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AUGMENTATION MAMMOPLASTY
(breast enlargement)

INTRODUCTION

The enlargement of the breasts is not a medical decision, but a personal option. The way people see themselves will define them as persons, helping them obtain social recognition and approval. Some women do not consider that the enlargement of their breasts gives them any advantage, but there are many women with small breasts who will find personal satisfaction after the performance of the surgery. No other physical exercise or treatment can have effect on small breasts.

The procedure of breast enlargement is the only solution to obtain an increase in breast size and better contour.

Your friends and the members of your family may tell you their opinion regarding this procedure, the plastic surgeon may offer you medical advice, but it rests exclusively on you to decide what is best for you.

This type of surgery has been practiced since the 60s and a large number of women have reaped benefits from the procedure.

Breast enlargement is common practice for women with hypo-developed breasts, mammary asymmetry and for those who suffered a modification in the breast shape and size after pregnancy and breast-feeding, after an aggressive diet and for those who want an enlargement and shaping of their breasts.

TYPES OF IMPLANT

Currently, the most widely used implant for breast enlargement is saline solution. The implant consists of an envelope made of rubberized silicone that is filled with saline solution, which is the basic component of all the body fluids. In the unlikely event that the implant leaks, the saline solution is absorbed by the organism and released in the urine.

Under certain circumstances, silicon gel implants may be used but these have special indications.

There are various types of implants, each having advantages and disadvantages. The most extensively used are round anatomical (teardrop-shaped) implants. Round implants tend to create large and unnaturally round breasts, but many people think of this as an improvement of the natural aspect, whereas anatomical implants give the breasts an anatomical shape.

Implants may also have a smooth or ribbed surface.

IMPORTANT! There is no relation between mammary implants and breast cancer; on the contrary, many studies conducted in developed countries found a lower incidence of breast cancer in women with mammary implants.
Selection of the implant shall be made together with the plastic surgeon who may give suggestions for the best choice. You will also be informed with regard to any possible modifications that may appear postoperatively owing to the site (volume) of the implant.

SURGICAL INTERVENTION

The surgery consists in incision, separation of the soft tissues of the anterior thoracal wall, creation of a pocket in the mammary area and insertion of the implant.

The incision used are axillar, trans-areolar, sub-mammary and through the umbilicus.

Axillar incision will leave a scar that may be visible when sunbathing or when an evening gown is worn.
Periareolar incision will leave a scar that may be slightly paler than the normal colour of the areola and the sensitivity of the nipple may be affected.

Submammary incision will leave a linear scar 3 to 4 centimeters in length in the submammary cleft, which may be concealed by the brassiere.

Incision through the umbilicus is a rarely used procedure where the implant is inserted only submammary. This will leave a barely discernible scar.

Generally, after a period of time, postoperative scars tend to be less visible.

The implant is inserted either under the mammary gland and front of the pectoral muscle or beneath the pectoral muscle.

The operation is performed under general anesthesia, because it is safer and provides the necessary comfort to the surgical team. The risks of anesthesia are low but they cannot be completely eliminated. Please provide the anesthetist with your case history in order to establish the course and conduct of the surgery.

The time required for the operation of breast enlargement depends on several factors, including the surgical approach, location of implants (submammary, beneath the muscle), patient anatomy and type of anesthesia.

Generally, the procedure lasts for 1 to 3 hours.

Most operations require 2-3 days of postoperative hospitalization. In this way the medical and surgical staff may monitor the patient.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

Some of the complications that may occur are: infection, hematoma (blood clot between the implant and mammary tissue that requires elimination), rupture of the implant, deflation of the implant, capsular contracture, modifications in the sensitivity of the nipple, extrusion of the implant, modifications in the mammography reading. Follow the plastic surgeon' counsel to avoid the appearance of such complications.

POST SURGICAL EFFECTS

After the operation you must wear an elastic brassiere or a bustle. This will help the correct positioning of the breasts during the healing period in order to maintain their symmetry and compactness.

The initial discomfort shall be kept under control using analgesics.

Removal of suture material shall be performed 7-14 days after the operation.

The elastic bustle shall be worn 4-6 weeks after the operation.

The scars will take approximately one year to be completely healed and exposure to sunlight should be avoided because of the adverse responses that may occur.

Implants located under the mammary gland may cause minimum pain during the first few days after the procedure. Those located beneath the muscle will expand the muscle, causing pains similar to those felt after intense muscular exercise.

Usually, current activities may be resumed 2-3 days after the operation. Pain may persist for a period and if that is the case, avoidance of activities requiring intensive use of the arms is recommended. Intense physical exercise should be postponed in order to ensure the proper healing of the scars.

Complete activity may be resumed 3-4 months after the surgery, but this period may vary in length, depending on the technique employed, location and type of implant and level of exertion during current activities. The plastic surgeon will recommend the optimum time at which normal active life may be resumed.

The surgery can produce the increase in breast volume to the desired size in order to achieve a renewed equilibrium of the body. This will lead to increased confidence, as the new look will be pleasing to the eye.

The emotional and psychic benefits of the procedure are an increased self-assurance, a better self-image and a great personal satisfaction.

SPECIAL INFORMATION

· Wash thoroughly before the procedure;
· Exclude aspirin and aspirin-related medication two weeks before the operation;
· Try to schedule the operation outside your menstrual period;
· 3-5 days before the operation try to exert minimal extension on your arm (do not raise your elbow above shoulder level). This will ensure the appropriate healing of the tissues;
· Do not eat or drink anything, not even water after midnight before the procedure is performed;
· Do not expose yourself to sunlight for two weeks before the operation;
· Wear only glasses, do not use contact lenses;
· Do not use make-up or nail varnish; remove any varnish off your nails before the operation;
· On the day of the operation leave your jewelry at home;
· Please let the anesthetist know if you wear dentures.

This presentation serves exclusively for information purposes.
For customized data and for further details please contact us at:

Radu Voicu, MD
Specialist in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

Spital Clinic CF2, 63 Marasti Blvd, Sector 1, Bucharest
Tel: 021-224 50 02
Mobile: 0722 684 735
Fax : 021-413 06 69
e-mail:
office@drvoicu.ro
Internet: www.drvoicu.ro.

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