Overview of Procedure

Breast Augmentation, also known as breast implants or mammaplasty, enhances or creates fullness in the breasts by use of implants. Women with small breasts, or who have lost fullness in their breasts after breastfeeding or weight loss may choose to have breast implants to enhance the size and shape of their busts, as a permanent solution. (*Note that breast implants do not lift already sagging breasts and breast lift surgery is a more suitable cosmetic surgery procedure that can be performed alongside breast augmentation).

The Right Candidates

The minimum age requirement is 18, unless the surgery is to be performed based on reconstructive means. Suitable candidates for breast implant surgery are women who have lost volume in their breasts due to pregnancy, weight loss or age; people who are self-conscious about the size of their breasts.

Risks and Side Effects

Allergic reaction to anaesthesia, bleeding, shifting of the implant, unwanted scarring, infection, temporary numbness, soreness, stiffness, slight discolouration around the breast area (temporary).

Surgery

The first step is a detailed consultation with your plastic surgeon, who will determine the best method that will achieve your desired end results. The most common places for incisions are the inframmamary (where the chest and the breast comes together) or the under the areola (coloured skin around the nipple). Other options for incisions are becoming more and more popular, such as the transaxillary (or armpit) incision and the naval incision. Where the incision will be made will depend on the size, shape and type of implant. The implant itself can either be placed over the pectoral muscle or under it.

You and your plastic surgeon will also discuss and determine which type of implant will achieve your desired results. Currently, doctors are using pre-filled saline or silicone gel implants, and inflatable saline implants. Inflatable implants require smaller incisions, because the pack is smaller when deposited into the breast pocket. Breast augmentation procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, which means that the patient can return home the same day, however your doctor may advise you to stay overnight in the hospital.

Recovery

You will be able to move about within 2 days of your surgery, but you will not be fully healed in less than a month. Patients can return to work in 1-2 weeks, as long as your job does not require strenuous activity or anything that will raise your blood pressure.

Results

Results of breast implant surgery will be visible immediately. Although it may take time for the swelling and bruising to disappear after your augmentation, you will see an immediate increase in breast size as soon as the surgery is finished. Results are permanent.