Breast augmentation surgery can be performed to create fuller, more voluminous breasts when sufficient growth is not observed in the breasts due to various factors or when volume loss occurs in the breasts, in order to achieve aesthetic harmony in the body.
Contents
- How is Breast Augmentation Surgery Performed?
- Things to Consider Before Breast Augmentation Surgery
- Things to Consider After Breast Augmentation Surgery
- What Are the Possible Side Effects After Breast Augmentation Surgery?
- What Are the Reasons for Seeking Breast Augmentation?
- What Are the Methods Used for Breast Augmentation?
- What Are the Types of Silicone Prostheses Used in Breast Augmentation?
- What is a Breast Implant?
- How to Choose Breast Implants?
- How Big Should Breast Implants Be?
- How Can I Choose the Breast Implant That Will Look Best?
- How Is the Most Appropriate Technique for Breast Augmentation Determined?
- Frequently Asked Questions About Breast Augmentation
In addition, asymmetrical abnormalities in breast structure and deformities caused by various reasons can also be eliminated with breast augmentation procedures. With breast augmentation procedures, the size and appearance of the breast can be changed and its contours can be reshaped. For this purpose, implants are placed under or over the chest muscles during breast augmentation procedures.
How is Breast Augmentation Surgery Performed?
There are two commonly used methods for breast augmentation surgery today. The first method involves the use of breast implants. The second method involves injecting fat taken from the patient's own body into the breast area. Breast implants, which are a permanent and effective method, are frequently used today.
Breast implants, which are evaluated in terms of whether they are placed under or over the chest muscle, are inserted through incisions made in the armpit area where the arm meets the shoulder, around the nipple, or just below the breast. These minimal incisions, which are no more than 3 cm long, disappear after surgery and are not easily noticeable.
Things to Consider Before Breast Augmentation Surgery
Choosing a doctor who specializes in breast augmentation surgery is of great importance.
Before breast augmentation surgery, it is necessary to assess your overall health, determine the size of your breasts, and select the implant to be used. Following your doctor's recommendations and instructions before surgery is important for the success of the procedure.
Things to Consider After Breast Augmentation Surgery
After breast augmentation surgery, the medications, special bandages, and bras recommended by the doctor should be used. While heavy exercise should be avoided during the healing process, maximum care should be taken with the stitches after surgery to prevent any risk of infection.
What Are the Possible Side Effects After Breast Augmentation Surgery?
The breast is a sensitive structure, and just as various side effects can occur after any surgical intervention, side effects can also occur after breast augmentation cosmetic surgery. These side effects can be listed as follows:
- Capsule formation: The silicone implant placed in the breast is perceived by the body as a foreign object, causing a cocoon-like layer to form around it. If the capsule becomes too thick or deformed, pain may occur. In such cases, the capsule and silicone implant must be surgically removed.
- Silicone implant displacement: To prevent such side effects, silicone implants with a rough surface are used.
- Blood accumulation: If detected early, it can be quickly addressed and prevented.
- Size difference: This occurs when patients who had different breast sizes before surgery observe a recurrence of this size difference after surgery.
What Are the Reasons for Seeking Breast Augmentation?
Breast structure is the focal point of overall body aesthetics. Therefore, various factors that result in this focal point not meeting our expectations constitute the reasons for seeking breast augmentation. These reasons can be listed as follows:
- Desire for fuller and more voluminous breasts
- Desire for proportionate body measurements
- Having naturally small breasts
- Differences in size or symmetry between the two breasts
- Deformities in breast structure after pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Reconstruction of breast structure after breast cancer treatment
What Are the Methods Used for Breast Augmentation?
Implant surgery is the primary method used for breast augmentation. In this method, silicone-based artificial materials resembling breasts are used to increase breast size. These silicone implants can be placed behind the muscle, fascia, or breast tissue, or in a dual plane.
Implants used for breast augmentation are generally prostheses filled with saline or silicone gel solution and covered with silicone on the outside. The implant is selected according to the patient's expectations and desired breast size.
What Are the Types of Silicone Prostheses Used in Breast Augmentation?
