Breast augmentation surgery can become vital for a woman due to a number of factors: loss of breasts due to cancer, birth defects, natural small breasts, underdevelopment of the mammary glands, sudden weight loss or loss of breast volumeafter breastfeeding. The desire to enlarge the breasts is often not only a whim of the fair sex, but also the desire to overcome many complexes associated with this area of the body. Modern plastic surgery is developed every day and can offer women many options to solve the problem of breast enlargement.
Surgical access methods for breast augmentation:
- Axillary (axillary) methodallows you to maintain the integrity of the breast, as well as the sensitivity of the breast. The postoperative scar is in an inconspicuous area. The disadvantage of this method is that a high professionalism of the surgeon and good endoscopic equipment are required for a successful breast augmentation. When using the axillary method, it is extremely difficult to place the implant correctly.
- Periareolar methodIt involves an incision along the lower edge of the nipple's areola, just between the pigmented and unpainted skin. Breast augmentation with this method is suitable for women who already have children, since 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 the plastic surgery of the nipple at the same time, without additional incisions.
- Submammary methodone of the safest breast augmentation methods. The surgeon makes an incision in the crease of the woman's chest to place the implant. Thus, the surgeon is provided with convenient access to the implant bed formation. That is why she positions it in the most optimal way. The scar after breast augmentation is invisible as it is hidden by the natural crease of the breast. Best of all, this method of breast augmentation surgery is suitable for women with a pronounced thoracic fold.
- Umbilical accessit is not popular, because it allows you to install 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 the stents. The implants are delivered through them to the breast pocket and only after that they are 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. To do 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.
Breastfeeding after breast augmentation
During breast augmentation surgery with the axillary or submammary method, the milk ducts of the breast are not altered, so if a woman is genetically predisposed to breastfeeding, she may not fear for her future children. The only limitation is that pregnancy planning after breast augmentation should not begin earlier than 1-2 years after breast augmentation with implants.
Indications for breast augmentation
- Breast ptosis after breastfeeding;
- Ptosis of the breast as a result of a sharp decrease in weight;
- Underdeveloped mammary glands (mammary hypoplasia);
- Loss of mammary glands due to cancer;
- The patient's desire for larger breasts.
Varieties of implants for breast augmentation.
It is common to distinguish two types of implants: anatomical and round. They all have a rough or smooth shell. The type to use is always discussed with the surgeon. Experts divide implant size by volume, which is measured in milliliters. Implants are strictly selected individually for each patient, observing their physiological characteristics.
Preparing for breast augmentation
In order for a woman to prepare for augmentation mammoplasty, an in-person consultation with a specialist is needed, who will inform her about the features and subtleties of the surgical intervention, as well as the result that is planned to be achieved. After that, the patient is sent for a series of tests: a general blood and urine test, blood for HIV, hepatitis, syphilis, a biochemical blood test, and studies: ECG, fluorography, consultation with a mammologist, gynecologist and anesthesiologist. The test results allow detecting in a woman the presence of contraindications to breast augmentation. The specialist also advises that in preparation for the augmentation mammoplasty it is advisable to give up bad habits: alcohol and cigarettes in two weeks. She cannot eat or drink the day before plastic surgery.
How is breast augmentation surgery performed?
On the day the breast augmentation surgery is 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 marks on the woman's body according to the previously selected method of performing the operation. It can 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 general anesthesia. Then the breast area is treated with a disinfectant solution and the augmentation mammoplasty begins. For this, the surgeon makes incisions with a scalpel according to the brands, installs pre-prepared implants in an optimal way in order to achieve the best appearance of the breast. At the end of the augmentation mammoplasty, sutures and a bandage are applied to the incisions, then a compression garment is placed on the woman. Total operating time will not exceed two hours, this is individual.
How should you behave after a breast augmentation?
Immediately after plastic breast augmentation, the patient remains in the hospital, because the operation is performed under general anesthesia. Then, the woman will have to come every other day to bandage herself until the stitches are removed, approximately between 1 and 1. 5 weeks. During the first week, the patient may feel chest heaviness and pain, but this is completely normal, because during this period, inflammation of the mammary glands persists. To alleviate the well-being of the woman, the surgeon prescribes painkillers. Do not forget that it is necessary to wear compression underwear, it will prevent edema from developing, it will keep the implants in place and it will make your life easier during the rehabilitation period, which will last about a month and a half. Over time, the edema will disappear and then it will be possible to evaluate the real results of the breast augmentation. It is worth to stop wearing a compression bra only after the permission of the surgeon, then an easy and quick recovery after the operation will not be long in coming.
Why do you need compression garments after augmentation mammoplasty?
Compression underwear is a special bra made of elastic fibers with a fastening strap on top. After augmentation mammoplasty, it is used to form a natural capsule for implants in the woman's breast. Thanks to this underwear, the breast implants are fixed in the correct position and do not move. No swelling can develop after surgery because the bra presses against the pectoralis major muscle. Not all women can replace compression underwear with a regular sports shirt; Before that, you should first consult with your surgeon.
What should you give up immediately after breast augmentation surgery?
- Intense physical activity;
- Lift heavy objects;
- Sport activities;
- Spa, bath, sauna treatments;
- Sunbathe, swim in open water;
- He sleeps on his side, he turns 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 smear the stitches after surgery?
For successful healing of points after breast augmentation, it is enough to take care of them thoroughly, while it is not necessary to use specialized products and ointments.
Contraindications for breast augmentation surgery:
- Diabetes mellitus and tuberculosis;
- Oncology;
- The presence of chronic and infectious diseases in the acute stage;
- Increased blood pressure;
- Poor blood clotting;
- Tendency to heal;
- Varicose veins;
- Lactation period;
- The pregnancy;
- Menstruation;
- HIV, hepatitis, syphilis;
- Age under 18 years.
Question answer
How soon after breast augmentation surgery can you start having sex?
You should not resume your intimate life before a 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 squeezed.
Can I sunbathe after the operation?
Over time, you shouldn't do this until the spots heal and turn white. Even if the sun does not affect them directly, a woman should not be outdoors for a long time.
Can I exercise after breast augmentation?
It is possible, but it will take a while for the body to recover. Even after a month and a half, it is worth exercising with caution and you should not load the pectoral muscles at all.
When can I shower after breast augmentation?
7 days later. But again, the main thing is to do all movements carefully, it is better to additionally consult with your surgeon.