Breast size is important to many women. Some individuals feel that small breasts not only limit their fashion choices, but can also cause dissatisfaction with body image

Breasts contribute to female body proportions and having a proper and proportionate body contributes to overall attractiveness. For many women, breast size is an important part of feeling good, desirable and normal. Breast augmentation to increase fullness and projection of the breasts improves the balance in a woman’s figure and can enhance her self-image and self-confidence. It can make a woman feel more like the ideal and can drastically improve the way she views herself.

Breast augmentation enlarges a woman's breasts through the surgical placement of breast implants. This can dramatically improve the appearance of a woman’s breasts. It is one of the most frequently performed cosmetic procedures in the united states today. Permanent breast enlargement can only be achieved surgically, there is currently no medical treatment of any kind for breast enhancement with the proven result and satisfaction of breast augmentation. .

This procedure is most suitable for women who have small, underdeveloped breasts, breasts which are asymmetric (one smaller than the other), or breasts which have decreased in size after a woman has had children. It is also suitable for woman who feel they should have bigger breasts to give them a proportionate figure. Implants may also be used to reconstruct breasts after mastectomy. Breast augmentation is a highly individualised procedure- one that you should choose to undergo to fulfill your own desire for enhanced breast size, not the desire of others.

Adult woman of any age can benefit from breast augmentation, however it is recommended that breasts be fully developed prior to breast augmentation.

Implants made of medical grade, bio-compatible silicon are used for augmentation. The outer shell is made of either textured or smooth silicone with either saline, silicone gel or cohesive silicone gel as its content. The saline and silicone gel implants have a higher risk of leaking and subsequently deflating. The cohesive gel silicone implants are semisolid in consistency and retain its shape even if cut open. The surface of the implants may be smooth or textured. The smooth surfaced implants are more mobile, while the textured are likely to be restricted in mobility, as the tissues grip the surface better. The advantage of cohesive gel implants is that they can be shaped like a breast, which is why they are called as anatomical implants.

Breast augmentation is usually done under general anaesthesia. The implants are commonly inserted through an incision in the fold below the breasts. Other access sites such as peri-arolar and axillary can also be used. Your surgeon at Aesthetics will be able to tell you the one most suitable for you. The inframmary incision is of about 5 - 6 cm length. A pocket is created under the breasts and the implants are placed in it. This pocket will either be under the chest muscle or above it, depending on the preexisting volume of your breasts. The wound is closed meticulously. A tube to drain out collected blood may or may not be placed, depending upon the amount of dissection.

You will notice the difference in the size of your breasts almost immediately. They will be strapped in a firm compressive dressing, till the drains are removed and then you will be advised to wear a firm supportive bra continuously for 8 weeks. As the wounds are closed with absorbable sutures, stitch removal is not usually necessary. You will be allowed to go home either on the same day or whenever you feel comfortable.

The increase in the cup size of the breasts depend on the original cup size and the volume of implant used. Pre-operative sizing techniques such as the “BioDimensional Planning system for Matrix Implants” are used by us in “ Aesthetics ” to assess the implant size most suitable for you. Digital simulation software may also aid in taking a decision. Depending on the shape you hope to achieve, you and your Surgeon at “Aesthetics” may choose either a round or anatomical/contoured implant.

Immediately after the operation, most women experience mild swelling, bruising and tenderness. These symptoms subside in a short time. The breasts will be riding high on your chest. Once the swelling has subsided, the breasts will settle to a more natural and pleasing location and shape. This may take up to 3 - 6 months.

After the operation, you may have mild to moderate realisation of discomfort, most noticeable only on movement. This is easily controllable with oral medication. In a weeks time most medication can be stopped.

We advise you to refrain from vigorous activity for two weeks and aerobic upper body exercise for six weeks to allow your wounds to heal.

We strongly advice you to wear a firm supportive bra continuously for eight weeks. This helps in fixing the implant in proper position and reduces risk of rotation of implant.

Following your breast surgery, you will enjoy a new more pleasing shape, with more comfortable breasts that are in better position to your physique.

Surgical Risks

possible complications of general anesthesia, as well as nausea, vomiting and fever. These will be discussed in detail with your anaesthetist.

infection. Usually prevented and treated by antibiotics. If the infection cannot be controlled by antibiotics, then the implant will have to be removed till the infection is controlled and reinserted at a later date.

hematoma (collection of blood that may cause swelling, pain and bruising, perhaps requiring surgical draining)

Delayed wound healing. This is very rare after a standard breast augmentation.

Implant Risks

capsular contracture (hardening of the breast due to scar tissue). Body lays down a layer of scar tissue around any foreign object, which in some individuals can become very hard and distort the implant. Risk is only about 5 -10% with the newer generation of implants.

leak or rupture--silicone implants may leak or rupture slowly, releasing silicone gel into surrounding tissue; saline implants may rupture suddenly and deflate, usually requiring immediate removal or replacement. Cohesive gel implants have not been shown to leak.

temporary or permanent change or loss of sensation in the nipple or breast tissue.

formation of calcium deposits in surrounding tissue, possibly causing pain and hardening- only a problem in silicone gel implants, if they leak

shifting from the original placement, giving the breast an unnatural look. Proper precautions have to be taken to prevent rotation or displacement of implants and hence firm support is necessary after surgery.

interference with mammography readings, possibly delaying breast cancer detection by "hiding" a suspicious lesion. To reduce this risk, some surgeons advice placing implants behind the chest muscle.

Possible Risks of Breast Implants

Recent epidemiological studies have shown, however, that there is not a large increased risk of traditional autoimmune, or connective tissue disease, from silicone gel implants.

Are silicone implants safe?

The Uk Government appointed Independent Review Group (IRG) July 1998 has concluded that there is no conclusive evidence for any link between use of silicon and immunological or connective tissue disorders. Recently US FDA has also approved use of silicon implants manufactured by Mentor.

Silicon implants and Cancer?

the IRG has concluded that there is no increased risk of cancer with use of silicon implants. They however advise that women should continue to be screened.

Do implants affect screening?

Implants do not affect screening of the breast, but they make it technically difficult and special views may be necessary. Hence, the technician should be informed prior to screening.

What is the life of an implant?

The newer generation of implants are guaranteed for a lifetime from manufacturing defects such as leak or rupture/degradation by the manufacturers of reputed implants. These newer generation of implants have been in use for the last 7 - 8 years. Implants only need to be removed if they cause a problem. Implants should be routinely reviewed by your surgeon at Aesthetics.

The results of breast augmentation are immediately visible. Final results appear gradually over the next few weeks as swelling resolves and breast size and shape settles. Incision lines typically will continue to fade over the next year. Over time, your breast can change due to aging, weight fluctuations, hormonal factors and gravity. However, your new enhanced breast contour and the freedom to wear the clothes you enjoy without the need for padded bras should bring you added self-confidence whether at the beach or boardroom.