Background Information on breast augmentation
Women may choose to undergo breast enlargement surgery for various reasons. These personal reasons may center around breasts that are perceived to be underdeveloped, or because of differences in the size of the breasts or from changes after pregnancy or breast feeding. Some women may be happy with their breasts but just want them made fuller.
Often after weight loss, aging or childbirth a woman’s breast volume and shape may change.
During the consultation, you will be asked about your desired breast size and anything else related to the appearance of your breasts that you feel is important. This will help your surgeon to understand your expectations and determine whether they realistically can be achieved.
Breast Implants in Belgium
Saline implants are filled with sterile salt water. They can be filled with varying amounts of saline which can affect the shape, firmness and feel of the breast. Should the implant shell leak, a saline implant will collapse and the saline will be absorbed and naturally expelled by the body.
Polyurethane implants : are used in certain indications
Silicone implants are filled with an elastic pure silicone gel. The gel feels and moves much like natural breast tissue. If the implant leaks, the gel may remain within the implant shell, or may escape into the breast implant pocket. Round breast implants are usually not affected by rotation and generally cost less than the teardrop shaped breast implants. They are available in a smooth surface or textured surface. The round , textured silicone breast implant is the most common breast implant used for breast augmentation surgery, today.
Teardrop implants are originally developed because it was thought they could provide a more natural look. They do not necessarily improve the breast slope when saline is the filler fluid. They generally cost more than round shaped breast implants and usually require a textured surface to prevent the breast implant from rotating. If the breast implant rotates it will create a distorted breast shape.
The choice of implants will be discussed at the pre operative consultation and depends on patient preference and the shape and size of the breasts before surgery. Also, size preferences will be discussed and a decision will also depend on the pre surgery size and aspect of the mammary gland.
Operation in Belgium
The operation is carried out under twilight (sedation) or general anesthesia and usually on an outpatient basis. An implant (prosthesis) may be placed through an incision, under the breast tissue or under the pectoral muscle. The incision can be made under the breast (inframammary fold) , at the border of the areola , or in the armpit. It generally takes one to two hours to complete the entire procedure.
While breast augmentation will enlarge the breasts, it will not alter basic defects in breast shape or form. Major asymmetries may be improved but will not be completely corrected. A slight difference in the size or shape of the two breasts is considered normal and should not be a cause for concern. If breast size or nipple position asymmetries are severe then additional procedures to further improve symmetry may be necessary. In this case further procedures like an uplift or fat transfer can be done.
Complications
Risks
Although rare, an infection that does not subside with appropriate antibiotics may require temporary removal of the implant. In a second stage at least 3 months later , a new implant will be inserted.
Changes in nipple or breast sensation may result from breast augmentation surgery, although they usually are temporary. When a breast implant is inserted, a scar capsule forms around it as part of the natural healing process. The capsule may sometimes tighten and compress the implant, causing the breast to feel firmer than normal. This is also painful
Capsular contracture can occur to varying degrees. If it is severe, it can cause discomfort or changes in the breast’s appearance. In such cases, more surgery may be needed to modify or remove the scar tissue, or perhaps remove or replace the implant.
Conclusion
Who is the best candidate for breast augmentation ? The best candidates for a breast enlargement are healy people , non-smoking, at least 18 years of age, not pregnant or currently nursing. One should hold realistic expectations and be mature enough to understand and make an informed decision [inline:ear1.jpg]
Conclusion
Breast implants are not lifetime devices and cannot be expected to last forever. The average life-span is around 10 – 20 years.
If you are at an age when mammographic examinations should be conducted on a periodic basis, it will be important for you to look for a radiology technician who is experienced in taking x-rays of augmented breasts. Additional views of your breasts will be required. Your plastic surgeon, in some instances, may recommend other types of examinations such as ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging.
It is possible that the presence of breast implants could delay or hinder the early detection of breast cancer.