Doctors for Breast Augmentation Treatment

Breast augmentation, also called augmentation mammoplasty, is a procedure that can increase or enhance the size, shape, and volume of the breasts. It is one of the most commonly performed cosmetic surgery in India amongst women of all age groups.

A woman can have various reasons to undergo breast augmentation surgery. For most women, it is about improving their physical characteristics as a way to feel more confident, and for some, the surgery is the method of breast reconstruction to regain their feminine features.

To learn more about the procedure and to find out if you are eligible for breast augmentation, talk to our expert plastic and cosmetic surgeons.

Breast augmentation surgery is of two types:

• Implant-based Augmentation: Around 90% of breast augmentation surgeries are performed using breast implants. They are prosthetic devices that are implanted into the chest/breast pocket to increase the size. This method gives multiple options to the individual to choose the right size, shape, and texture of the implant and achieve the desired results.
• Fat Transfer Augmentation: This method involves extracting fat tissues from the patient’s own body, purifying it, and then injecting the fat into the breasts to increase their size. This method is less commonly used because it can only provide a minimal augmentation effect on the breasts.

The results of both these methods are quite effective and natural. The right method is chosen after a thorough understanding of the patient’s goals and expectations.

To plan breast augmentation surgery, the doctor usually takes a detailed medical history of the patient and checks the breast's existing shape and size with skin quality. Exact measurements of the breasts, including the width, height, nipple-to-breast fold distance, etc., are also taken to check the feasibility of the procedure.

The doctor may also recommend a mammogram to detect any abnormalities in the breast tissues. Besides this, other tests that are performed before surgery include routine blood tests, urine tests, chest X-rays, and electrocardiography to ensure the patient is in optimal health to undergo surgery.

Along with physical evaluation, psychological evaluation of the patients is also done to ensure they are in a good state of mind and have realistic expectations from the procedure.

Breast augmentation is usually performed at a hospital on an outpatient basis, and the procedure takes around 1-2 hours. The step-by-step procedure is explained below:

• Firstly, anesthesia is administered to ensure the patient doesn’t feel pain or discomfort during the procedure. In most cases, general anesthesia (GA) is used for surgery, which puts the patient to sleep. But if GA is not the right option, local anesthesia with IV sedation will be done.
• Markings are done on the areas where incisions are to be made. The incisions can be done in three different places:
1. In the inframammary fold or under the breast crease.
2. Around the nipple or areola.
3. In the armpit or axillary region.
• Based on the incision technique, the breast tissues are accessed, and a cavity or pocket is made either above or under the pectoral muscles to insert the breast implant.
• Then, the breast implant is carefully inserted into the cavity. If a silicone implant is chosen for augmentation, it is pre-filled and will likely need a large incision to be inserted properly. In case a saline implant is chosen, it is inserted into the breast pocket first and then filled with a saline solution.
• After the breast implants are placed properly, the internal incisions are closed with layered sutures (usually dissolvable), and the skin incisions are closed with sutures or surgical glue or tape. Before closing the incisions, drains may also be placed around the breasts to prevent fluid buildup.

The patient is kept under observation for a few hours or until the effects of anesthesia wear off and discharged shortly after giving detailed post-op care instructions and a follow-up schedule.

Most women choose breast augmentation to improve their overall appearance of the breasts which has other physical and psychological benefits, including the following:

• The treatment adds volume to small breasts and provide a curvy figure that most women want.
• Breast augmentation helps to achieve symmetrical breasts by implanting the right size of the implant in each breast.
• The treatment also improves the shape of the breasts and makes them harmonious with the body shape. This is specifically beneficial for women who have lost breast volume and shape after pregnancy.
• Breast augmentation with implants is the only method of breast reconstruction that allows women to regain breasts after mastectomy.
• The surgery can help to increase the woman’s self-confidence and also address self-image issues.
• With breast augmentation, the woman will have more and a better variety of clothing options without feeling insecure or conscious.
• Another benefit of breast augmentation is that the incisions are made conspicuously, thus, it doesn’t cause major scarring.
• Having fuller, voluminous, and larger breasts has a positive effect on women as they feel more youthful.

After breast augmentation, patients experience some normal side effects, such as swelling, redness, bruising, pain, and discomfort in the treated area. These side effects usually last for several weeks and resolve on their own gradually as the body heals.

Besides the above-mentioned side effects, there are several risks and complications that are associated with breast augmentation surgery:

• Allergic reaction to anesthesia, which may cause aspiration.
• Excessive bleeding during or after the surgery.
• Damage to the internal structures, muscles, or milk ducts.
• Fluid accumulation (seroma) or blood accumulation (hematoma) around the treated area.
• Infection in the wound which can cause high fever, persistent pain, swelling, etc.
• Poor healing which can make the scarring worse.
• Breast implant-related complications, such as capsular contracture, implant leakage, or implant displacement.
• Rippling or wrinkling effect in the breast.
• Difficulties in breastfeeding, especially if the periareolar technique is used.
• Unsatisfactory results due to which the patient may need another surgery to improve the results.

Generally, breast augmentation surgery is considered safe and breast implants are also safe to use. To further reduce the risks and complications, the surgeon will take several measures and also provide some pre-operative instructions to the patient.

The complete recovery after breast augmentation surgery takes around four to six weeks. The recovery duration will be different for each patient depending on the extent of surgery, the technique used, and the patient’s healing abilities.

Immediately after the surgery, the patient will experience soreness, nausea, tightness in the chest, swelling, and severe bruising. The doctor will advise complete rest on the day of surgery and the patient can start moving around in the next few days. Initially, there will be mild to moderate pain and discomfort in the treated area, which will be managed using pain medications.

In the upcoming weeks, the patient will start to feel better but still need to avoid strenuous activities for as long as recommended. Along with this, the patient will have to follow several care instructions to ensure a smooth recovery and get the desired outcome. The instructions include the following:

• Keep the upper body elevated, even while sleeping to reduce fluid accumulation and manage swelling.
• Don’t submerge the body in standing water and avoid bathing in hot tubs, lakes, swimming pools, etc., as it can increase the risk of infection.
• Avoid all activities that are physically demanding and can strain your body.
• Maintain a healthy and active lifestyle and avoid drinking alcohol and smoking during the recovery period.
• Take the prescribed medications as directed by the surgeon and take regular follow-ups to monitor your recovery.

As the body heals, you will feel more and more comfortable performing regular activities. You will also start seeing the results of breast augmentation as the swelling goes down and swelling reduces.