The most important feature to consider in silicone prostheses used during breast augmentation is that they must be FDA-approved and safe. In this regard, we can list the types of breast silicone prostheses as follows:
- Teardrop implants; teardrop implants, which resemble the shape of the breast, are an option for those who desire a more natural-looking breast structure.
- Round implants; round implants, which give a fuller appearance to the upper part of the breast, are an option for those who prefer a voluminous and prominent breast shape. A successful breast augmentation surgery and a natural appearance can vary depending on many factors, such as the size and shape of the implant.
What is a Breast Implant?
Breast implants are specially designed materials used in breast augmentation surgery. The purpose of breast implants is to replicate breast tissue that has lost its size or is not the desired size in breast augmentation surgery.
The internal structure and size of breast implants vary depending on the need. The decision on whether to use teardrop or silicone-filled implants is made in consultation with the doctor. Today, there is talk about the cancer-causing effects of breast implants, but the risk of implants causing cancer has not been proven.
How to Choose Breast Implants?
The selection of implants to be used in breast augmentation surgery is usually performed by the doctor.
However, achieving success and satisfaction in breast implant selection is possible through a joint decision between the doctor and the patient.
Breast implants can be categorized as follows:
- In terms of shape, teardrop-shaped and round implants; teardrop implants, which have the shape closest to the anatomy of the breast, provide a more upright appearance to the breast shape. Round implants, on the other hand, have a completely round appearance.
- In terms of content, there are silicone and saline implants; the necessary tests must be performed to make the choice most suitable for the individual's anatomy.
- In terms of surface structure, there are textured and smooth implants; the choice may depend on the formation of a capsule around the implant. The textured surface is designed to prevent “capsular contracture” around breast implants. However, textured surface implants are not the only method available to prevent capsular contracture. There are other methods available to prevent or reduce this problem.
How Big Should Breast Implants Be?
There are some misconceptions about breast augmentation surgery. Some of these include the belief that the smallest implant will give the most natural result and that a person can enlarge their breasts as much as they want.
The size of the selected breast implant is determined based on the patient's height, weight, and body type, as well as certain measurements. The most important factor in achieving a natural look with breast implants is how well the implant fits the patient's body measurements.
Therefore, the surgeon and the patient should come to a mutual decision regarding the size of the breast implant. The patient should not request a size that is significantly larger or smaller than the measurements recommended by the surgeon.
Reaching a mutual decision between the surgeon and the patient is one of the most important factors ensuring a successful outcome, not only in breast augmentation surgery but also in other aesthetic surgical procedures.
How Can I Choose the Breast Implant That Will Look Best?
As with all aesthetic surgical procedures, it is crucial for the doctor and patient to reach a mutual decision based on realistic expectations before breast augmentation surgery.
The patient's expectations should not be significantly above or below the breast implant size measurements recommended by the surgeon. When an informed patient with appropriate expectations and an experienced plastic surgeon reach a mutual decision, the best-looking breast implant is selected, resulting in a successful breast augmentation surgery.
How Is the Most Appropriate Technique for Breast Augmentation Determined?
We determine which method and type of implant to use in breast augmentation surgery based on the patient. We insert these silicone implants through 4 cm incisions made around the nipple, under the breast, and in the armpit. The surgery is completed in approximately 1 hour under general anesthesia. Patients can usually go home the same day after surgery.
A compression bra is applied for 3-4 weeks to reduce swelling and shape the breasts in the early stages. Patients can return to work after 3-5 days. There may be a slight swelling for the first 1-2 months, but once the swelling subsides and the tissues heal, the breasts will reach their original size.
Breast augmentation can also be performed with fat injection. Fat tissue taken from the abdomen or hips is injected into the breast using special thick needles and cannulas, allowing breast augmentation to be performed with the patient's own fat tissue. After fat injection, the permanent fat cells adhere to the area, increasing breast volume. This allows us to get rid of excess fat and enlarge the breasts with the fat that is removed.
It is also possible to enlarge breasts with some temporary gel-like filler materials. This can be done easily in patients who do not want surgery and general anesthesia.
Frequently Asked Questions About Breast Augmentation
Can people tell if the breasts are augmented with implants after breast enlargement surgery?
