Breast Augmentation

Breast Augmentation (Breast Prosthesis)

Indication:
Mastoplasty increase, also known as breast implant surgery is a surgical procedure that aims to increase the volume of the breasts. It is recommended for patients with small breasts or, who after breastfeeding, had a reduction of breast volume.

Up until 20 years ago, small breasts were popular, but recently Brazil made a standard of beauty that values a higher breast volume. If she does not have at least medium size breasts, she has a tendency to feel inferior in a social environment. In Brazil, as well as in the United States, demand for this procedure has grown rapidly in recent years, and along with liposuction is the procedure most often performed by plastic surgeons today.

Another factor that contributes to the growing demand of aesthetic breast surgery is the high degree of assurance that the procedure currently offers, when performed by an experienced and professional member of the BSPS (Brazilian Society of Plastic Surgery-www.sbcpmg.org.br). This latter aspect is very important as it ensures the validity and reliability of the plastic surgeon you choose, ONLY professionals who are properly prepared and qualified to perform plastic surgery. Visit the official site and make sure that the plastic surgeon is chosen among its members and see what under what category he is listed. Furthermore, the development of prostheses encouraged women who were willing to do cosmetic surgery, but who were afraid that the silicone "leaked" into the body after placement of the prosthesis. This risk no longer exists, since we now use silicone implants filled with cohesive gel rather than liquid like before, which prevents leaking even if there is a rupture of the implant.

Early studies revealed that women seeking breast augmentation feel that their breasts are disproportionate for their body, causing doubts about their femininity, as well as reports of a decrease in self-esteem. Other experts that conducted a thorough psychiatric study of patients in pre-and post-operation, a questionnaire answered by 132 women, later confirmed these studies. The results showed an enhancement of self-image, improved self-esteem, high levels of personal satisfaction, with the incorporation of the implant to the self-image through surgery. In 1979 a known researcher named Hetter, revealed in a follow-up study two years after the surgery of 165 patients, that 53% reported a more positive sexual life, 47% felt they became more outgoing, and 96% felt that surgery reached their expectations. More recently other experts studied 75 women who underwent augmentation mastoplasty. These studies showed that the surgery had a significant positive effect on attractiveness, sensual sensitivity in their breasts, sex life and relationship with their partners. For these women, after surgery, their partners had a significant increase of interest in sexual activity.

For some time it has been speculated that the silicone prosthesis could bring harm to womens health (breast cancer, rheumatic diseases, etc…). After extensive studies in the United States, the lack of harm was proven. Due to the increasing quality of the prosthesis, with recent additions of new technologies making them much more resistant, frequent exchange is no longer required. It is currently estimated that this change should be made every 20 years to prevent wear.

Have a preoperative assessment, complete with laboratory and clinical evaluations and a cardiology check. Only operate if there is no problem that prevents surgery

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Use of Anesthesia
Preferably local (breast only) with sedation (the patient is monitored at all times by an anesthesiologist in the operating room and recovery room), but general anesthesia can still be used.

Surgical Technique
The procedure takes on average two to three hours. The breast implant can be placed through three different locations with incisions of about four to five cm (periareolar: wrapped the areola, submammary: in the groove of the breast or armpit, through the armpit). The location of the prosthesis may also be in two different sites: under the gland or under the pectoralis major. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages; the choice must be made in conjunction with the patient, after analyzing the information, and the pros and cons of each technique.

NOTE: You may leave a drain so that the secretions formed in the early days are not collected by the prosthesis, which is known to increase the risk of infection and capsular contracture.

Types of breast prostheses
There are several types and models of breast prostheses, each with an indication depending on the breast of the patient and placement plan (subglandular or submuscular). The breast implants can vary in profile and wrapper content. The profile (shape) can be round (low, moderate, high) or anatomical ("drop") as the projection of the prosthesis. The contents can be silicone or saline (saline prosthesis). The wrap of the prosthesis may also vary, being textured, smooth or polyethylene. The right choice of breast implant will be made after a medical examination, when the surgeon will examine the patient and choose the best prosthesis to produce the best outcome for breast enlargement, which is different with each patient.

Hospitalization
Although surgery should always be performed in hospitals for safety reasons, there is no need for hospitalization, and the patient can return to their home the same day of surgery.

Post-operation
The post-operation of mastoplasty is usually smooth, with pain generally moderate in the first five days, and very well controlled with analgesics and anti-inflammatory medication. The drain, when placed, is usually removed on the second or third day after surgery, the same time as the first dressing change. Dr. Marcus uses the most modern suture techniques as the majority of the stitches are absorbable, that is, they do not need to be removed, and as the name says are absorbed by the body. The patient can return to work within a week to ten days, but effort with the arms and sleeping face down for a month. The use of seamless brassieres is required for about two months.

Complications
Although rare, hematoma can occur, infection, extrusion of the prosthesis, a contraction of the capsule may be formed around the prosthesis.

Final Results
The physical results are quite evident immediately following the postoperative period. During the first month, reduced edema (swelling) and healing takes hold. Like every plastic surgery, the final outcome of mastoplasty occurs after six months due to the development of the scar that becomes softer and more discrete.