Breast Augmentation
Also known as augmentation mammaplasty, breast enlargement or breast implantsBreast augmentation surgery increases or restores breast size using silicone implants, saline implants or in some cases, fat transfer. One of the most popular and frequently performed aesthetic surgery procedures, breast augmentation has a long and successful track record in satisfying women who wish to enhance, regain or restore balance to their figures.When to Consider Breast Augmentation
- If you want a better proportioned or more appealing figure
- If you wish your clothes fit better
- If you believe you might gain self-confidence or self-esteem from such a procedure
- When pregnancy, weight loss or aging has affected the size and shape of your breasts
- To restore symmetry if one of your breasts is smaller than the other
Considerations
Pros
- Augmentation is a long-term solution for achieving an ideal figure.
- You can look better in clothes and swimwear.
- You can have a more youthful-looking figure.
- You can feel more proportional.
Cons
- Implants are not life time devices and may eventually need to be replaced.
- Normal surgical risks are involved.
- There is a rare condition called Breast Implant Related Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BI-ALCL) which you should discuss with your plastic surgeon.
- Some patients wish to remove implants later for a variety of reasons, which can include pain, asymmetry, lifestyle changes, or other symptoms
Are you a good candidate for breast augmentation?
The following are some common reasons why you may want to consider breast augmentation:- You believe your breasts are too small for your body.
- You feel self-conscious wearing a swimsuit or form-fitting or low-cut tops.
- Clothes that fit your hips are too large at the bust line.
- Your breasts do not fill out your brassiere.
- Your breasts have become smaller or less firm after you’ve had children.
- Your breasts have become smaller due to weight loss.
- One of your breasts is noticeably smaller than the other.
- You have sagging breasts, which may benefit from both augmentation and a breast lift.
Detailed Procedural Info
How is a breast augmentation procedure performed?
In breast augmentation using implants, your surgeon makes an incision, creates a pocket in the chest/breast area and places an implant in the pocket.An additional option for breast augmentation is autologous fat transfer, a process in which your surgeon removes some of your own fat, using liposuction, from a fat-yielding body part (such as your abdomen, thighs, or flanks) processes it and then injects it into your breasts.Where will my breast implants be placed?
Multiple factors, including your anatomy and your surgeon’s recommendations, will determine how your breast implant is inserted and positioned. The implant is placed in a pocket either:- Underneath the pectoral muscle, which is located between the breast tissue and chest wall.
- Underneath the breast tissue and on top of the pectoral muscle.
What are my options?
There have never been more choices for breast augmentation. The following options are available, depending on your medical history, body shape and aesthetic goals.Breast augmentation patients have a choice between saline implants and silicone implants. Choosing the type of implant typically comes down to personal preference and the surgeon’s opinion.Saline-filled breast implants are filled with sterile salt water. Saline breast implants may be prefilled at a predetermined size or filled at the time of surgery to allow for minor modifications in implant size.Structured saline-filled breast implants are filled with sterile salt water, but contain a structure inside so they behave as if filled with soft, elastic silicone gel. This structure enables them to hold their shape better than traditional saline implants. Approved by the FDA and Health Canada in 2014, these implants have been available since 2015.Silicone gel-filled breast implants are filled with soft, elastic gel and are available in a variety of shapes and degrees of firmness. All silicone gel breast implants are pre-filled and patients may require a longer incision for larger implant placement.Cohesive gel silicone gel-filled breast implants, also known as “gummy bear” or “form stable” implants, are filled with a cohesive gel, made of crosslinked molecules of silicone, which makes them a bit thicker and firmer than traditional silicone gel implants. This enables them to hold their shape better. Approved by the FDA for use in the United States in 2012, these silicone implants have been available in much of the world since 1992.Autologous fat transfer removes fat through liposuction from an area of your body in which there are abundant fat cells, such as your thighs, abdomen and hips. After a process of preparation, the fat cells are injected into your breast. The amount of fat available for augmentation may be less than the volume achievable with an implant in many patients. Not all of the fat that is transferred is expected to survive the grafting process, and in some cases, the surgery may need to be repeated to achieve greater volumes of augmentation.Your plastic surgeon might combine any of these breast augmentation options with a breast lift if there is any sagging or drooping of your breasts.Your anatomy and health profile as well as your personal preferences will help you and your surgeon determine:- The best type of surgery for you
- Your optimal breast size
- The type of implant and incision location that will best fill your needs.
