These areas may include the inframammary fold, around the nipple, or the armpit area. Small incisions are made in these regions, and the desired prosthesis/implant is placed under the breast tissue, either in the submuscular (under the muscle) or subglandular (over the muscle) plane.
Breast augmentation surgeries are surgical procedures and are usually performed under general anesthesia. Generally, breast augmentation surgery covers the processes of anesthesia, incision, implant placement, and suturing of the incisions.
In Which Situations is a Breast Prosthesis Applied?
Breast augmentation surgery is a cosmetic surgery procedure performed to increase breast size and achieve a fuller appearance. This operation is generally preferred by individuals who experience sagging or deformities in the breast area due to breastfeeding, excessive weight loss, aging, or other various conditions.
Additionally, individuals may experience loss of breast tissue following certain diseases or accidents. In such cases, breast augmentation surgery can also be performed. Furthermore, it can be carried out for aesthetic purposes due to an asymmetrical appearance caused by breasts of different sizes or due to a lack of self-confidence caused by small breast size. Besides wanting to restore the form and change the appearance aesthetically, individuals in the process of gender reassignment may also undergo breast augmentation surgery.
Breast augmentation surgery is an aesthetic surgery procedure performed according to the patient's own preferences. Therefore, whether the surgery is necessary depends on the patient's personal choices and needs. However, it is beneficial for the prosthesis selection to be planned in accordance with the person's anatomical measurements.
What Types of Prostheses are Used in Breast Augmentation?
The most common prostheses in breast augmentation surgeries are silicone gel prostheses containing either silicone or a saline solution. These prostheses are available in different shapes, sizes, surfaces, and fullness degrees, and are selected according to the patient's needs and preferences. Prostheses can be placed under the breast tissue or under the chest muscle.
Silicone prostheses generally provide a softer tissue feel and a more natural look. Saline solution prostheses, being less dense, have a firmer texture and can be more difficult to look natural. However, both types of prostheses are FDA-approved, and the results of the surgery can be preserved for many years. Since 1963, silicone prostheses have been the most widely used material for this procedure. These prostheses have advanced significantly with technological developments, preventing issues that occurred previously such as rupture, gel leakage, or loss of form.
In breast augmentation surgeries, less commonly used alternative prostheses are also available. These alternatives include liquid-filled balloons, polyurethane foam-covered prostheses, and sterile saline-filled pillow prostheses.
Prosthesis selection is based on factors such as the patient's breast size, shape, skin elasticity, age, and general health status.
Can Breast Augmentation be Performed with Fat Injections instead of Fillers?
Yes, breast augmentation can be performed with fat injections. This method is carried out by injecting excess fat from another part of the body into the breast area. This process is also known as "lipoinjection" or "fat grafting."
This method may be suitable for patients desiring small or moderate breast augmentation. Fat injections can provide more permanent results compared to fillers because the injected fat cells settle permanently in the breast tissue. However, this method is not recommended for anyone for whom breast augmentation is unsuitable. The suitability of fat injections for breast augmentation depends on whether the patient has a sufficient amount of excess fat in their body.
Breast augmentation with fat injection may be less invasive than prosthesis placement surgery, but the results may be more limited. Additionally, because some of the injected fat cells may die or be absorbed, the results can vary. A single session often will not provide sufficient results.
Furthermore, individuals requesting breast augmentation are often thinner, and it is generally not possible to find enough fat tissue in people with this type of body structure.
To learn more about this method and determine if you are a suitable candidate, it is recommended to consult with a plastic surgeon.
Are the Silicones Used in Breast Augmentation Surgery Permanent?
The silicone prostheses used in breast augmentation surgeries are generally permanent and can remain durable for many years. However, silicone prostheses can also wear out or deteriorate over time.
Silicone prostheses are made of high-quality materials that can be durable for many years. The prostheses are covered with a leak-proof outer layer and designed to prevent the silicone gel inside from leaking or escaping. Therefore, it is rare for silicone prostheses to leak or damage surrounding tissues.
However, silicone prostheses can wear out or deteriorate over time. This situation usually arises after 10-15 years. The wear or deterioration of the prostheses can cause changes in the shape or size of the prosthesis or lead to leakage. Therefore, in the event of aging or deterioration, the prosthesis may need to be replaced.
