In medical terminology, breast augmentation is referred to as augmentative mammoplasty - a surgical augmentation of the breast volume with the use of implants. It is one of the most popular procedures in plastic surgery performed to increase the size and/or alter the shape of the breasts to achieve aesthetically proportional balance.
Patients opt for breast augmentation for various reasons, such as feeling that their breasts have always been too small, addressing congenital or acquired breast asymmetry, losing volume after breastfeeding or significant weight loss, correcting abnormal breast development (e.g., tuberous breasts), and in cases of breast reconstruction following previous surgical interventions.
In a significant number of women, breasts are not identical in shape and size. Therefore, various surgical methods can be employed to enlarge the size of one breast and/or reduce the size of the other to achieve maximum symmetry.
A woman considering breast augmentation must be mentally prepared for a change in her body shape and should be in good physical shape. During the initial consultations with a plastic surgeon, she should explain her desires and expectations for the procedure and ask any questions she might have. After considering all options, conducting a physical examination, and taking anatomical measurements, the plastic surgeon will be able to discuss the best alternative for the patient, including the size and shape of the implants, the location of the incision, and other details of the surgical procedure. Open communication between the patient and the plastic surgeon is crucial to achieve the best results in breast augmentation surgery.
Breast implants are designed to look natural and come in various shapes and sizes to cater to the preferences of different patients. Patients can choose between two shapes of implants: anatomical, resembling a teardrop, or round, depending on the desired effect. Round implants can freely rotate in the pocket created during the procedure without altering the shape of the breast and may sometimes provide a more noticeable increase in volume, especially in the upper half of the breast. Anatomical implants, or teardrop-shaped implants, are larger at the bottom and typically offer a more natural look to the augmented breast with fullness in the lower half. Due to their specific shape, the placement of anatomical implants requires the creation of a surgical pocket tailored to the implant's shape to prevent rotation.
The specific procedure and placement of implants will depend on your surgeon's assessment. During the procedure, the incision is made either under the breast in the natural crease, around the lower edge of the areola, or under the armpit. All incisions are carefully placed to minimize the appearance of any scars. The implant is positioned either under the breast tissue or beneath the muscle, and most often partially under the gland and partially under the muscle (known as "dual plane"), depending on the desired size or shape. The final choice of implant is based on anatomical measurements, your preferences, and the surgeon's recommendations. Individual cases of asymmetry and congenital conditions are discussed with every patient in detail, and various other solutions and recommendations are determined strictly on a case-by-case basis.
Breast augmentation surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia, with regional anesthesia being used exceptionally. The procedure itself takes about 90 minutes, and recovery usually takes around 2 weeks, after which the patient can return to regular activities. Following the surgery, it is recommended to wear a special bra for implants for four to six weeks. The results are considered to be permanent. All care instructions will be provided in the discharge letter upon leaving the clinic. The stitches are dissolvable, eliminating the need for stitch removal.
The results of breast augmentation are immediately visible during the first dressing change in our clinic, but it may take up to 6 weeks for the breasts to assume their final shape. In most cases, patients are immediately satisfied with the results and feel content upon discharge. Postoperative pain is typically moderate, and appropriate pain relievers are provided as needed. You can start eating after a few hours, and during this time, you can be accompanied by a person close to you.
The topic of breast augmentation safety is the subject of many discussions, and research has been conducted to demonstrate the long-term safety of breast implants. Current studies have shown no association between implants and the development of breast cancer or immune-related diseases.
Benefiting from breast augmentation extends beyond the improvement in shape and size. It is linked to a woman's enhanced self-perception, providing balanced proportions and accentuating the body's contour. In cases of breast asymmetry and reconstructive surgery due to breast disease, where the emotional and psychological factors are even more important, this procedure has been shown to significantly contribute to preserving and emphasizing a woman's personal satisfaction.
Breast augmentation and potential reconstructions are recommended for patients over 18 years old when full breast tissue development has been achieved, and the patient is fully ready to collaborate during the procedure and follow proper postoperative care. If, for specific reasons, the procedure needs to be performed earlier, parental or guardian consent is necessary.