View Gallery

Breast Augmentation procedure can increase the size of the breast and also correct a noticeable breast asymmetry, and breast implants can be used to help correct tuberous breast deformities. However it cannot restore the sagging breast after weight loss or pregnancy, a breast lift may be required along with the augmentation. Breast lift can be done as a separate procedure.

Silicone breast implants are filled with highly cohesive silicone gel. These form stable implants are also called a “Gummy Bear Implants”. The silicone gel feels more like a natural breast tissue and If the implant gets ruptured, the gel remains within the implant shell. There are a variety of round and anatomically shaped implant sizes and profiles. Round implants will typically achieve a fuller upper pole (the top portion of your breast), while anatomically shaped implants lend a gently sloping look to the breast profile. The most suitable breast implants size and shape depends on the existing breast size, personal goals, and plastic surgeon’s recommendations.

Depending on the anatomy and desired outcome, the plastic surgeon will use one of the following incision techniques to place the breast implants:

• Inframammary - a short incision made in the crease underneath the breast, called the inframammary fold, which leaves a thin 3 to 4 cm scar that is easily concealed within the crease.
• Peri-areolar - the incision is made around the outer edge of the areola, so the resulting scar is located within this natural its transition in pigmentation. This type if incision is the preferred one in Symetria Corporis Clinic.
• Trans-axillary - this involves a small incision made within the armpit, through which the breast implants are placed using a specialized camera and instruments.
• Transumbilical - this technique involves an incision just above the belly button and each breast implant is inserted through this incision and then brought up to the breast.

The position of the silicone implants can be under the muscle (m.pectoralis major) or above the muscle, directly under the breast tissue. The Subpectoral (under the muscle) breast implant placement is the preferred ones, as the upper poles of the breasts often appear more naturally sloped, and the upper and inner parts of the breast appear less bubble - like, compared to breasts with subglandular (above the muscle) breast implants. In addition, some data suggest that subpectoral implants lead to a lower risk of capsular contracture formation, compared with subglandular implants.

Breast augmentation is done under a general anesthesia, but in some specific cases can be done under local anesthesia. The patient who is about to have a breast enhancement surgery must be at the hospital early in the morning with no intake of food or drinks in the last six hours. The medical tests and examinations, required for the anesthesia will be made on the same day. After the results are ready and the patient is cleared for surgery, the procedure will start.
Depending on each individual, the procedure generally takes approximately 1 to 2 hours to perform. After making an incision, the surgeon will separate the breast tissue from the muscles and connective tissue of the chest. This creates a pocket either behind or in front of the outermost muscle of the chest wall depending on the chosen implant position. The surgeon will insert the implant into this pocket and center it behind the nipple. Incisions are closed with layered sutures in the breast tissue and with dissolvable stitches. After the surgery the patient might feel a little dizzy, breasts may be wrapped with elastic bands or sports bra and also there might be a drainage, which will be removed in a day or two. The patient must wear the sports bra all the time during the postoperative recovery period and after that-during sleep. A slight to moderate pain is often observed, in case of needed a pain-killers will be prescribed. The patient stays at the hospital for two or three days.

The patient may feel sore the first week or so, and must limit strenuous activities and exercises for about 2-4 weeks. Sleeping on the back is strongly recommeneded and sleeping in the chest is strictly forbidden. It is crucial to follow the plastic surgeon’s instructions to ensure an optimal healing and recovery. The final results may take a few weeks to a few months and sometimes a year as the swelling subsides and the skin and the muscle stretches. Incision lines may take several months to fade, even a couple of years.

The breast augmentation procedure is extremely safe. After the procedure, the patient has fully functional breasts, and may be able to breastfeed in the future. Future pregnancies or weight fluctuations may affect the results, and a secondary surgery may be needed to correct any changes because of the normal aging process - over time, breast tissue will change. A patient can help prevent unnecessary sagging by wearing a bra.

Other breast augmentation techniques involve stem-cell-enriched fat transplant. This technique has certain limitations with regard to success. Large augmentation is nearly never possible, while it is imperative that the patient has enough body fat that can be collected via liposuction. Stem-cell techniques are more suitable for breast reconstruction and some mastectomies.

The injectable hyaluronic acid fillers are not suitable for breast augmentation, since the results are temporary, while it is quite an expensive technique.