What is Breast Augmentation/Enhancement Surgery?

Breast Augmentation/Enhancement surgery is a cosmetic surgery carried out to increase the size, change the shape, and alter the texture of the breasts of a woman using fillers such as breast implants or by fat grafting method.

Breast augmentation surgery is a surgical procedure to enhance the size of the breasts by adding fat or silicone implants. This procedure is most often done for women with small breasts, who have suffered from the effects of breast cancer or a congenital abnormality. Breast augmentation surgery can also be done on men, although this is rare.

It is one of the most popular widely performed cosmetic surgeries.

Why is Breast Enhancement Surgery Done?

Breast enhancement surgery is a procedure that can help women who feel that their breasts are too small or have lost volume due to weight loss or aging. Breast enhancement surgery is usually done through either a breast lift or augmentation. The operation can be done in a hospital, clinic, or doctor's office. Breast enhancement surgery will usually take about one hour, and the recovery time is about three weeks.

• It is typically done to increase the size of the breasts and improve their shape.
• Sometimes women choose to have breast enhancement surgery to correct issues such as asymmetry, drooping, or loss of sensation in the breasts.
• The most common reasons for breast enhancement surgery are to increase breast size, improve breast shape, and restore sensation in the breasts.

Eligibility for Breast Augmentation

You are the candidate for breast augmentation procedure if:

• If you are 20 years of age or more
• You have small and asymmetrical breasts (due to breastfeeding, ageing, or significant weight loss)
• You have drooping breasts
• You have previously undergone any breast surgery such as mastectomy
• Consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon in deciding whether or not you are eligible for breast augmentation.

You should avoid breast augmentation procedure if you are:

For many women, breast augmentation is a dream come true. However, there are some things to consider before undergoing a breast augmentation procedure.

• Are or planning to get pregnant 
• Breastfeeding
• Allergic to surgeries
• A woman over 40 years old
• A woman with a genealogical history of breast cancer
• A woman who before has had a  breast augmentation
• A woman who smokes

Breast Augmentation Surgery

Normally there are 2 broad categories of Breast Augmentation Surgery. 

• Breast Implant Surgery (Using silicone breast implants, saline Breast implants or gummy bear breast implants)
• Undergoing Fat grafting breast augmentation.

In the Breast Implant Surgery, the surgeon makes a cut (incision) in the bottom crease of the breast/ the armpit, or along the lower edge of the areola to ensure the proper placement of the breast implant. The surgeon carefully adjusts the implant to the correct shape and position. Then the incision is closed with stitches or suture. 

The implant may be placed under the breast tissue or under the chest muscle beneath the breast. However, the preferred placement is when the implant is placed under the chest muscle since the risk for capsular contracture (hardening of tissue around the implant) is significantly lowered and also doesn't interfere much with mammography.

Fat grafting for breast augmentation consists of two separate procedures that are performed on the same day.

The First Procedure: Removing Fat Tissue

• You are injected with local anaesthesia around your breast area to ensure painless procedure.
• The surgeon then manually removes fat tissue from parts of your body where fat is not desired (These parts can include your thighs, belly, and buttocks)

The Second Procedure: Fat Tissue Is Injected Into Breasts

• The fat tissue is which is extracted would now be processed. The unwanted components such as blood, oil, and water are filtered and only the fat cells are retained.
• These fat cells (tissue) are grafted into the breast area which needs augmentation with the help of very fine needles. 

Types of Breast Enhancement Surgery

There are a variety of different types of breast enhancement surgeries, and each has its own pros and cons. Some are more invasive than others, and some are less invasive. There are also different types of implants that can be used for breast enhancement surgery. Some implants are silicone-based, while others are saline-based.

• Breast implants can be made from silicone or saline. In this procedure, the doctor places a silicone breast or saline breast implant under the breast tissue.
• A breast lift is a surgical procedure that involves removing excess skin and tightening the muscles of the breast. This is done through small incisions around the areola, or nipple.
• The procedure can also include reshaping the breast through a small incision under the breast to make it perkier and more shapely.
• The doctor may also perform a mastopexy, which is an operation that reshapes and lifts the breasts. This procedure can be done with or without implants, but it's usually done with implants.

Breast Augmentation Surgery Risks

Breast augmentation surgery can be a life-changing decision that can have a positive impact on your self-esteem and self-image. However, the risks of this procedure are not always well-known, and there are some things you should know before considering breast augmentation surgery. Breast Augmentation Risks are minimal which can be present due to

• Anaesthesia
• Risks of infection
• Bleeding
• Achieving a lesser breast size than expected
• Bleeding and infection,
• Capsular contracture,
• Breast pain,
• Permanent scarring, and
• Change in sensation.

Breast Augmentation Surgery Recovery

The process of getting breast augmentation surgery is not always easy. It can be physically demanding, as well as emotionally taxing. The recovery process is not something to be taken lightly, and it takes time to heal. There are many different ways you can help yourself through the recovery process, such as eating healthy, exercising, and taking care of your mental health.

Breast augmentation is usually performed to improve self-esteem, to correct a mastectomy, or for reconstructive purposes. The surgery can be done with either silicone or saline implants. This procedure is not a quick fix and it can take up to six months to recover from this surgery. If you are thinking about getting breast augmentation surgery in India, it is important to keep in mind that there is a high rate of complications and you will have to do some physical therapy.

Breast augmentation surgery is a complex procedure that can take up to six months to recover from. After the surgery, you will need to follow a strict post-surgical diet and exercise regimen.

As with most treatments, the recovery period after this procedure varies from patient to patient.

The overall healing time is generally around 3-4 weeks. You have to wear a non-wire bra and avoid exercises such as jumping and skipping for the first few weeks post your Breast Augmentation surgery. 

Conclusion

It is important to have a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon before undergoing any cosmetic surgery. A consultation can help you determine if the surgery is right for you and help you decide on the best procedure to get the results you are looking for.

Although breast augmentation surgery is a popular procedure, it's important to be aware of the risks involved. Research has shown that while most patients are satisfied with their results, there is a risk of infection, nerve damage, and even a rare blood clot. This can lead to permanent disability. If you're considering breast augmentation surgery, you should also consider the risks involved before making your decision.

Frequently Asked Questions