Breast Augmentation And Surgery

Our modern-day breast augmentation was first introduced in 1963 when the silicone gel-filled implants were designed, these have been modified and changed over the years, but the basics are the same as they were years ago. Before 1963 the process was done using polyvinyl or silicone sponge materials or the other procedure was by injecting liquid silicone into the actual tissue.

Currently breast augmentation is accomplished using a silicone bag which is filled with salt water behind the breast tissue. Women who have ptotic breasts or drooping breasts happen when the nipple is lower than the fold under the breast. These women will usually be required to have a second operation to lift their nipple. These two procedures can both be down in one operation.

Many women find that one breast is always larger than the other, if this is the case they can use different size implants to ensure the perfect symmetry.

There are two main groups of demographics who desire breast augmentation, these are firstly young adults in their 20’s who grew up with small breasts and have always desired breast implants just to be those few cup sizes bigger and secondly women who have had 2 or 3 kids and are noticing the decrease in breast size and want to get back to how they used to be.

The Procedure

Once the patient has been sedated a local anaesthetic and a drug to minimize the bleeding will be injected into the surgical area, after this the plastic surgeon will make an incision in the fold under the breast. Some surgeons will make incisions in the armpit or belly button too, but it just depends on the surgeon’s preference.

By separating the tissue from the muscles a space or pocket is made, some will also elevate the muscle from the side of the chest so that the implant can be completely covered by muscle. Once the bleeding has been controlled the implant is placed in the space that has been made and is filled with saline solution. The cut is then closed up and a dressing is put on and a soft bra.

Recovery Period

Generally it takes between 5 and 7 days for the patient to recover from the procedure before they are able to return to work etc. It is better if there is not much hard, strenuous work done for at least 2 weeks as it takes time for the muscle to relax, it can take up to 3 months for the breast to take its final desired shape.

Sam spoke to a plastic surgeon to find out her experiences with reast augmentation procedures and everything involved.