Breast enlargement, professionally known as breast augmentation or mammaplasty, is one of the most common plastic surgery procedures. Women all over the world succumb to breast augmentations. The treatment – apart from enlargement – also improves the shape of the bust. For many women, this significantly improves their mental wellbeing and self-esteem. There are several methods of breast augmentation. Among them are breast augmentation by inserting implants or injecting your own fat.
NYC BREAST AUGMENTATION USING IMPLANTS
Breast augmentation with implants is the most popular and most frequently used method by plastic surgeons. The selection of the type of implants, their size and shape are one of the most important issues before breast augmentation surgery. Depending on what they are made of, several types of implants are distinguished:
1.Silicone Breast Implants
Silicone breast implants, as the name suggests, are filled with silicone gel, resembling the natural breast tissue. They are FDA-approved for breast enlargement procedures. If the filling material happens to leak, the gel will either remain within the implant shell or move to the implant pocket, ensuring that the shape of your breast stays the same. Because silicone breast implants are round in form, the rotation does not affect the structure of your breast.
2.Gummy Bear Breast Implants
Gummy bear breast implants are form-stable, ensuring that if shell breakage occurs, the implant preserves its shape. They have a thicker silicone gel consistency than traditional silicone implants, hence the highly cohesive properties attributed to the material. Because of their firmness, there is a lower chance that the implant will rupture or change its position over time.
3.Saline Breast Implants
Saline breast implants consist of sterile saltwater filling, a very harmless liquid for your body. With the emergence of highly popular and durable silicone breast implants, saline breast implants have become somewhat forgotten. However, if you are looking for an affordable option for breast augmentation, saline breast implants might be your first choice. Upon breakage, the breast will collapse, and the filling will be absorbed and expelled by your body.
NYC BREAST AUGMENTATION BY FAT TRANSPLANT
Breast augmentation with the use of the patient’s fat tissue is an increasingly popular method. It replaces breast augmentation using implants.
The adipose tissue for implantation in the breast is collected from other parts of the patient’s body: thighs, buttocks, or abdomen. A portion of the transferred fat is absorbed, but the procedure can be repeated. Due to the fact that the implanted tissue comes from the patient herself, the risks and complications associated with the procedure are minimal.
BREAST AUGMENTATION NYC – WHEN IS SURGERY PERFORMED?
There are many reasons why women undergo breast augmentation surgery. The operation allows not only to increase the size of the bust but also to lift it and improve its firmness. The procedure is often chosen by women who:
- want to improve the proportions of the physique,
- have small breasts and feel uncomfortable with them,
- have undergone a mastectomy,
- after pregnancy and breastfeeding, when breasts tend to lose their firmness substantially,
- due to weight loss, when breasts decrease significantly,
- have breast asymmetry
NYC BREAST AUGMENTATION – HOW SHOULD YOU PREPARE FOR THE PROCEDURE?
Before performing the procedure, it is necessary to consult a plastic surgeon. You and the doctor performing the surgery will choose the method of augmentation and the type of breast filling. The size and shape of implants or own fat filling must be appropriate to the patient’s figure and anatomy to reestablish natural body proportions.
Whether the overall outcome will meet the patient’s expectations or not highly depends on the carefully selected method of breast augmentation. The innovative modern methods of body analysis are often used in choosing the shape and size of the breast. Sometimes computer programs simulate the final effects of an operation.
In addition, basic tests are necessary to determine the general health of the patient. Usually, blood and urine tests, ECG tests, and breast ultrasound are performed.
NYC BREAST AUGMENTATION – HOW IS THE PROCEDURE PERFORMED?
Breast augmentation surgery is performed under general or local anesthesia. The course of the procedure itself depends on the method of breast enlargement.
During the augmentation procedure with implants, incisions are made in the area of the areola, armpits, or breast folds. Through an incision, implants are placed under the breast glands or the pectoral muscles. In some cases, the implants are inserted partly under the muscles and partly under the glands.