- Your medical history
- Your goals for breast enhancement
- Your existing body frame and mass
- Your existing breast tissue
- Your preferences related to size and incision placement.
What will my breast augmentation incisions and scars be like?
An incision can be made in one of four places:- Inframammary: Underneath the breast, just above the crease
- Transaxillary: Near the armpit, where the arm meets the chest area
- Periareolar: Around the lower edge of the areola (the dark area surrounding the nipple)
- Transumbilical: in the navel
A
B
- Incisions can be made underneath the breast in the crease; around the areola; in the armpit; or in the belly button (saline only).
- Breast Augmentation can restore and enhance your breast volume, giving you renewed confidence.
Is breast augmentation safe?
It is important for women with breast implants to keep in mind that breast implants are not intended to last a lifetime: replacement may become necessary. After breast implant surgery, you should have periodic examination by a board-certified plastic surgeon to monitor your implants.Silicone gel−filled breast implants have been under scrutiny for years, but after gathering detailed and meticulous research and data, the FDA has approved them for use in cosmetic breast enhancement surgery, finding no link between silicone gel implants and connective tissue disease, breast cancer or reproductive problems. In addition, the FDA has approved three companies to develop and market breast implants and continue to collect data on their long-term safety and efficacy. For more information on silicone breast implants, please see the FDA breast implant information provided on their site.Surgical techniques for breast augmentation and all breast implants are continually being refined, increasing the safety and reliability of the procedure. Ask your plastic surgeon to provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision.After finding a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area who is experienced in performing breast augmentation, you will need to make an appointment for your consultation. Generally, because of the in-depth nature of the consultation, there is a cost associated with the initial visit. In some cases for out-of-town patients, introductory consultations can be undertaken virtually using telemedicine technologies, but an in-person exam should be performed before surgery.
Your initial consultation appointment
During your initial consultation, you will have the opportunity to discuss your cosmetic goals. Your surgeon will evaluate you as a candidate for breast augmentation and clarify what a breast augmentation can do for you. Understanding your goals and medical condition, both alternative and additional treatments may be considered (see related procedures).You should come to the consultation prepared to discuss your complete medical history. This will include information about:- Previous surgeries
- Past and present medical conditions
- Allergies and current medications
- Medical treatments you have received
- Medications you currently take
- Family history of breast cancer
- Current mammogram results
- Your history of smoking, steroid use, or other factors that may influence healing
- The current size and shape of your breasts.
- The breast size and shape that you desire.
- The quality and quantity of your breast tissue.
- The quality of your skin.
- The placement of your nipples and areolas.
Your treatment plan
Based on your goals, physical characteristics, and the surgeon’s training and experience, your surgeon will share recommendations and information with you, including:- An approach to your surgery, including the type of procedure or combination of procedures.
- The outcomes that you can anticipate.
- Your financial investment for the procedure.
- Associated risks and complications.
- Options for anesthesia and surgery location.
- What is needed to prepare for the surgery.
- What you can expect to experience after surgery.
- Show before-and-after photos of cases that are similar to yours and answer any questions; 3D imaging may be used to help choose an appropriate implant for you.
Questions to ask your aesthetic plastic surgeon
It is important for you to take an active role in your surgery, so please use this list of questions as a starting point for your initial consultation:- Am I a good candidate for breast enhancement or enlargement?
- Are the results I am seeking reasonable and realistic?
- Do you have before-and-after photos I can look at for the procedure I am undergoing?
- Will you be combining a breast lift with the breast augmentation?
- In my case, will the breast implants be placed beneath the breast tissue or beneath the pectoral muscle?
- Will my scars be visible? Where will my scars be located? Is there any way I can minimize scarring?
- What type of implants do you recommend for me?
- What kind of anesthesia do you recommend for me?
- How much will a breast augmentation cost?
- What will you expect of me to get the best results?
