Breast Augmentation

About treatment

Breast augmentation, also known as a boob job, is a popular cosmetic surgery for women who wish to alter the shape and size of their breasts. It is a highly personal decision that can be incredibly rewarding in helping you become a more confident version of yourself. However, it is important to understand all aspects of the procedure. You should also consult with your doctor to make sure you are a good candidate and the surgery is the right fit for you. 

Who is this for

• Women looking to bring symmetry or enlarge their breasts 

• Women requiring breast reconstruction 

It is recommended that only women in good physical and mental health undergo breast augmentation. 

Which type is right for you 

You have a lot of choice when it comes to designing your breast augmentation procedure. Discussions with your doctor can help you decide which kind of implant is right for you. 

• Size - Breast implants come in a range of sizes. It is common for patients to have different size implants for each breast in order to achieve symmetry. Size can be decided based on your desired preferences as well as what is medically recommended in line with your anatomy. 
• Filling - The common options include Saline, Silicone Gel or Gummy Bear breast implants. Saline breast implants provide uniform shape, firmness and feel. They are filled with a sterile salt water solution. Silicone implants are designed to feel more like natural breast tissue due to the silicone gel filling. Gummy Bear implants are also known as Firm-Stable implants because they maintain their shape in the case that the implant shell is damaged. It is encouraged you discuss with your doctor your objectives for getting the procedure in order to decide which filling is right for you. 
• Shape - The decision on your filling will also determine the shape. Saline and Silicone Gel implant fillings come in round. Gummy Bear implants include round and other shaped options. 

How to prepare 

Before undergoing surgery you are advised to stop smoking and recreational drug use. Upon consultation with your doctor you may also have to take some medication or adjust your current medication. It is also recommended you avoid taking aspirin and anti-inflammatory drugs. 

It is also important patients are mentally prepared for the procedure, remembering that while the surgery changes your appearance, it is not a quick fix for body image issues. Cosmetic surgery should also be done strictly for yourself, you should not undergo surgery because someone else wants you to. Patients should maintain realistic expectations and listen to the doctor’s assessment and recommendations towards achieving your goals. 

What to expect during the procedure 

The Breast Augmentation surgery should last between 1-2 hours, and by going abroad for the procedure you should expect to stay between 2-7 nights away from home. 

• The first step of the surgery is going under general anaesthesia. 
• The doctor will then create the incision. There are a few options of entry which are determined through conversations with your surgeon based on your anatomy and aesthetic objectives. The three main incision sites include: 

1. Transaxillary incision - incision through the bottom part of your underarm 

2. Periareolar incision - incision through the bottom of your areola, the pigmented area around the nipple. 

3. Inframammary incision - incision underneath the breast along the crease where your breast meets your lower chest 

• Following the incision the doctor will be ready to insert the implant. There are two options to breast implantation, Subglandular implant placement and Subpectoral implant placement. The method used will be determined by your surgeon depending on your preferred filling and size. 
• The last step of the procedure is to close off the incisions using dissolvable stitches, medical-grade skin adhesive or surgical tape depending on the incision cut site and size. Your new breasts will also be covered in bandages for protection. 

Taking care after treatment 

If your doctor has used dissolvable stitches, they will break down over 6-8 weeks. If the doctor has opted for non-absorbable sutures, they are typically removed after a week from treatment. Following treatment, you will likely experience some swelling, discomfort and tenderness around your breasts and incision site. These symptoms should last 1 to 4 days with pain levels decreasing week by week. It is recommended you take a full week of rest after the procedure to ease the recovery process. You can resume light exercise after a week, but avoid cardio for 3 to 4 weeks and intense training and heavy lifting for 6 weeks. 

Due to the swelling, it is normal for your breasts to feel firm after surgery. As this goes down over time, your breasts will begin to feel softer and more natural.You should fully recover 6-8 weeks after the procedure. 

Be aware of the risks 

With any medical procedure, you should always be aware of the risks. With breast augmentation this includes:  

• Scar tissue that distorts the shape of the breast implant, known as capsular contracture 
• Breast pain or infection 
• Changes to your breast or nipple sensation 
• Implant rupture or rejection 

This surgery may not be a permanent solution. Depending on the implant type, you may need to replace them ten years following your first procedure. 

Success 

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), 98 percent of women who have breast augmentation say the results met or exceeded their expectations. This procedure can help you to see a more confident, sexier and happier version of yourself.