Also known as breast augmentation surgery, this procedure is a plastic surgery operation. Performed under operating room conditions, this surgery is conducted by a plastic surgeon, aesthetic surgeon, or reconstructive surgeon. During the surgery, a silicone (implant) is placed in the breast to achieve the desired size.
Through breast augmentation surgery, women can attain the breast size they desire. Women opt for breast augmentation surgery due to small breast size, sagging, and various other conditions.
Certain criteria must be met for individuals to undergo breast surgery. These are as follows:
– Women who are 18 years or older
– Women who are dissatisfied with their breast size
– Women who are not planning a pregnancy or unable to breastfeed in the near future
– Women with asymmetry between their breasts
– Women with breast deformities
The surgical process can be examined under four main headings: preliminary consultation-examination, pre-op period, procedure, and post-op period. Initially, a preliminary consultation is held with the doctor. Once suitability for the surgery is confirmed, a surgery plan is created according to the desired breast size. Hospital admission is carried out based on the determined surgery date. Necessary tests and examinations are performed before the surgery, and then the preparation process begins.
What is Breast Augmentation Surgery? How is it Done?
Breast augmentation surgery is a procedure where the breast is brought to the desired size using a silicone implant through surgical techniques. This procedure is performed by surgeons in an operating room environment. This surgery is generally requested by women who are not satisfied with their breast size, but it can also be sought for various other reasons, such as:
– Gender reassignment surgeries
– Breasts that have not developed due to genetic reasons
– Sagging breasts resulting from pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight fluctuations
After deciding on breast augmentation surgery, the process begins with a preliminary consultation and examination with the doctor. The desired breast size is determined after an exchange of ideas between the doctor and the patient. When deciding on breast size, factors such as:
– The size of the breast base
– Chest wall measurements
– The position of the breast on the chest wall
– The characteristics of the breast tissue and the symmetry between the breasts
Thousands of implant types and sizes exist. The goal is to ensure the most suitable and closest match to the desired size. Once decided, the surgery process is planned. Preoperative tests and examinations are conducted. On the surgery day, the patient is admitted to the hospital for pre-op preparation and surgery.
In breast augmentation surgery, anesthesia is first administered. Then, an incision is made under the breast to place the silicone. After making the incision, a pocket area is created for the silicone. The silicone is placed into the surgical pocket. Finally, the incision is closed using sutures or adhesive techniques. The surgery is completed, and the patient is taken to the recovery unit and then to their room.
The post-op period starts after the breast augmentation surgery, which lasts approximately 1.5-2 hours. The initial few days of this recovery period are spent in the hospital.
What Should be Considered Before the Surgery?
Before starting the breast augmentation surgery process, certain steps must be taken. These primarily include the necessary tests and examinations. Blood tests should be done on time; ultrasound, X-ray, and mammography should be performed timely. Detecting any findings that might prevent the surgery in a timely manner is crucial, making these tests and examinations vital.
Any recent viral illnesses such as cold or flu should be shared with the physician. Additionally, if there are chronic diseases or allergies, these should be communicated to both the surgeon and the anesthesiologist.
What Should be Considered After the Surgery?
After the breast augmentation surgery, the patient is taken to their room upon awakening. The prescribed treatment by the doctor is started. Although pain is rarely seen, analgesics are administered in case of pain. There might be tightness in the breasts post-procedure. Bandages are applied to provide the necessary pressure on the breasts. In some cases, drains are placed under the breasts to remove any fluids that may accumulate around the chest area post-surgery. These drains are typically removed a few days after the surgery.
Oral intake begins approximately 3-6 hours after the surgery. Discharge is planned based on the patient’s overall condition. If no drain is present, discharge may occur the next day, but if drains are present, hospitalization continues until the drains are removed.
Types of Breast Implants
The implants used in breast augmentation surgery are made of silicone. However, they vary based on their structure and content. These include:
– By Shape: Implants are divided into round and anatomical (teardrop) shapes. Round implants resemble a half-sphere and are thicker in the middle. Anatomical silicones are thinner at the top and thicker at the bottom, providing fullness in the lower part of the breast.
– By Content: Implants consist of either saline or silicone. Silicone implants are commonly preferred as saline can leak in cases of impact or puncture.
– By Shell: Implants come with either textured or smooth surfaces. Textured surfaces are often preferred.
Who Cannot Have Breast Augmentation Surgery?
Breast augmentation surgery is highly demanded, but certain conditions must be met for eligibility. The following groups cannot undergo breast augmentation surgery:
– Individuals under 18 years old
– Pregnant women or those at risk of pregnancy
– Nursing mothers
– Individuals with collagen vascular diseases
– Individuals with a pacemaker
– Individuals undergoing chemotherapy
– Individuals on blood thinners
Many other factors can pose risks for surgery. For instance, breast augmentation surgery is not recommended for individuals with diabetes. All these risk factors should be shared with the doctor during the preliminary consultation and examination process and not be concealed.
Does Breast Augmentation Surgery Leave Scars?
It is inevitable for scars to remain after breast augmentation surgery. An incision made during the surgery necessitates sutures. However, the techniques applied minimize the scars, making them not bothersome.
Small and less noticeable scars can remain after breast aesthetics. In some cases, these scars may be more prominent. Various factors such as the healing process, tissue characteristics, existing diseases, and smoking can affect the prominence of scars.
To eliminate the visibility of scars, some patients request breast surgery through the armpit. The main condition for breast aesthetics through the armpit is that the breast must not be sagging. If this condition is met, this method can also be used.
Possible Risks of the Surgery
Breast augmentation surgery carries surgical risks. These risks can be categorized as anesthesia-related risks and surgery-related risks. Pain, bleeding, infection, and complications during the healing process can occur due to the incision made during the surgery.
After placing the silicone in the breast during breast surgery, the body may react to the silicone as a foreign object. The body surrounds the silicone with immune structures, forming capsules around the implant. This is known as capsular contracture. These capsules can sometimes thicken or shrink, causing changes in the shape of the breasts.
