Breast augmentation is a sensitive topic in every possible way, requiring a high degree of trust between the patient and the medical practitioners involved. It has been the most common cosmetic procedure in the world for several years in a row. Implants are used in many different situations, such as when a woman wants to increase the size of her breasts, reconstruct one or both breasts after a mastectomy or injury, has breasts are of unequal size, has sagging breast tissue due to major weight loss, or desires breasts as part of gender reassignment surgery.
Like any medical procedure, it is in everyone’s best interests to be fully informed of the many particulars that accompany such an operation. This is especially true when selecting the implants themselves; the selected implants must strike a balance between the patient’s desired appearance on the one hand and the need to avoid either short or long-term damage to the patient’s health.
Silicone Implants
The most common method of breast augmentation today is the insertion of a silicone gel sac beneath the skin of the existing breast. This method has been the most popular since gel implants were certified for use; it requires a relatively minimal surgery, has a short recovery time, and is far safer than most of the alternatives. Silicone sacs have proven resistant to leakage and rupture, and imitate the body’s tissues closely enough to offer no significant challenge in returning to the patient’s original lifestyle.
A surgeon’s main challenge in preoperative recommendation is helping patients choose the right implant for their existing physique. Although the idea of instant expansion may be alluring, one cannot simply select any size at all. Like a natural breast, the implant needs to be suited to the patient’s body. The wrong implant can lead to unnatural strains on the skeleton that supports the bust, or deformities to the soft tissue enveloping the implant. In extreme cases, this can cause the implant to become unseated or the healing incision to rupture, leading to revision surgery in the future.
These complications can all be avoided by selecting a reasonably sized implant for the patient’s body type, taking careful consideration of their current and desired physical appearance. Additional preventative measures include inserting a soft tissue reinforcement membrane under the implants, strengthening the support for the newly enlarged bust.
Side Effects
Common complications include bacterial inflammation and increased sensitivity or even bleeding of the areola. There also exists a slight chance of the condition breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL), although it is exceptionally rare; fewer than ten cases are reported each year.
Recent research indicates that the bulk of these complications originate from insufficient hygiene in the operating room, or failure to properly sterilize the implants before inserting them. Patients can protect themselves by choosing an experienced, licensed surgeon.
Conclusion
Breast augmentation is a popular way to restore or reconfigure a woman’s breasts. Proper education of both patient and surgeon can make sure it gets done right the first time, reducing secondary procedures and leaving more patients satisfied with their new reflection.
Written by Shlomo Witty
References
- New plastic surgery statistics reveal trends toward body enhancement
- Modern Primary Breast Augmentation: Best Recommendations for Best Results
- Primary Augmentation
- Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma
- Controllable Factors to Reduce the Rate of Complications in Primary Breast Augmentation: A Review of the Literature