- What kind of recovery period can I expect and when can I resume normal activities?
- How many additional implant-related operations can I expect over my lifetime?
- How can I expect my implanted breasts to look over time? After pregnancy? After breast-feeding?
- What are the risks and complications associated with my procedure?
- How are complications handled?
- What are my options if the cosmetic outcome of my breast augmentation does not meet the goals we agreed on?
- How will my breasts look if I choose to have the implants removed in the future and not have them replaced?
Preparing for Your Procedure
How do I prepare for a breast augmentation procedure?
Your surgeon will provide thorough preoperative instructions, answer any questions you may have, take a detailed medical history and perform a physical exam to determine your fitness for surgery.To help detect and track any changes in your breast tissue, your plastic surgeon may recommend:- A baseline mammogram before surgery
- Another mammogram a few months after surgery
- Stop smoking at least six weeks before undergoing cosmetic surgery to better promote healing.
- Avoid taking aspirin and certain anti-inflammatory drugs that can increase bleeding.
- Regardless of the type of surgery to be performed, hydration is very important before and after surgery for safe recovery.
- Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedure.
- General anesthesia is commonly used during your breast augmentation procedure, although local anesthesia or intravenous sedation may be desirable in some instances.
- For your safety during the surgery, various monitors will be used to check your heart, blood pressure, pulse and the amount of oxygen circulating in your blood.
- Your surgeon will follow the surgical plan discussed with you before surgery.
- After your procedure is completed, you will be taken into a recovery area, where you will continue to be closely monitored.
Aftercare and Recovery
Your surgeon will discuss how long it will be before you can return to your normal level of activity and work. After surgery, you and your caregiver will receive detailed instructions about your post-op care, including information about:
- Drains, if they have been placed
- Normal symptoms you will experience
- Potential signs of complication
- For two to five days, you may feel stiff and sore in your chest region.
- Any surgical dressings will be removed within several days. You may be instructed to wear a support bra.
- You will be permitted to shower between one and seven days after surgery.
- If you have external sutures, they will be removed in about a week. If your surgeon used tissue glue or tape, it will fall off on its own in a week or two.
- You may be able to return to work within a few days to a week, depending on the nature of your job.
- You should refrain from lifting, pulling or pushing anything that causes pain and limit strenuous activity or upper body twisting if this causes discomfort.
How Long Will the Results Last?
Under normal circumstances, the results of your breast augmentation surgery will be long-lasting; however, it’s important to know that breast implants may need to be replaced. Routine follow-up with your surgeon is important.Fat transfer surgery has different expectations, including losing some volume over time.Your breasts can change due to:
- Childbirth
- Aging
- Weight gain or loss
- Hormonal factors
- Gravity
Associated Costs in Dubai
The cost of breast augmentation varies from doctor to doctor, from one geographic area to another, and based on the specific augmentation procedure. Between saline breast implants, gel-filled silicone implants, and “gummy bear” silicone implants, the type of implant will also influence the total cost.Call for physician fees per procedure.These numbers only reflect the physician/surgeon fees last year and do not include fees for the surgical facility, anesthesia, medical tests, prescriptions, surgical garments or other miscellaneous costs related to breast revision.Because breast augmentation is an elective cosmetic surgery, insurance does not cover these costs. Many surgeons offer financing plans to make the procedure more affordable.
Limitations and Risks
Fortunately, significant complications from breast augmentation are infrequent. Your specific risks for breast augmentation will be discussed during your consultation.All surgical procedures have some degree of risk. Some of the potential complications of all surgeries are:
- Adverse reaction to anesthesia
- Hematoma or seroma (an accumulation of blood or fluid under the skin that may require removal)
- Infection and bleeding
- Changes in sensation
- Scarring
- Allergic reactions
- Damage to underlying structures
- Unsatisfactory results that may necessitate additional procedures
- Infection
- Capsular contracture
- Implant rupture
- Mammography shadows affecting breast cancer detection.
- Women with breast implants are encouraged to contact their plastic surgeon if they notice swelling, fluid collections, or unexpected changes in breast shape
- In symptomatic patients suspicious for BI-ALCL, the implant should be immediately removed.
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