What is mamaplasty enlargement?
Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure to enhance the size and shape of a woman’s breasts.
Generally speaking, this is done for one of four reasons:
- When a woman is unhappy with the natural size and/or shape of her breasts
- To reverse a reduction in breast volume following pregnancy
- To correct an imbalance in breast size
as a reconstructive technique after a mastectomy.
- The two most common types of implant are silicon and saline.
What is the difference between silicon and saline implants?
Both types of implant consist of a silicon shell.
Where they differ is in what it contains.
Silicon implants are filled with silicon gel whereas saline implants are filled with a sterile, saline solution.
There is some debate over the safety of silicone implants, particularly in the United States, where their use in cosmetic procedures is currently banned.
However, in the 60 countries where silicone implants are legal, they are used in approximately 90% of implant operations.
What are the benefits of silicon implants?
- They have a very natural feel and consistency
- In the event of a rupture, they retain their shape
- They don’t lose their volume over time
- Improved design has greatly reduced the risk of capsular contracture (see considerations)
What are the benefits of saline implants?
- Should their contents leak, the solution is naturally metabolised by the body, thereby eliminating the risk of capsular contracture
- In the event of this occurring, they lose their volume in a matter of hours, meaning the problem can be quickly identified and corrected
How does it work?
A small incision of approximately four centimetres in length is made either around the areole (the dark skin surrounding the nipple), in the armpit, or, more rarely, in the crease where the breast meets the chest.
This will depend on your anatomy and the type of implant you have chosen.
Working through the incision, the surgeon lifts the breast tissue and skin to create a pocket, either directly behind the breast tissue or underneath the chest wall muscle (the pectoral muscle).
The implants are then centred beneath the nipples.
How long does the procedure take?
Between 30 and 120 minutes, depending on the complexity of the case.
What happens before surgery?
You will meet with the surgeon to discuss what type and size of implant is best.
He will give you various shapes and sizes to consider.
You are advised to take a sports bra to better imagine how they would feel and help your decision.
What happens after surgery?
A compression bandage must be worn on the treated area for approximately 24 hours.
This can be uncomfortable but is necessary for effective healing.
Drainage tubes are applied to drain off excess fluids from the wounds and reduce the formation of bruises.
These are removed at the same time as the bandages.
If a general anaesthetic is required, you will need to stay in hospital over night.
For the first week following surgery, you will have to wear a sports bra at all times.
For a month after this, you will need to wear one during the night.
Stitches are removed after a week and bruising can take up to a month to subside.
Scarring is minimal and becomes virtually undetectable over time.
How long before I can resume my normal activities?
You will have to rest completely for the first 48 hours after surgery.
It is quite normal to experience a burning sensation during this time.
It may be possible to return to work after as little as four days but only if it does not require you to lift heavy objects.
Normal physical activity can be resumed after about a month.