BREAST AUGMENTATION

Silicone implants

Before we refer to silicone implants, we have to mention that in N. America saline implants are used up to the present day. However, they are being gradually replaced by silicone implants due to multiple problems that saline implants cause.

Implants are divided into two major categories:

a) smooth surface implants

b) rough surface implants

Today we use rough surface implants due to the better biological behavior in comparison to the smooth surface implants. In addition, silicone implants are divided into round and anatomical according to their shape.

It is up to the plastic surgeon to decide which of the two shapes will be used. In VK Institute Of Aesthetic and Plastic Surgery we believe that by the use of anatomical silicone implants we provide a higher and more natural outcome. Silicone implants “imitate” the shape of the natural breast and follow its natural droopiness providing a totally natural result.

Who can undergo a breast augmentation operation?

All women with small - aplastic breast, women with small drooping breasts or women with breast asymmetries are candidates for this surgery.

Breast augmentation techniques

The first issue concerning the technique to be used is the position of the incision, through which the silicone implant will be inserted. The position can be around the nipple area, at the inframammary fold or at the armpit, depending on the patient’s preference as well as the anatomic shape of the breast (e.g. large areola – periareolar incision). Each incision has certain advantages and disadvantages that should be discussed with the plastic surgeon.

The second issue concerns the level in which the silicon implant will be placed. The levels where a silicone implant can be positioned are three :

1^ο Below the major pectoralis muscle
2^ο Subfascial placement
3^ο Subgladular placement

Nowadays we place the silicone implant either under the muscle or subfascially due to better, long-term esthetic results.

Which of the above techniques will be used is related both to the familiarization of the Plastic Surgeon to each technique as well as to the clinical situation of each breast. That means that we do not use the same technique to every breast because all breasts differ. Nevertheless the technique to be used should be personalized and the appropriate one for a better, natural, long-lasting result.

Is the result of the operation direct?

Yes it is. Breast augmentation is the most characteristic example in Plastic Surgery field concerning that matter. The result is visible directly after the operation.

The existence of small swelling subsides after 15 days.

Can all the women undergo a breast augmentation surgical operation?

Yes. After the completion of the mammary development (usually 17-19 years old), all women can undergo a breast augmentation surgery.

What is the relation between silicone implants and breast carcinogenesis?

Absolutely none. Silicone implants are not implicated in breast carcinogenesis. On the contrary, women who have undergone breast augmentation have less possibilities of suffering from breast cancer due to the frequent preventive checks in which they are submitted after surgery.

Moreover, women suffering from breast cancer use silicone implants during the breast reconstruction procedure that they undergo.

What is the duration of the surgical operation?

The operation lasts about at 1.30 hour. The patient after surgery may go home the same day.

The patient leaves the hospital wearing a simple sports bra without bandages and without a tipping (hoses).

What type of anesthesia is needed?

Usually the procedure is performed under general anesthesia. Although, depending on the case, local anesthesia or sedation might be used.

What is the recovery time?

The patient can return to everyday life activities from the very next day.

There is no need for sutures removal as they are absorbable.

The patient gains full activity in 15-20 days.

How painful is the operation?

The operation is almost painless if the plastic surgeon is experienced in this form of operation and performs it properly. E.g: not to traumatize the tissues, to avoid bleeding and to have the right intraoperative plan.

The patient has a feeling of stretching due to implants placement and a very slight feeling of discomfort around the incision area which gradually reduces with the use of painkillers.

What kind of medical examinations are performed before the operation?

The medical examinations prior the surgical operation evolve Hematological, Radiological and Cardiological test as well as a breast ultrasound.

If the woman is over 35 years old, a mammogram is also performed.

Which implant is ideal for me?

The size and shape type of the implant to be used will be discussed and planned with the Plastic Surgeon. Through special predesigned implants which are being tested in the doctor’s office and through some measurements we come to the ideal size.

Are the incision lines - scars of the operation visible?

Generally they are not. Usually the period of time required for the incision lines not to be visible is 6-8 months. The incision lines are 3-4 cm in the inframammary area and in the area around the areola.

Furthermore the application of specific creams in the area and the use of silicone pads accelerate the healing process and help significantly so the incisions are not visible after a while.

Complications

Breast augmentation complications are divided in direct and long term.

Direct complications are the ones that might occur during the first hours or days after the operation.

Long term complications occur weeks, months or even years after the surgical operation.

Usually the most common complication is the difference in shape between the two breasts. This is mainly caused due to the technique followed by the plastic surgeon as well as the type of silicone implant used to the breast. Another complication is the formation of tight scar tissue around the silicone implant (capsular contracture) resulting to the breast to lose its natural shape, be harder and sometimes painful.

Nowadays with the use of rough surface implants and anatomic silicone pads this complication is of a very low risk.

Breastfeeding and silicone implants

Silicone implants have no effect on breastfeeding. The woman who has undergone breast augmentation can breastfeed normally without any risk.

In conclusion

Breast augmentation surgery is the only and definitive solution for women with small aplastic breasts. In Vk Institute of Aesthetic and Plastic Surgery we use anatomical implants and modern operative techniques which in combination with extensive experience is a guarantee for a permanent, natural result.