On Breast Enhancement Procedure

Healthy women, 22 years and above, are good candidates for breast augmentation surgery using silicone gel implants and 18 years and above for Saline implants.

Breast implant surgery should not be performed on:

• Women with active infection anywhere in their body.
• Women who have an existing malignant or pre-malignant cancer of the breast and have not received treatment for those conditions.
• Women who are currently pregnant or nursing.

Health status plays an important role in individual procedure, recovery and final result. Some factors which must be considered before opting for surgery are:

• Overall health of the individual
• Healing capabilities, that can be affected by smoking, alcohol and various medications
• Prior breast surgeries
• Bleeding tendencies
• Infections
• Predisposition to develop a hardened capsule around the implant

The plastic surgeon makes an incision and creates a "pocket," or space within the breast tissues, for the breast implant. The breast implant is placed in the pocket and positioned. Then the incision is closed, usually with stitches, and possibly taped.

Breast augmentation is most frequently performed on an outpatient basis in a hospital operating room, surgery center or surgical suite in a surgeon's office. The patient and the plastic surgeon may decide on an approach to the surgery that may require an overnight stay at the hospital.

On average, the surgery lasts one to two hours.

General anesthesia is commonly used, but local anesthesia also is an option. The doctor usually discusses with the patient the most appropriate choice of anesthesia for them.

With incision sites, the goal is often to choose the option that will result in the least obvious scar. There are three common incision sites used for breast augmentation:

Periareolar (around the nipple)– This incision is the most concealed, and is around the breast nipple.

Inframammary (within the breast fold) – This incision is less concealed than the periareolar, but provides the surgeon with greater control over surgery

Transaxillary (under the arm) – This incision is less concealed than the periareolar Incision.

Inframammary is the most popular incision site as it allows the surgeon to work within close proximity of the breast for more control over the placement of breast implants.

Breast implants may be placed sub-glandular, which is between the chest muscle and the breast tissue, or sub-muscular, which is below the chest muscle.

Sub-glandular Breast Implant Placement:

Here, the implant is placed within the breast tissue, and above the breast muscle. The best incision site for such placement is the periareolar incision. Sub-glandular placement may make the surgery and recovery time shorter.

Sub-muscular Breast Implant Placement:

Sub-muscular placement puts the implant firmly behind the chest muscle wall. The implant is placed behind the pectoralis major muscle and behind the supporting fascia (connective tissue). Sub-muscular implants tend to be the best for mammograms, as they put the implant fully behind the area that needs to be examined.

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Implant placement

Breast implants are commonly placed...

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In sub-glandular placement, implants...

All surgery carries an element of risk. Breast implant surgery is no different. Successful surgeries depend largely on the skill of the surgeon, the quality of the product used, and the healthcare facility, hospital or clinic, chosen. Safe products such as quality tested US FDA approved breast implants are recommended for safe outcomes. Appropriate pre- and post-operative care is required to ensure long lasting health and wellness.

Before having breast augmentation surgery, a woman must keep the following in mind:

• It is essential that she reduces or stops smoking before the procedure and for some time afterward. Women must discuss this openly with their doctor.
• Do make sure that the physician is aware of any medications, supplements and herbs she might be currently taking. For instance, certain medications such as aspirin or ibuprofen can cause bleeding problems during the surgery and after.
• eat a healthy diet and avoid drinking alcohol a few days prior to the procedure.
• Exercise is generally good for overall health; however, it is necessary to refrain from extremely vigorous exercise the day prior to breast augmentation procedure.
• It is advisable not to eat or drink anything, including water, after midnight the night before the breast surgery.
  Your surgeon will discuss this in detail with you.

The woman must be close to her ideal weight. A significant loss of weight after receiving breast implants could alter the results in a manner that may not be satisfactory. There could be some ptosis (drooping) and a reduction in size. A significant gain in weight could cause an increase in breast size.

General good health is important, not age.

Breast enhancement procedure cost largely depends on 3 factors – The surgeon fees, cost of breast implants and hospital charges. The cost varies significantly depending on the skill/experience of the surgeon, the quality of product and of the healthcare facility. On an average, the cost of the procedure using quality, US FDA approved implants is around 1 – 1.5 Lakh rupees when performed by a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon. This cost could vary from surgeon to surgeon, and hospital to hospital.