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Breast augmentation, also known as augmentation mammoplasty, can be a cosmetic procedure or a reconstructive procedure in the case of breast reconstruction surgery. The procedure involves implants being inserted beneath the breasts to enlarge them. The implant type and size depends on factors such as how much bigger you want your breasts to be, your breast anatomy, skin thickness and elasticity, and body type.

Breast implants can be used to:

• Enlarge small breasts
• Restore breast volume after weight reduction or pregnancy and breastfeeding
• Even up asymmetric breasts
• Reconstruct a breast after mastectomy or injury

Saline implants – a silicone envelope filled with varying amounts of sterile salt water (saline). This can affect the shape, firmness and feel of the breast. If the implant shell leaks, a saline implant will collapse and the saline will be absorbed and naturally expelled by the body.

Silicone implants – a silicone envelope filled with an elastic gel that feels much like natural breast tissue. If the implant leaks, the gel may remain within the implant shell or it may escape into the scar capsule (area around the implant) or even into the breast tissue. A leaking implant filled with silicone gel may not collapse.

Implants are placed behind the breast, not within the breast tissue. Implants can be inserted either:

• Between the breast tissue and the chest muscle (A), or
• Behind the large chest muscle called the pectoralis major (B)

Each position has its advantages and disadvantages. Your Specialist Plastic Surgeon can provide further details and will recommend which position is likely to be most suitable for you.

Breast augmentation is a highly individualised procedure and may not be suitable for everyone. Always talk to your Specialist Plastic Surgeon before making a decision. Your Specialist Plastic Surgeon will assess your condition and general health, and plan the treatment that is best suited to you.

Before you decide on breast augmentation with implants, there are some important issues to keep in mind:

• Breast implants may affect your ability to breastfeed
• Breast implants are not guaranteed to last a lifetime and future surgery may be required to replace one or both implants
• Smokers are at increased risk of complications from any surgery. If you are serious about undergoing cosmetic surgery, you should try to quit smoking
• If you are concerned about the way you look or are thinking about cosmetic treatments to boost your confidence, there are alternatives to cosmetic surgery. These may include other treatments, wearing padded bras or accepting yourself the way you are.

Breast augmentation may be a good option for you if:

• You are physically healthy
• You have realistic expectations
• Your breasts are fully developed
• You are bothered by the feeling that your breasts are too small
• You are dissatisfied with your breasts losing shape and volume after pregnancy, weight loss, or with aging
• Your breasts vary in size or shape
• One or both breasts failed to develop normally

Remember that the shape and size of your breasts before surgery will influence the surgical procedure and the outcome.

Breast augmentation can be done under general or local anaesthesia, or twilight sedation. Discuss your options with your Specialist Plastic Surgeon.

Modern anaesthesia is safe and effective, but does have some risks. Ask your Specialist Plastic Surgeon and anaesthetist for more information. Your surgeon and/or anaesthetist will ask you about all the medications you are taking or have taken, and any allergies you may have. Make sure you have an up to date list before the surgery.

Before undergoing surgery, it is important that you:

• Be as fit as possible to help the recovery process
• Reach your optimal weight
• Check with your surgeon about your medications as some may need to be stopped
• Stop smoking

You will also be asked to provide a complete medical history for your Specialist Plastic Surgeon including any health problems you have had, any medication you are taking or have taken, and any allergies you may have.

Following your surgery, dressings or bandages may be applied to your incisions. You may be wrapped in an elastic bandage or a compression garment to minimise swelling and to support your operation site as it heals. A small, thin tube may also be temporarily placed under the skin to drain any excess blood or fluid that may collect.

Depending on the extent of your procedure, you may need to take a few days off work to rest. Avoid heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, swimming and strenuous sports until advised by your surgeon.

If you experience any of the following symptoms, notify your surgeon immediate:

• Temperature higher than 38°C or chills
• Nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath or diarrhea
• Heavy bleeding from the incisions
• Leakage of blood or fluid beyond the first day after surgery
• Worsening and/or spreading redness around the incision sites
• Increasing pain or tenderness in either breast
• Any other concerns or problems regarding your surgery, particularly if it appears to be worsening

Your surgeon will give you specific instructions on post-operative care.

At Exquisite Bodies we offer a range of high-quality compression garments and scar care to aid in your post surgical recovery.

Contact Exquisite Bodies on 1300 855 617 or visit the range here.

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