Breast augmentation is a surgical operation that is done for correction of volume loss that appears either because of developmental reasons, pregnancy or weight loss. Breast prosthesis (implants) are used for this purpose.
Breast implants are medical materials that are used for breast enlargement and contain fluid in a silicon cover. They are classified into two categories by their fluid content as silicon gel and saline. There are round and tear-drop shaped
anatomical breast implants as their formal aspects. The shape and type of implant that will be used is decided according to the patient’s body shape, skin quality, thickness and expectations.
How is breast augmentation surgery is done?
Breast augmentation surgery is an aesthetical procedure that should be performed in operating conditions on a hospital and under general anesthesia. Breast prosthesis is implanted on the front or behind the muscle. There are different applications about these two techniques such as implants under muscle fascia and dual plan implantations. Prosthesis are implanted from axillary curve, the curve under breasts or around areola. The technique is planned pre-surgically, based on the person’s breast shape and the type of prosthesis.
After the surgery the patient is dressed with bandages and a sports bra that is adequate for desired size of the breasts. A vacuumed pipe system called drainage tube is used to prevent leakages to build up at surgical zone. Drainage is removed within three days depending on the outcoming leakage. The patient is discharged the next day with a prescription for an antibiotic and an analgesic The noticable swelling of the breasts that is felt on the following two days after the surgery, begins to reduce after 3rd day. Cold application to upper parts of breasts and rest can comfort the patient at this period. Sports bra is used for 4 weeks. Intense sportive activities that give burden to pectoral muscles should not be performed for 8 weeks..
How is postoperative phase of breast augmentation surgery?
There can be adverse events after any surgical intervention. Risk of anesthesia, hematomas at surgical site, infection and delay of wound healing are common complications that can be seen after any surgical operation. Usage of cigarettes increases complication rate because of its negative effects on tissue oxygenation and blood flow.
Capsule contracture is an adverse event unique to breast augmentation surgery. It can occur as an overreaction of body to breast implant at late stages with an incidence of 1-3 percent. It is seen with imparement of breast shape with a thickenning membrane around the implant. Loosening or removal of capsule, replacement or removal of breast implant can be necessary. The risk of deterioration of implant over time and leaking its content is very small. If sighted during rutine tests for breast cancer (mammograpy, breast USG) implant must be replaced.
Breast cancer risk is not different from normal population at patients who have breast implants. There is no inconvenience for persons with breast prosthesis to get pregnant. But for tissues to complete the healing process a planned pregnancy is not recomended in first 6 months. Additionally breast implant doesn't prevent lactating..
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