Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure performed to increase the volume of the breasts in women. It is also known as augmentation plasty.

Breast implants are kind of special materials are placed under the breast tissue or chest muscles. Women may want to have this surgery for different reasons. Generally, the fact that one breast is smaller than the other, that is, asymmetrical appearance; or both breasts are small, are among the main reasons. These situations lead to a lack of self-confidence in women.

In addition, a patient who has survived breast cancer may choose breast augmentation surgery alongside other surgical options during or after recovery. It is very important for the patients to inform the doctor about their current situation and expectations before going for this operation for any reason, and to have information about the pre- and post-process.

Breast Augmentation Surgery Pre-Op Period

Before breast augmentation surgery, the patient evaluates breast size, sensation and appearance with the surgeon. After the evaluation, the surgeon presents the implants of different structures containing saline or silicone gel with the appropriate surgical method to the patient.

As in almost all surgical procedures, it is recommended that patients who smoke quit or take a break before breast augmentation surgery. If the patients are using medication for any reason, they should definitely notify her/his doctor. Because the use of painkillers and blood thinners can be dangerous.

The day before the surgery, the patients should not eat or drink anything 12 hours before. In this way, a complication that may develop while under general anesthesia is prevented.

Breast Augmentation Surgery Candidates Need to Know

Before deciding on breast augmentation surgery, there are situations that candidates should definitely evaluate, especially on the results:

• Placing the implants does not prevent the patients from experiencing breast sagging. For this situation, a separate procedure called mastopexy may be required.
• Breast implants are generally not guaranteed for lifetime use. This period, which varies according to the type used in the surgery, is approximately 10-15 years.
• Even after a successful surgery, the preservation of the results depends on the post-op care that the patient will apply. During periods such as excessive weight gain or loss, the structure of the breasts may deteriorate.
• It may not be easy to make clear comments on the mammogram images of women who have had breast implants.

How is Breast Augmentation Surgery Performed?

Breast augmentation surgeries are mostly performed under general anesthesia. Rarely, local anesthesia and sedation can be applied together depending on the case. The surgeon can place the implant by making incisions from 3 different areas. These areas may be the fold under the breast, under the arm or around the nipple. After the incision, the breast tissue is separated from the muscles and connective tissue. In this way, a pocket is formed in the anterior or posterior part of the pectoral muscle. The implant is placed exactly in this opened pocket and then centered.

If the saline implant is preferred, it is first placed empty and then filled with sterilized saline. Silicone implants are already filled with gel and ready to placed. After this stage is passed, the incisions are closed with sutures and carefully bandaged. The minimal scar formation depends on the incision area.

Breast Augmentation Post-Op Period

For a few weeks following breast augmentation, the patient experiences pain, swelling and bruising. The scars on the incisions will fade after a while, but may not completely disappear. Special ointments prescribed by the doctor can be used for avoiding in this condition. During the healing phase, a sports bra or bandage should be used to support the breast implants and keep them in place.

In order for the patients to go back to their daily life, it is necessary to follow the instructions of the surgeon. If pain is experienced, painkillers recommended by the doctor are used. It is possible to return to work within a few weeks, if the patient's does not have a heavy worklife.

However, heavy strenuous exercises should be avoided for 1-2 weeks after breast augmentation. While the patient is in the recovery period, the surgical site will be more sensitive than normal.

If the sutures used to close the incisions do not disappear on their own at the end of the procedure, an additional check-up is required for the surgeon to remove these sutures. In any unexpected situation such as high fever, rash, the risk of infection should be considered and the doctor should be contacted immediately.