Breast enlargement by the use of breast implants has become a standard procedure which has had some good and bad press over the past few years and it is hoped that a balanced view can be included here. The first item is to make sure you are certain of what you want and get the best possible medical advice then go with the best surgical practice you can find.
Reasons for breast implantation
There are two main reasons for breast enlargement:-
1) To make yourself look better and feel better, because your breasts are too small, different sizes or reduced after dieting or pregnancy.
2) To counteract the loss of a breast due to breast cancer or other problems.
Breast Implants
There are several different types of implants and these should be discussed prior to the operation but basically consist of an outer silicone layer that is filled either with saline or silicon gel or even a combination in separate pockets. There are various types and the latest are made up of several thin layers instead of one thick layer. The outer layer is often thicker in total than years ago to reduce the chance of leakage after implantation but they still feel soft and natural.
Breast Surgery
Prior to the operation there will probably be some photographs taken and often a mammogram will be taken.
The operation will be carried out under general anaesthetic and requires a number of incisions the position of which will be determined by the surgeon but may be under the breast, near the armpit or around the nipple area. He will make a space for the implant, insert the implant and close the incisions. The whole breast implantation should take less than 2 hours.
After Surgery
The patient usually should be in hospital at least one night and there will be some pain for a period of time afterwards and painkillers will be prescribed.
They will have to be careful in hygiene and in what can and cannot be done in the next few weeks. Strenuous work should be avoided for a few weeks and the incisions will take about a week to heal and dressings and bandages will have to be replaced.
Problems
There are a number of problems that may occur from the operation and these should be discussed with the surgeon prior to the surgery. The main ones are:-
1) Some do leak after a period of time and this will need further surgery to rectify. There have been all sorts of scares including leakages causing cancer but as yet these are unproven. Any doubts should be questioned at the start.
2) There may be size differences in the breast, which may need rectification.
3) There may be sensation differences at the start but sometimes these can be long lasting.
4) Fluid can sometimes build up around the implant and this will need draining.
Sometimes the above problems are somewhat frightening but the techniques are standard and well rehearsed and problems are limited and can usually be rectified without too much difficulty but the patient should get a full explanation of the surgery planned for them along with the chances of problems. A decision will be much easier at that time.
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