How does breast augmentation work??

Many women are dissatisfied with the shape or size of their breasts. However, neither sports nor diets help here. This is why more and more women are opting for breast surgery.

In the past, it was mainly Hollywood stars who went under the knife – but today breast augmentation is one of the most frequently performed cosmetic surgery’s.

Consultation before breast augmentation is very important!

Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure that should not be underestimated. It is performed under general anesthesia, which in rare cases can lead to complications.

In advance, the doctor informs the patient about possible risks and inquires about her wishes and ideas.

The first consultation is very important for both the patient and the surgeon, so that misunderstandings can be cleared up.

The size and shape of the implants are chosen together with the patient.

What materials are used for breast augmentation?

The shell of modern breast implants is made of silicone. Silicone is a rubber-like plastic made of the chemical element silicon.

Silicone is used in many medical areas – for example, in prostheses and in hand and foot splints.

Breast implants can be filled with silicone gel or with a saline solution; the latter is considered particularly safe, as the surrounding tissue easily absorbs the saline solution in the event of leakage.

However, saline implants lose volume over time. For this reason, the latest silicone-filled implants contain a particularly tough and dimensionally stable gel that does not leak even if damaged.

Finding the right shape

Just as every woman is individual, so is every breast. Doctors distinguish between round and teardrop-shaped implants.

Teardrop-shaped implants are also called anatomical implants, as they are closest to the natural shape of the breast.

Together with the doctor, the patient chooses the shape and size that suits her best. It is essential to take into account the patient’s anatomical conditions.

These include the existing breast volume, the physique, the shape of the chest and the texture of the skin.

What happens during the operation?

The operation takes about one to two hours and is performed as an in-patient procedure and is associated with a one to two day stay in the clinic. Breast augmentation takes place under general anesthesia.

There are different incision techniques. During the preliminary consultation, the doctor explains the different techniques to the patient and selects the most suitable one. Breast implants can be placed between the breast tissue and the pectoral muscle or behind the pectoral muscle.

The incision can be made in the crease under the breast, on the nipple or in the armpit. Which incision technique is used varies from woman to woman.

An experienced doctor takes into account the anatomical characteristics of each patient and chooses the appropriate technique.

During the operation, the surgeon creates a cavity in each breast, into which he carefully inserts the implant. The incision is not sutured until the implants are in the right place.

In addition, the doctor inserts drains through which wound secretions and blood can drain away. While still in the operating room, the breast is fitted with a supporting bandage.

What happens after the surgery?

The patient spends the first night in the clinic. The next day the position of the implants is checked. The threads are removed after about ten days, if they do not dissolve by themselves.

After two to three days, the bandage is removed and the patient receives a special medical bra with a support function. She must wear this for about six weeks.

Depending on the patient’s profession and individual factors, she can return to work within one to two weeks after the operation. Initially, the breast hurts and tightens, the patient can take painkillers in case of severe pain.

During the first two months after breast augmentation, the patient should take it easy and refrain from sports and heavy physical work. Extreme caution is also required during sexual intercourse.

It can take several months for the breast to take on its final new shape and return to its former sensitivity.

What complications can occur?

Like any other surgical procedure, breast surgery is associated with risks. If fine nerves are cut during surgery, there may be a loss or reduction of sensitivity in the nipple area. As a rule, however, this is only temporary.

One of the more frequent complications is capsular fibrosis. This occurs because the body produces more connective tissue around the implant as a result of a foreign body reaction.

The hardening of the tissue can be very painful and cause inflammation. In such cases, a second operation is usually necessary to correct the capsular fibrosis.