Nevertheless, the longevity of silicone prostheses depends on them being made from quality materials, being placed correctly, and being regularly monitored. To get more detailed information about the permanence of silicone prostheses and to manage them correctly, it is recommended to consult with a plastic surgeon.
Who is Suitable for Breast Augmentation Surgery?
Suitable candidates for breast augmentation surgery generally include individuals with the following characteristics:
– Breast size: Breast augmentation surgery can be considered when the size and shape of the breasts are not in proportion to the person's body or when they affect the person's self-confidence.
– Breast deformities: Those with breast deformities, which are shape irregularities occurring congenitally or due to age-related changes, can also be suitable candidates.
– After breast cancer treatment: Following breast cancer treatment, a decrease in breast size may occur after surgery or radiotherapy. Breast augmentation can be used to reorganize the patient's breast size.
– After pregnancy and breastfeeding: Breast size and shape can change after childbirth and breastfeeding. Breast augmentation can be used to reorganize breast size and correct shape deformities.
– Body weight: Individuals who are overweight or obese are not suitable candidates for breast augmentation surgery. Primarily, they need to follow a diet and exercise to reach an ideal body weight.
– Health status: Breast augmentation surgery is a safe procedure for healthy individuals. However, people with certain health problems are not suitable candidates.
To determine if you are a suitable candidate for breast augmentation surgery, it is recommended to consult with a plastic surgeon. The plastic surgeon will evaluate the best options for you and provide detailed information about the pre- and post-operative processes.
How Should One Prepare Before Breast Augmentation Surgery?
Preparation before breast augmentation surgery is extremely important for the successful and safe performance of the surgery. The following steps can be given as examples of preparations before breast augmentation surgery:
– Consult with your plastic surgeon: You must meet with a plastic surgeon before breast augmentation surgery. They will conduct an evaluation to determine your suitability for the surgery.
– Undergo suitability tests for surgery: A series of tests can be performed before the surgery. These may include blood tests, an electrocardiogram (ECG), and X-rays.
– Discontinue medications and other supplements: Discuss the medications and other supplements you take with your doctor before the surgery. Some medications and supplements can increase the risk of bleeding after surgery. Therefore, you may need to stop using these medications a few days before the surgery.
– Quit smoking: Smoking is associated with many risk factors that can affect post-operative recovery. It is recommended to quit smoking before the surgery.
– Pay attention to your nutrition before surgery: Follow a healthy diet and ensure you drink enough water before the surgery. Also, follow your surgeon's recommendations regarding eating or drinking in the few hours before surgery.
– Find someone to help: Your movements may be restricted for a few days after surgery, and you may need help. Therefore, it is recommended to find someone to assist you after the surgery.
During the pre-operative preparation process, it is extremely important to follow your surgeon's suggestions and instructions. This ensures that the surgery is performed successfully and smoothly.
What are the Potential Problems Following Breast Augmentation Surgery?
– Pain and discomfort: You may feel mild to moderate pain for a few days after surgery. Therefore, your surgeon may prescribe pain relievers.
– Bruising and swelling: There may be bruising and swelling for a few days post-surgery. However, these are usually temporary and disappear within a few weeks.
– Scars: Scars may remain from the incisions made for breast augmentation. However, incision sites are usually made under the breast or in the dark skin folds under the nipple, and therefore the scars often remain invisible or at a minimum level.
– Infection: As with all surgical procedures, breast augmentation surgery carries a risk of infection. However, modern surgical techniques and sterilization procedures keep the infection risk at a minimum level.
– Asymmetry: Sometimes asymmetry between breast sizes can occur after surgery. This could be due to the placement of the implants or differences in the natural breasts. To avoid asymmetry issues, it is important to conduct good research on doctors before surgery and work with a reliable surgeon.
– Loss of breast sensation: A temporary feeling of numbness may occur in and around the nipples after surgery. This usually resolves on its own within a few weeks.
The problems mentioned above are mostly mild and temporary. Following the surgery, the patient is kept under observation for a few hours and then discharged. Additionally, doctors usually provide patients with post-operative care instructions, such as wound care, movement restrictions, and activity recommendations. Despite this, if you experience any problems, it is important to contact your surgeon immediately.