Breast Augmentation
Breast is very important part of woman’s body in terms of visual besides its function during breastfeeding. In the event that size of the breast is less then intended (Mammary hypoplasia), it can be seen during youth or due to breastfeeding or hormonal changes. In that case, we, plastic surgeons, apply surgical methods which increase breast volume. There are two main techniques used for breast augmentation. Most used one of them is breast augmentation with silicone prosthesis? The other technique is fat injection procedure which requires more limited augmentation or used for asymmetrical correction. We apply silicone breast prosthesis to most of the patients applying us for breast augmentation.
Breast augmentation with silicone prosthesis is carried out under general anesthesia and lasts 1.5 hour. Breast prosthesis is basically placed into two plans: Submuscular (= Submuscular pectoral) and Subglandular. This decision is made depending on condition of patient’s breast tissue and pectoral muscle. In general, operation is carried out using one of two incision types: Lower half (circumareolar) of color area (areolar) of the nipple and under breast fold area. Incision is about 3-4 cm. During pre-op interview with the patient, intended breast size is determined with guiding questions of the physician and present images. During the operation, after the cavity where the prosthesis will be placed is determined, a prosthesis with suitable volume is washed with antibiotic solutions under sterile conditions and placed. After the operation, the patient is worn a special bra which will be worn for post-op 4 weeks and the patient is taken to the bed.
In breast augmentation operation, an important factor affecting post-op period is prosthesis plan. Prosthesis placed under pectoral muscle causes tension in the muscle and pain more than the prosthesis placed subglandary. This pain occurs within 12 hours after the most intense operation, for this reason the patient is hospitalized and suitable painkiller and myorelaxant treatment is applied. In the first morning after the operation, the patient is shown a breast massage to be applied for 2-3 weeks and first control examination is carried out on 7th-10th days. In this examination, suture lines are controlled. Final result of breast augmentation operation appears faster (approximately within 1 month after the operation) than other operations. In the first month after the operation, it is sufficient to use the special bra, to apply breast massage and to avoid activities requiring use of shoulder-arm muscles.
Breast prosthesis produced today can be used lifelong and they do not require any additional follow-up except annual control examinations. Basically, breast augmentation operation takes short time and provides quick results.