Breast augmentation

breast augmentation

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At ATHERA, we evaluate the patient’s aesthetic goals and expectations from the breast augmentation procedure.

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What is breast augmentation procedure?

Breast augmentation is one of the most common cosmetic/ aesthetic surgical procedure. It adds volume to the breast.

Who are the candidates for breast augmentation surgery?

Patients with naturally small breast.
Weight fluctuations.
Different sizes of breast (Breast asymmetry).
Loss of breast volume as part of ageing.
Changes related to pregnancy and breast feeding (Mommy Makeover).
Loss of breast volume after breast cancer surgery (As a part of breast reconstruction).
Psychological reasons.

What to expect in pre-procedure consultation?

Our team will engage in detailed consultation to know patient’s goals and expectations, prior medical/surgical history. Dr. Ujwal Chirde will conduct a through physical examination to formulate a personalized plan about the choice of breast implant and surgical approach.

What are Breast augmentation techniques?

Locations of surgical incisions:

There are 4 different incision options for breast augmentation. Incision length ranges from 4-7 cm depending upon the type of breast implant.

Inframammary- This incision is made along the proposed inframammary crease where underside of breast meets the chest wall. This is the most preferred surgical technique worldwide and by Dr. Ujwal Chirde at ATHERA.
Periareolar – This incision is made around the perimeter of areola.
Transaxillary – This incision is made in the under-arm area.
Transumbilical – This incision is placed in the upper portion of umbilicus. Suitable only for saline implants.

Pocket position for breast implant:

Position of the breast implant depends upon patient’s breast volume and skin quality. Decided at the time of your consultation.

Sub muscular position: Breast implant is placed under the pectoral muscle/chest muscle. Looks and feel more natural. Stay softer for longer period. Minimizes the chances of wrinkling and palpability of breast implant. Do not get in the way of mammogram.
Sub glandular position: Breast implant is placed below the breast tissue and above the pectoral muscle.

Dual plane position: Superior portion of breast implant is covered by pectoral muscle and lower portion of breast implant is sub glandular.

What is Composite Breast augmentation?

It is combination of breast implant augmentation and Autologous fat grafting. It allows for a perfect shape in selected patients.

About choosing right breast implant?

Our surgical team will discuss about size and type of implant, its surface texture and shape, placement and position of incision. Implant based augmentation can be determined by surface of implant shell and its composition. Surface of Implant shell can be smooth or textured. We prefer textured implant as it is proven to have lesser incidence of capsular contracture. Depending upon the composition implant could be Saline or Silicone gel implant. We prefer round shaped cohesive silicone gel implant as it provide more natural look in upright position and produce better breast shape. Also, it minimizes implant displacement, rotation within the pocket, risk of capsular contracture, visible rippling, leak & rupture rate.

How is the recovery after breast augmentation?

There will be some swelling, bruising, tenderness, feeling of tightness & discomfort around chest area. These will take some time to subside depending upon patients healing response. Patient’s will be given prescription of pain medication for at least 2 to 3 days following surgery. Patients who have non-physical job (desk or computer activity) can commonly return to work about 5 to 7 days following surgery. Physical activity is generally (aerobic/sexual activity) permitted after 6 weeks. We don’t advice any leisure travel or vacation for less than 3 weeks after the surgery. We recommend our patients wear a compression brassier for 6 weeks after surgery, including while sleeping at night. Post operative follow up visits will be for at least 2 weeks, 6 weeks and 2 months post op. We encourage our patients to sleep in inclined position for at least 2 weeks to help decrease swelling.

What kind of scars patient may have?

Depending upon patient’s anatomy and aesthetic goals, we recommend incision for best aesthetic outcome. Breast tends to heal quite well but scarring is also patient dependent. Scar quality depends on body area, genetics, skin quality, complexion, skin type, life style habits and degree of sun exposure. Appearance of scar is typically best at about 1 year after surgery. We recommend silicone and hydroquinone based scar gels to minimize scarring and hyper pigmentation.

Locations of surgical incisions:

There are 4 different incision options for breast augmentation. Incision length ranges from 4-7 cm depending upon the type of breast implant.

Inframammary- This incision is made along the proposed inframammary crease where underside of breast meets the chest wall. This is the most preferred surgical technique worldwide and by Dr. Ujwal Chirde at ATHERA.
Periareolar – This incision is made around the perimeter of areola.
Transaxillary – This incision is made in the under-arm area.
Transumbilical – This incision is placed in the upper portion of umbilicus. Suitable only for saline implants.

What are potential complications?

Bleeding
Infection
Breast Implant migration
Nipple Areola numbness
Capsular contracture
Asymmetry
Unfavorable scarring
Leak in implant

What is shelf life of Implant?

Breast Implant warranties vary depending upon company or manufacturer. In general implant has shelf life of 10 years, therefore almost all require replacement at some point. Other indications for implant replacement are change in aesthetic desire, after breast feeding, following possible complications.

faq`s

1. How do I prepare for Breast Augmentation surgery?

Patients who smoke should stop it at least 3 to 4 weeks before surgery. Stop anti-inflammatory medication if using about a month before surgery. Continue normal exercise and everyday routine until the day of surgery. Patient specific additional pre-operative instruction will be given during initial consultation and treatment planning session.

2. Do breast implants help with sagging?

Breast augmentation does not guarantee lifted breast appearance. Breast lift/Mastopexy is the procedure for enhanced appearance of sagging breast. Also, remember that breasts continue to age. So, a breast lift surgery can address sagging in augmented breast if needed.

3. Breast implants rise when my muscle contracts, is this normal?

If you have a sub-muscular implant (under the muscle) then this can happen. As the muscle contracts this will pull on the capsule which causes implant to move. This is normal and expected.

4. How will my breast size be determined?

Your specific breast size will be determined after thorough clinical examination of your breast, your aesthetic goals and body type. Along with these years of experience of our chief plastic surgeon with breast surgery procedures and outcomes will help you in selection of appropriate breast implant size.

5. Will I retain my Nipple sensation after breast augmentation?

With our preferred approach for breast augmentation incidences of alteration in Nipple areola sensation are minimal. Alteration if any usually resolves after about 6 months duration.

6. What is Capsular contracture?

It is a rare risk associated with breast augmentation surgery. After surgery, thin layer of internal scar tissue forms around the implant. When the scar tissue thickens and hardens it leads to conformational change of breast, sometimes tight or painful breasts. Treatment involves implant removal and/or exchange with capsulectomy.

Breast augmentation