Breast augmentation

What are the Breast Augmentation results and the outlook?

The results of breast augmentation are immediately visible. Final results appear gradually over the next few weeks when swelling resolves and breast size and shape settles. Incision lines typically continue to fade over the next year. Over time, your breast can change due to aging, weight fluctuations, hormonal factors and gravity.

How are breasts enlarged?

Implants made of medical grade, bio-compatible silicon are used for augmentation. The outer shell is made of either textured or smooth silicone with saline, silicone gel, or cohesive silicone gel as its content.

The implants may have a smooth or textured surface. Smooth-surfaced implants are more mobile, while textured ones are likely to be restricted in mobility, as the tissues grip the surface better. The advantage of cohesive gel implants is that they can be shaped like a breast. This is why they are called anatomical implants.

Saline and silicone gel implants have a higher risk of leaking and subsequently deflating. Cohesive gel silicone implants are semisolid in consistency and retain their shape even if cut open.

What Can I Expect After Breast Augmentation Surgery?

You will notice the difference in the size of your breasts almost immediately. Your breasts will be strapped in a firm compressive dressing, and then you will be advised to wear a firm supportive bra continuously for eight weeks. This helps in fixing the implant in its proper position, and reduces the risk of rotation of the implant. As the wounds are closed with absorbable sutures, stitch removal is not usually necessary.

Immediately after the operation, most women experience mild swelling, bruising, and tenderness. These symptoms subside in a short time. Your breasts will ride high on your chest. Once the swelling has subsided, the breasts will settle to a more natural and pleasing location and shape. This may take up to three to six months.

After the operation, you may have mild to moderate realization of discomfort, most noticeable only on movement. This is easily controlled with oral medication. In a week’s time most of the medications can be stopped. We advise you to refrain from vigorous activity for two weeks and aerobic upper body exercise for six weeks to allow your wounds to heal.

Are There Any Risks And Complications Involved In Breast Augmentation Surgery?

● Possible complications of general anesthesia, along with nausea, vomiting and fever may occur. Our anesthetist will discuss these with you in detail.

● There is a risk of infection. Usually it can be prevented and treated by antibiotics. If the infection cannot be controlled by antibiotics, then the implant will have to be removed till the infection is controlled, and it is re-inserted at a later date.

● Hematoma (collection of blood that may cause swelling, pain and bruising, perhaps requiring surgical draining).

● There also may be delayed wound healing. This is very rare after a standard breast augmentation.

Are there any risks involved with breast implants?

● Capsular contracture (hardening of the breast due to scar tissue) – The body lays down a layer of scar tissue around any foreign object, which in some individuals can become very hard, and can distort the implant. However, the risk of this happening is only about five to ten percent with the newer generation of implants.

● Leak or rupture – Silicone implants may leak or rupture slowly, releasing silicone gel into surrounding tissue; saline implants may rupture suddenly and deflate, usually requiring immediate removal or replacement. Cohesive gel implants have not been found to leak.

● Temporary or significant change or loss of sensation in the nipple or breast tissue.

● Formation of calcium deposits in surrounding tissue, possibly causing pain and hardening – only a problem in silicone gel implants, if they leak.

● Shifting from the original placement, giving the breast an unnatural look. Proper precautions have to be taken to prevent rotation or displacement of implants and hence firm support for the breasts is necessary after surgery.