Breast augmentation with your own fatty tissue begins with fat extraction. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia. Then a mixture of saline, adrenaline, and lidocaine is inserted under the skin. It constricts the blood vessels and softens the fatty tissue. The collected fat is purified and implanted in the breast area. Often, during a fat transplant procedure, breast expansion is performed using a special vacuum apparatus. As a result, additional space is created for the implanted tissue.
Recovery after breast augmentation surgery
Recovery from breast augmentation surgery usually takes about 1-2 weeks. You can return to full physical activity after about 6-8 weeks or as instructed by your surgeon. You should always follow the guidelines recommended by your doctor.
After the procedure, the patient should:
- limit physical activity,
- avoid lifting,
- Avoid carrying heavy objects,
- wear soft, sports bras or special underwear intended for women after breast augmentation,
- sleep on your back
- refrain from the sauna and hot baths.
If breast augmentation was performed by inserting implants, skincare is essential. The application of special creams prevents visible scars from forming.
What are the contraindications to the procedure?
Breast augmentation involves surgery under general anesthesia or surgery with local anesthesia. Accordingly, there are some contraindications. The most important of them are:
- untreated hypertension,
- uncontrolled diabetes
- blood clotting disorders,
- HIV,
- active neoplastic disease,
- viral hepatitis.
In addition, the operation is not performed on pregnant women or those who suffer from serious skin infections in the breast area.
When choosing the place of surgery, you should carefully check the clinic and the opinions of patients who have used its services. You should not rely solely on the price. Breast augmentation is a considerable surgery, so health and safety should always come first.
Frequently Asked Questions about Breast Augmentation
Which type of breast augmentation is better?
Both options have their advantages and can provide transformative results. The choice is ultimately up to you. Fat transfer breast augmentation has the benefit of avoiding incisions in the breasts but requires an appropriate amount of fat to be liposuctioned for transferring. Breast implants can add a large amount of volume at once but do not allow for the same level of flexibility as a fat transfer breast augmentation. We will go over both procedures with you during your initial consultation and help you make an informed decision.
Can I shower after my breast implant augmentation?
YYou should refrain from showering for the first 24 hours, as you will need to keep your compression dressing on for that long. Once you remove your compression dressing, you are free to shower and begin wearing supportive bras. Submerging in still water, including pools, hot tubs and baths, should be avoided until your incisions have healed over completely in about two to three weeks.
What kind of bra will I need to wear following surgery?
YPush-up bras and underwire bras should be avoided for about six weeks as your implants settle and incisions heal. These types of bras may damage your incision sites and affect the shape and position of your new implants. You should refrain from purchasing new and expensive bras during this time. Your breast size immediately following surgery will continue to change as swelling subsides over the span of two to three months. If you had fat transfer breast augmentation, you will need to do the opposite. Compression garments and tight bras can harm the newly-transplanted fat cells and affect results. We will go over this in more detail prior to your surgery to ensure you are properly informed throughout the entire process.
Is bruising normal following the procedure?
Yes, bruising and swelling are completely normal side effects of a breast augmentation. Most immediate symptoms heal within the first few weeks of recovery.
Which implant type, size and texture is best for me?
We will help you decide which options are best to meet your goals and provide the right size for your anatomy. All options will be considered and discussed thoroughly with you before your procedure to ensure you receive results that meet your expectations.
What happens if an implant rupture occurs?
In the unlikely event of an implant rupture, you will simply need to schedule an appointment and come in for an evaluation. Saline will noticeably deflate as the saltwater solution leaks, but the body will harmlessly absorb the excess fluid. Silicone is made to hold its shape and will leak much more slowly but is also harmless if absorbed by the body. Because silicone ruptures gradually leak over the course of months, they may not be as immediately noticeable.
Do breast implants need to be replaced?
Implants are not meant to be lifelong, but they do not have a set lifespan that warrants replacement every set amount of years. So long as your implants continue to work for you and you schedule regular check-ups every two to three years, they will not need to be replaced.