Breast Augmentation (Augmentation Mammoplasty)
Breast augmentation, also known as augmentation mammoplasty, is a plastic surgical procedure that is meant to enhance the size, shape, and volume of the breasts. Generally, an implant is placed under the breast tissue of enlarged breasts. The cosmetic surgery has been one of the most popular aesthetic procedures worldwide since 2006 and continues to be popular in 2024. Breast augmentation is an elective procedure that can be beneficial for adults who feel self-conscious about the current size, shape, and volume of their breasts. For many women, enhancing the size of the natural breasts is appealing. Likewise, some with asymmetrical breast tissue seek to correct the problem with surgery.
Anatomical, round, saline, silicone, and fat transfer are used in breast augmentation. Breast implants can be used in the procedure, which are either made from polydimethylsiloxane filled with saline or silicone. Moreover, the skin used in the procedure can either be periareolar, inframammary, axillary, or periumbilical. Additionally, the implants are placed in either the submuscular or subglandular plane. It is critical for prospective patients to provide thorough consideration both to the risks involved and the benefits that surgery can provide. Moreover, personal thoughts on emotional and psychological well-being boost from the procedure remain critical.
Assessing Suitability for Breast Augmentation
Cosmetic breast augmentation has become one of the most popular plastic surgical procedures of the 21st century. Not everyone, however, is suitable for this surgery. Many factors need to be taken into consideration when deciding whether a potential candidate is suitable for breast augmentation. These include the individual’s age, general physical health, psychological readiness for the procedure, and a realistic understanding of what the procedure can and cannot achieve. A thorough understanding of the aims and limitations of breast augmentation is essential for an individual considering this procedure. This should ideally be done during consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon. The individual’s general state of health can also have a bearing on whether she is suitable for breast augmentation. At the time of consultation, it is advisable to provide information on any medical conditions that you may have and are receiving treatment for, as well as any previous surgical procedures or hospitalizations.
The role of body image and self-esteem also needs serious attention when considering breast augmentation. A woman should want breast enlargement to satisfy herself, not her partner. It is considered unethical and bad practice for some surgeons to withhold treatment simply because they feel an individual’s concerns are ‘unwarranted’ or ‘trivial’. This practice is in direct conflict with the concept of informed consent and respect for patient autonomy. It is true that every surgeon is within his or her rights to refuse a patient on whatever grounds he sees fit; however, in the case of a breast augmentation refusal, it should be because they believe the individual either does not understand what the procedure can achieve or is offering ethical objections rather than clinical ones. Failure to meet these considerations would not be due to the candidate, but to the professionals aiding in the decision-making process. Assessing the suitability of a potential candidate for surgery is important because this is one of the most critical factors in predicting satisfaction with the results of breast enlargement.
Recovery Process Following Breast Augmentation
Immediately after surgery:
- Patients will be placed in a front-closing surgical bra to provide continued support.
- A thin tube may be present to drain away fluids that might otherwise accumulate.
- Surgery often requires only a few hours of downtime.
- You will be resting briefly in the recovery room before getting discharged.
- Please hire a caregiver for the first few days post-op.
Recovery phases:
Patients should expect to experience the following during recovery:
- There might be a little discomfort for the two hours following surgery.
- Restricted movement of the upper body is recommended.
Recovery timeline: The timeline mentioned below is a generalization and can slightly vary depending on patient to patient. However, this should give you a good idea of what to expect during the recovery phase.
- First two weeks – Minor swelling and a moderate amount of pain, but this gets easily controlled with over-the-counter medication. – Patients are advised not to do any heavy lifting or laundry for at least an entire week.
- One to two months post-op – Symptoms of swelling slowly start to downsize.
- After three months – By around three months post-op, the symptoms mostly taper off. – It’s rare for patients to face any discomfort after three months of surgery.
Follow-up: It’s really important that you schedule a series of follow-up appointments as we further monitor your progress. These visits will also help us address any questions or concerns that may arise. We are here to support you during your recovery. We will also give you detailed care instructions. Be sure to call if you have any concerns or questions. In case of severe symptoms, call or visit for further assessment two days after the surgery. Keep in mind that several months are likely to pass before the final results are apparent.
Post-Operative Aftercare
Post-operative aftercare will also depend on some factors such as the incisions used, whether any additional procedures were undertaken, the patient’s occupational and social situation, as well as her general state of health and fitness. Remember, after surgery there will be a lot of swelling, possibly also bruising, and you should follow the advice given on wound care and also on fighting swelling. The surgical site must not be compromised in any way by exposure to exudates. This usually means wearing a dress or shirt under which a good full support bra can be safely worn without fear of unsightly staining or embarrassment. Activity in the immediate post-operative recovery period will also be limited, and patients are advised to avoid raising their arms or shoulders any higher than is absolutely necessary. Housework and lifting should also be kept to a minimum, preferably for the first week. Muscular straining and physical exercise should be avoided for many weeks longer, depending on the incision and pocket-making technique used, as well as the type of implant inserted; this will be discussed in detail with your surgeon during the first consultation.
Patients can experience a varying amount of discomfort during their recovery period. Pain relief will be provided, and some over-the-counter remedies may be all that is required thereafter. A herbal remedy often associated with wound healing will be recommended to the patient to take for the first week. Cool packs may be beneficial while swelling persists. The procedure and any other incidents on which they expressed concern will be carefully explained to the patient. An appointment will be made for the next available postoperative check-up, which should not be missed. The implants will need to be checked every eighteen months to three years by a plastic surgeon or GP who has considerable experience with them, or ideally, the operating surgeon, as well as mammography for the screening of breast cancer. Sometimes, the results of surgery are not entirely as the patient expected, and her concerns and anxieties can only be alleviated by reassurance and further clinical examinations.