Breast tissue is an important part of female beauty. Therefore, breast aesthetics is very popular all over the world. Women with breast development disorders, small breasts, complaints of breast size, congenital breast disorders, those with breast sagging, breast asymmetry apply to a Plastic Surgery Specialist for breast aesthetics.
Breast augmentation has been the most popular and frequently performed surgery in the USA since 2011, along with liposuction and tummy tuck. Breast augmentation can be performed using a silicone prosthesis, inflatable prosthesis or the person's own fat tissue. Known for years to be one of the least harmful substances to the body, silicone is processed in the laboratory, converted into the silicone prosthesis we use today, and used safely. Today, dense viscous silicone gels called cohesive gels are used. These state-of-the-art 5th generation silicone prostheses are approved by the US FDA and do not leak even if punctured because they are not liquid. The silicone prosthesis is produced with a smooth and rough surface, can be in round or drop (anatomical) shapes, and can be found in low, medium, high projection according to the profile features and can be placed on various planes of the breast by making various incisions. Various brands of prostheses are used safely in the market. The choice of this prosthesis may depend on the preference of the physician and the patient.
Who are suitable candidates for Breast Augmentation Surgery?
– Having an asymmetric breast size where one breast is more developed and the other breast is underdeveloped
– Having underdeveloped small breasts
- Complaining about breast structure and size
– Loss of breast tissue due to breast cancer
- To be 18 years old when the anatomical development of the breast tissue is completed
- Absence of any disease that will prevent surgery
Silicone prosthesis can be placed under the breast tissue (subglandular), under the muscle (submuscular), under the muscle membrane (subfascial) or in multiple locations called “dual-plane” through incisions made under the armpit, nipple or under the breast. In addition, in patients undergoing tummy tuck, an inflatable prosthesis can be placed by entering through the same incision (T.A.B.A. method) and entering through the navel (T.U.B.A. method).
All these preferences are shaped by the surgeon's meeting with the patient. All options have advantages and disadvantages.
The surgery is performed under general anesthesia, in hospital conditions and takes 1-2 hours. Bandaging and bra are applied to the breast. Post-operative pain is minimal. If dissolving sutures have been used, they do not need to be removed. There may be swelling and bruising in the early period; It disappears on its own in 10 days. Drain use is the surgeon's preference and is usually removed in 1-2 days. The patient can return to work in 3-5 days. It is recommended to stay away from heavy exercises for 1-2 months. It is not recommended to lie face down for 2 months. There may be minor shape changes in the postoperative period, and these can often be corrected with massage.
Some complications are possible after breast augmentation surgery. Bleeding, seroma and infection in the early postoperative period, capsule formation-contracture, asymmetry, and nipple sensory dysfunction may occur in the late period. It is possible to minimize these complications. Perforation and bursting of the prosthesis are rarely seen on their own. The prosthesis may be damaged in punctures such as applying excessive pressure, penetrating-cutting object injury. In this case, the prosthesis should be replaced.
For women with breast prosthesis, activities such as airplane travel, combat sports, and deep diving are not an obstacle. Breast ultrasonography should be routinely performed for patients under 40 years of age who will undergo breast prosthesis surgery, and mammography should be routinely performed for those over 40 years of age. After breast augmentation, breast tissue can be evaluated by examination, ultrasonography, tomography, mammography or magnetic resonance imaging. Having a prosthesis does not prevent them. Silicone prosthesis does not cause breast cancer. In fact, it has been stated in some publications that it suppresses breast cancer because it puts pressure on the breast tissue. If pregnant after breast augmentation, the prosthesis does not need to be removed and mothers can breastfeed their babies during puerperium. Prostheses do not have to be replaced after a certain year. If there is a problem related to the prosthesis, it is replaced.