Breast augmentation surgery can become vital for a woman due to a number of factors: breast loss due to cancer, congenital anomalies, natural small breasts, underdevelopment of the mammary glands, sudden weight loss or loss of breast volume afterbreastfeeding. The desire to enlarge the breasts most of the time is not only a whim of the fair sex, but also the desire to defeat many complexes associated with that area of the body. Modern plastic surgery is developing every day and can offer women many options to solve the problem of increasing breast size.
Surgical access methods for breast augmentation:
- Axillary (axillary) methodallows to maintain the integrity of the breast, as well as the sensitivity of the breast. The postoperative scar is located in an imperceptible area. The disadvantage of this method is that the surgeon's high professionalism and good endoscopic equipment are necessary for successful breast augmentation. When using the axillary method, it is extremely difficult to position the implant correctly.
- Periareolar methodit involves an incision along the lower edge of the areola of the nipple, just between the pigmented and unpainted skin. Breast augmentation with this method is indicated for women who already have children, as there is a risk of violation of the milk ducts. The periareolar method is suitable for small implants. The advantage is that the surgeon can perform plastic surgery on the nipple at the same time, without additional incisions.
- Breastfeeding methodone of the safest breast augmentation methods. The surgeon makes an incision in the woman's chest crease to place the implant. Thus, the surgeon has convenient access to the formation of the implantation site. That's why it positions you in the most optimal way. The scar after breast augmentation is invisible, as it is hidden by the natural fold of the breast. Best of all, this method of breast augmentation surgery is suitable for women with pronounced chest crease.
- Umbilical accessit is not popular, because it allows the installation of implants filled only with saline solution, which has already lost its relevance. The essence of this method is that the implants are placed through an incision above the navel. The surgeon forms special endoscopic tunnels under the skin from the navel to the chest for endoprostheses. The implants are delivered through them to the shirt pocket and only then are they filled with saline. The advantage of this method is the complete absence of scars and scars in the chest area.
- Transabdominal accessused in combination with abdominal plastic surgery, so as not to make additional incisions in the patient's body. For this, the surgeon places the implant through an incision in the anterior abdominal wall. The advantage of this method is the absence of scars on the chest.
Lactation after breast augmentation
During breast augmentation surgery using the axillary or submammary method, the breast milk ducts are not disturbed, so if a woman is genetically predisposed to breastfeed, she should not fear for her future children. The only limitation is that pregnancy planning after breast augmentation should not begin until 1-2 years after breast augmentation with implants.
Indications for breast augmentation
- Breast ptosis after breastfeeding;
- Breast ptosis due to marked decrease in weight;
- Underdeveloped mammary glands (mammary hypoplasia);
- Loss of mammary glands due to cancer;
- The patient's desire to have bigger breasts.
Varieties of breast augmentation implants
It is common to distinguish implants of two types: anatomical and round. They all have a rough or smooth skin. The type to be used is always discussed with the surgeon. Experts divide the size of the implants by the volume, which is measured in milliliters. The implants are selected strictly individually for each patient, observing their physiological characteristics.
Preparing for breast augmentation
For a woman to prepare for breast augmentation, a face-to-face consultation with a specialist is needed, who will talk about the characteristics and subtleties of the surgical intervention, as well as the result that is intended to be achieved. Then, the patient is referred for several tests: general blood and urine test, blood for HIV, hepatitis, syphilis, biochemical blood test and tests: ECG, fluorography, consultation with a mamologist, gynecologist and anesthesiologist. The results of the exams make it possible to detect in women the presence of contraindications to breast enlargement. The specialist also informs that as a preparation for breast augmentation it is worth abandoning bad habits: alcohol and cigarettes in two weeks. You cannot eat or drink the day before plastic surgery.
How is breast augmentation surgery performed?
On the day the breast augmentation surgery was scheduled, the patient should arrive at the clinic, preferably in advance, so that there is time to prepare for the operation. Immediately before breast augmentation, the surgeon makes markings on the woman's body according to the previously selected method of operation. There may be dotted lines on the lower edge of the areola of the nipple, lines in the area of the breast crease, etc. When all preparatory activities are completed, the patient is administered under general anesthesia. Then, the breast area is treated with a disinfectant solution and breast augmentation begins. For this, the surgeon makes scalpel incisions according to the markings, installs pre-prepared implants in an ideal way to achieve the best aspect of the breast. At the end of breast augmentation, sutures and a dressing are applied to the incisions and then a compressive bandage is placed on the woman. The total operating time will not exceed two hours, this is individual.
How should you behave after breast augmentation?
Immediately after the plastic breast augmentation, the patient remains in the hospital, as the operation is performed under general anesthesia. Then, the woman will need to come every day to make dressings until the stitches are removed, about 1-1, 5 weeks. During the first week, the patient may feel heaviness in the chest and pain, but this is completely normal, as during this period, the swelling of the mammary glands persists. To alleviate the woman's well-being, the surgeon prescribes painkillers. Do not forget that it is necessary to wear compression underwear, it will prevent the development of edema, keep the implants in place and make life easier during the rehabilitation period, which will last about a month and a half. Over time, the edema will decrease and then it will be possible to evaluate the real results of breast enlargement. It is worth stopping to wear a compression bra only after the surgeon's permission, as an easy and quick recovery after the operation will not take long.
Why do you need compression garments after breast augmentation?
Compression underwear is a special bra made of elastic fibers with a fixing tape on the top. After breast augmentation, it is used to form a natural capsule for implants in a woman's breast. Thanks to this underwear, breast implants are fixed in the correct position and do not move. Swelling after surgery cannot occur because the bra is pressing on the pectoralis major muscle. It is not possible for all women to replace compression underwear with a normal sports top; before that, you must first consult your surgeon.
What should you give up immediately after breast augmentation surgery?
- Heavy physical activity;
- Lifting heavy objects;
- Sport activities;
- SPA treatments, bath, sauna;
- Sunbathing, swimming in open water;
- Sleep on your side, turn to your side.
Possible complications after breast augmentation
- Seromas, bruises;
- Displacement of the implant, its pronounced contour;
- Capsular contracture;
- Keloid scars;
- Loss of sensation in the nipples and breasts.
How to rub the stitches after surgery?
For successful healing of the stitches after breast augmentation, thorough care with them is sufficient, although the use of specialized products and ointments is not necessary.
Contraindications for breast augmentation surgery:
- Diabetes mellitus and tuberculosis;
- Oncology;
- The presence of chronic and infectious diseases in the acute phase;
- Increased blood pressure;
- Insufficient blood clotting;
- Tendency to scarring;
- Varicose veins;
- Lactation period;
- Pregnancy;
- Menstruation;
- HIV, hepatitis, syphilis;
- Age below 18 years.
Question answer
How long after breast augmentation surgery can you start having sex?
You should not resume your intimate life before one month after plastic surgery. This is due to the fact that, during sexual intercourse, blood can flow to the breast, as well as the additional physical activity during which the breast can move. In no case should it be tightened.
Can I sunbathe after the operation?
Over time, you should not do this until the stitches heal and turn white. Even if the sun does not directly affect them, women should not be outdoors for long.
Can I exercise after breast augmentation?
It is possible, but it will take some time for the body to recover. Even after a month and a half, exercise with caution is still worthwhile, and you shouldn't load your chest muscles at all.
When can I shower after breast augmentation?
7 days later. But, again, the main thing is to do all the movements carefully, it is better to also consult your surgeon.