Breast Operations
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Breast Operations |
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Breast Augmentation is a surgical procedure to
enhance the size and shape of a woman's breasts. It is performed for a number of
reasons which include increasing breast size of a woman who feels her breast
size is too small, to correct a reduction in breast volume after pregnancy, to
balance a difference in
breast size, or
as a reconstruction technique following breast surgery. By inserting an implant
behind each breast surgeons are able to increase a woman's bustling by one or
more bra cup size.
The operation is usually done as a day surgery procedure under a general anaesthetic. Incisions are made to keep scars as inconspicuous as possible, in the breast crease, around the nipple, or in the arm pit. The breast implant may be inserted directly under breast tissue or beneath the chest wall muscle. The incisions are sutured closed and a small dressing placed over them. Stitches are removed a week later. After surgery, breasts appear fuller and more natural in tone and contour. Scars will fade with time.
After surgery you’ll probably feel somewhat tired and sore for several days and your breasts may remain swollen and sensitive to physical contact for as long as a month. You may also experience a feeling of tightness in the breast area as your skin adjusts to your new breast size. The full results of your augmentation may not be visible until your breast tissue (and muscle, if the implant has been placed sub muscularly) adjusts. If the implant is placed sub muscularly, you may feel more discomfort for several days longer than if it is placed in the sub glandular position. You may also have difficulty raising your arms above your head until you heal.
Post-operative care is usually quite simple, perhaps involving use of a post-operative bra or jog bra for extra support and positioning while you heal. You will most likely be able to return to work within a few days, although you should avoid any strenuous activities for at least a few weeks.
The majority of operations have no complications, but any surgery involves risks like the effects of anaesthesia, infection, swelling, bleeding pain and delayed healing. There are also potential complications specific to breast implants, for example;
. Deflation of implant.
. Interference with mammography.
. Contraction of scar tissue capsule. (Capsular contracture).
. Replacement or revision surgeries.
. Changes in nipple and breast sensation.
. Shifting of the implant.
In addition to known complications, people still question whether silicone implants could increase you or your child's risk of connective tissue disorders. Recent studies (1998) have ruled out significant risk for such disorders. Separate concerns have been raised about the unknown risk of breast implants and cancer. There is no specific evidence that women with silicone breast implants are more susceptible to cancer than other women.
Breast Augmentation can make a significant impact on your confidence and self esteem.
Example of sub muscular gel implants 300ml round silicone gel, textured surface implants used
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below: example of 300 ml silicone gel, textured surface implants placed in a subglandular position
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Reduction mammaplasty is the name given to the surgical procedure used to correct or reduce overly large breasts. Surgical correction of this condition is not new and there are many different techniques that can be used. Large breasts can be as disturbing for a woman as extremely small breasts. There often back and shoulder pain associated with the condition and special supportive undergarments are required to give some comfort. There is often difficulty in finding suitable clothing and participation in various sporting activities is also restricted. Not to mention the ridicule that may have to be endured.
The basic procedure involves reduction in the breast volume and restoration of normal contour. This also involves moving the nipple to a new level that is consistent with the remaining breast. The procedure can take up to 3 hours or more to perform and is done under a general anaesthetic. Incisions are made around the nipple and under the crease of the breast. Because the main purpose of the procedure is to make your breast look as natural as possible, the scars will be kept as small as possible.
When you recover from the anaesthetic you may note special drainage tubes in each breast, these are to drain blood and fluid away from the area and this help prevent haematoma formation and excessive tension on wounds. These tubes will be removed when drainage has ceased or is minimal, generally within 24 hours. You will experience discomfort but pain relievers and sedatives can be prescribed. There will be dressings covering the incisions and you will have a number of visits to the clinic for post-operative checks and re-application of the dressings as well as removal of stitches over the next week or two. You will be required to wear a supportive bra post-op.
Healing is a gradual process so give yourself time to recover. You will be restricted as far as movement and activity goes, particularly during the first 4-6 weeks after your operation. Anything that causes undue stress and strain on shoulders and across your chest should be avoided. All surgery comes with some uncertainty and risks, but when performed by a qualified and experienced cosmetic surgeon these risks are diminished. Complications include infection, haematoma formation, loss of nipple, reduced nipple sensation and poor wound healing.
As healing takes place and scars fade your confidence and self esteems will grow. Surgeons generally agree that women who have this surgery are among the most satisfied of all their patients.
Example of lift/reduction:
Pre op |
Post op (4 weeks) |
below: A further example with more reduction of the right breast to even the breast size
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Post op (8 weeks) |
The surgical procedure to produce nipple eversion is relatively simple in its concept. It involves excision of small portions of the areolar skin to obtain access to the deeper tissue. Small sutures then bolster deeper tissue to support the raised area of ductal openings. Fine sutures are used to close the skin to give further forward projection, as a result of the "diamond" pattern of the skin excised.
The operation in most cases can be done with local anaesthesia as an office procedure, therefore there are no associated Day surgery or Hospital costs. If a person wishes a general anaesthetic then a Day surgery admission is required.
Recovery is usually uncomplicated and post-op pain levels are low, the main risks are of bruising or local wound infection. Most are soon happy with the result.
A significant number of persons have considerable assymetry between the two
breasts either in
size, shape, or position of the nipple. After breast augmentation
the difference in the level of the nipple on each side, or the difference in
size of the nipples can become magnified by the breast enlargement surgery.
It is a relatively easy matter in most to be able to correct this problem, the procedure can usually be carried out as an office procedure under local anaesthetic. Day surgery admission and GA can be used if preferred. Important pre-op marking is done in the standing position, a crescent of skin is excised based on the direction of the move and fine sutures used to close the defect.
Little pain is experienced, but it is important to support the scar for several weeks with hypafix or similar to minimise stretching of the scar.