This depends entirely on how the surgery is performed, as well as the thickness of the tissues, and the size and shape of the implant. When a natural and moderately sized implant is placed and the skin is sufficiently thick and elastic, it may not be noticeable at all. However, in cases with larger implants or less elastic skin, it may be more apparent. It’s also important to consider who is observing — an untrained eye usually cannot tell under any circumstance, while an experienced observer might notice in some cases. There are even cases where an aesthetic plastic surgeon could have difficulty distinguishing it. Therefore, rather than making a generalization, it’s better to evaluate each individual case. Sometimes visual observation alone isn’t enough — palpation during examination may reveal the presence of implants.
Is there an age limit for breast enlargement surgery?
There is no strict age limit for breast enlargement surgery. Anyone in good health and suitable for anesthesia can undergo the procedure at any age. The key consideration is the patient’s overall health and ability to tolerate anesthesia. Breast augmentation can be performed safely at any age, using either implants or fat injections to achieve the desired fullness.
Is follow-up examination necessary after breast enlargement surgery?
Regular follow-up examinations are essential after breast enlargement surgery. Early, mid-term, and late-stage check-ups with the surgeon are important. Routine breast exams and cancer screenings should also continue regularly. Since patients who have undergone breast augmentation are monitored more closely than the general population, they are actually at an advantage in this respect. As swelling decreases, the breasts’ natural shape should be evaluated, and certain massage techniques can be used to prevent capsular contracture.
Does breast enlargement affect breastfeeding?
There are several types of breast enlargement procedures. In all techniques, implants are placed behind different tissue layers of the breast (such as behind the muscle, fascia, or gland). The methods we prefer preserve the milk ducts and therefore do not negatively affect breastfeeding. This allows milk produced in the breast tissue to flow naturally through the ducts without mechanical obstruction.
Is it difficult to remove breast implants?
Previously placed implants can be easily removed if any problem arises or if the patient desires a different size. This is a short procedure performed under brief anesthesia. The previous incision is reopened, the implant is accessed, and removed safely. If a new implant is to be inserted, the pocket may be slightly expanded before closing the incision. If not, the incision is simply closed, completing the operation.
When can I return to work after breast enlargement surgery?
The time to return to work after breast enlargement varies by individual but is usually around 5 days. Some patients return to work the next day, while others may need up to a week. This depends on pain tolerance, the surgical technique used, tissue elasticity, and the size of the implants. Wearing a supportive sports bra allows patients to resume daily activities more comfortably and securely.
How long does the recovery process take after breast enlargement surgery?
Patients can usually return home the same day as the surgery. Recovery is a broad term and depends on several factors. Pain typically subsides within a few days as arm movement improves, and most patients feel more comfortable after about a week. Internal healing — such as reduction of swelling and complete tissue recovery — takes several months, though the patient may not notice this process. Strenuous chest exercises can usually be resumed between 2 and 6 months, depending on the individual.
Which types of implants are preferred in breast enlargement surgery?
There are two main types of silicone implants: round and teardrop-shaped (anatomical). Round implants are hemispherical, while teardrop implants are fuller at the bottom for a natural slope. Their surfaces can be smooth, textured, or coated with materials such as polyurethane. These implants are placed under the breast through different incision sites, chosen based on the patient’s body type and anatomy. High-quality, certified implant brands should always be used.
What methods are used for breast enlargement?
Silicone implants can be placed through incisions under the breast, around the areola, or through the armpit. The choice of incision depends on the patient’s anatomy and desired outcome. Implants can be positioned under different layers such as the muscle, fascia, or breast tissue. Alternatively, fat taken from areas like the hips, abdomen, or thighs can be injected into the breasts for augmentation. Some of this fat may be absorbed by the body, but the remaining fat cells provide lasting fullness, allowing breast enhancement using the patient’s own tissue without introducing a foreign material.
What is breast enlargement?
Breast enlargement, or breast augmentation, is a procedure that typically uses silicone implants designed to mimic natural breast tissue. These implants are filled with a cohesive silicone gel that is durable and resistant to deformation. Even if punctured, the gel does not leak or spread into surrounding tissues. Implants come in round and teardrop shapes, with various surface textures such as smooth, textured, or polyurethane-coated. They are inserted into position through different types of incisions, most commonly beneath the breast fold.
