Breast Enlargement & Augmentation Surgery

What can one expect from breast enlargement / breast augmentation surgery?

Women with harmoniously proportional breasts have the best probability of obtaining aesthetically good results if their breasts are enlarged with implants. Further changing of breast shape is possible, but the price is the formation of scars.

One should remember that an implant is palpable on accurate touching. The edge of the implant can especially be felt in the lower part of the breast where soft tissues are not as well developed.

What should you take into consideration before breast enlargement / breast augmentation surgery?

• You should be as healthy as possible before the planned surgery.
• Limit your consumption of nicotine and alcohol to a minimum. If necessary, the use of preparations containing hormones (contraceptives, hormone replacement) should be temporary discontinued.
• You should not take aspirin or other such medicaments for a period of at least 7 days prior to the surgery.
• Up to seven to ten days should be planned for resting after breast enlargement / augmentation surgery, as exercise should be limited right after the surgery.

At hospital
In general, one night should be spent in hospital after breast enlargement surgery. In doing so, monitoring by qualified personnel is ensured after the surgery.

Anaesthesia
In general, breast enlargement surgeries will be performed under general anaesthesia, so you will be asleep for the duration of the surgery. Prior to the surgery, an anaesthesiologist will perform necessary research to guarantee the most suitable anaesthesia for you.

How will the breast enlargement / augmentation surgery be performed?

• Duration of the breast augmentation surgery is approximately 60 – 90 minutes.
• The method used depends on your anatomical properties and wishes, also on the recommendations of the surgeon.

The usual course of the surgery is the following:

• A 4 cm incision will be made under the breast, around the nipples or under the armpit. Regardless of the area chosen, the surgeon will try to make the incision as invisible as possible. Scars usually become invisible during the healing process.
• After making an incision, a pouch for the implant will be formed – this is situated behind the breast gland or behind the pectoral muscle. Most surgeons recommend deployment of the implant behind the pectoral muscle because the muscle will cover the implant better.
• Before deployment, small drainage tubes will be positioned into the implant pouch to remove blood and aqueous humour during the first postoperative stage (12 – 24 hours).
• Implants will be fixed with a strong bandage.

After breast enlargement / augmentation surgery – what should you pay attention to?

The breasts are painful during the first postoperative days because the breasts are tense. Therefore, normal mobility of the upper body will be limited. Painkillers will typically be prescribed for this period.

Drainage tubes positioned during the surgery will be usually removed during the first postoperative days. The bandage will be removed at once or during the next few days, and you will be given a special bra which should be worn for the following 2 to 3 weeks.

Stitches will be absorbed into the body; only a few stitches may require removal after 14 days. In the beginning the wound is flushed and hard; after some months the wound will become lighter and will resemble the rest of the skin. You can start using special wound treatment creams three weeks after the surgery. The wound should be protected from sunlight for the first 6 months.

Depending on your condition, you may start usual everyday life within a few days, exercise is allowed after 4-6 weeks (a special bra should be worn).

Although the successful result of the surgery is visible quite soon after the surgery, the final result may take a few months. The capsule has formed within 3 to 4 weeks; tightness of the breast may last for 6 to 8 weeks. Slowly the breast will become soft again. Hyper- or hyposensitivity of the nipples, use of a protective device for the nipples may be necessary. Regaining normal sensitivity may take months.

Depending on the type of implant and if your doctor agrees, you may start massaging your breasts starting from the third postoperative week. This helps the spreading of the implant capsule to prevent development of capsular fibrosis. Lying on your breasts to load the implants is also permitted and recommended.

As said above, mammography is possible and recommended for women with implants.

Following final deployment of the implant, you will not have any limitations (sport, diving, flying in a plane, sauna) – breast enlargement is meant for your quality of life to improve, not to be limited.

Your new appearance after breast enlargement / augmentation surgery

If treatment indications are correct and expectations realistic, most women are content and very happy with the results. Improvement of appearance means beginning a “new life” to the patients, with better feelings and improved self-esteem.

Can breast enlargement / augmentation surgery be repeated?

Basically, breast enlargement / augmentation can be repeated. Regular follow-up by a surgeon will prevent and improve possible complications. In case of problems, a personal decision should be made about the corrective measures to be used.