Breast Augmentation
Mammaplasty
Breast Implant. Augmentation Mammaplasty.
Augmentation mammaplasty is a surgical technique that attempts to improve the shape and volume of the female breast.
It is usually signposted for women whose breast have not developed as they wanted and also when there is a difference in size between the two breasts or the natural volume has been lost as a result of pregnancy, breastfeeding or sudden weight loss.
In most cases, the use of breast implants is used to achieve this goal, but in a few, breast augmentation with fat using the patient’s own fat as filling material for restoration and remodelling, being autologous material, avoiding any possible rejection or incompatibility.
This is not a substitute technique for breast augmentation, since it is indicated in patients who only seek moderate increase or more firmness of the breast and do not want to wear a prosthesis. Sometimes a combined technique is performed to improve the breast contour, filling the upper poles to avoid capsular contracture.
Blood analysis, electrocardiogram and X-ray are required.
At the preoperative visits, each patient is analysed in detail in terms of volume, projection, physical constitution and skin quality. In order to choose the implant size accurately and to establish the appropriate dimensions, the desired length, height and projection are measured. Volume tests can also be performed with the patient, filling the bra to the size you want to obtain.
This surgery requires a hospital admission of 24 hours.
General anesthesia is usually used.
Mammaplasty consists of introducing a mammary prosthesis either through the periareolar route (through the lower border of the areola) or via the sub-mammary route (in the sulcus of the breast). The implant can be housed under the gland or beneath the pectoral muscle, the latter being preferable, since it is more natural and protected by the tissues themselves.
As a result of the operation, a temporary loss of sensitivity may be noticed in the breast area as it recovers gradually.
When an increase with fat is performed, it is removed by conventional liposuction, treated with centrifugation and washed with physiological saline. This fat is then introduced into the breast through small cutaneous incisions, forming a series of intertwined tunnels searching for the best vascularised site (intramuscular and subcutaneous) to facilitate the grafting. The volume to be introduced should not be excessive to avoid fat necrosis. In most cases, only one treatment session is necessary, although in some patients more than one is required to achieve the desired result, especially in cases where large volumes of fatty tissue are required.
A compression bandage will be worn for 3-4 days and will then be replaced by a sports bra. This bra keeps the prosthesis firm and prevents seromas and bruises. It usually takes about 30 days. During the first week, strenuous activity with the arms should be avoided.
The intradermal stitches are removed at 12 days and then the patient is instructed to gradually begin normal activity.
After one week from the operation, manual lymphatic drainage is recommended and when stitches are removed, the use of rosehip oil on the scar and sun cream protection is recommended for 6-8 months after the procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions about Breast Implants and Mammaplasty
A compression bandage will be worn for 3-4 days and will then be replaced by a sports bra. This bra keeps the prosthesis firm and prevents seromas and bruises. It usually takes about 30 days. During the first week, strenuous activity with the arms should be avoided.
The intradermal stitches are removed at 12 days and then the patient is instructed to gradually begin normal activity.
After one week from the operation, manual lymphatic drainage is recommended and when stitches are removed, the use of rosehip oil on the scar and sun cream protection is recommended for 6-8 months after the procedure.
There is no data to suggest that they should be replaced. The prostheses that are currently being used are of very high quality and much more resistant than the models that were used years ago. Doctors usually recommend monitoring the evolution of the prostheses every 5 years by mammography, ultrasound or resonance, and in cases of rupture (a very small percentage), the replacement of the prosthesis is recommended.
Only in the case of a very serious accident, such as a traffic accident.
No.
Not as long as the size of the implant is proportioned to the patient. It is advisable to take into account the recommendations of your surgeon in this regard.
Usually yes. The patient undergoing this procedure may breastfeed in the future, except in exceptional cases, and for reasons directly related to the breast where before it was not possible.
Yes. Mammograms are equally reliable and an increase in frequency is not necessary. In some cases it is possible that the mammograms may need some extra projection.
What can be observed is the presence of fat calcifications that in the radiology are possible errors of diagnosis, but in the hands of an expert radiologist this should not pose any problem. At other times, oily cysts may be noted, which are benign but sometimes palpable or may require a puncture to be evaluated.
The Ministry of Health and Consumer Affairs regulations demands that a voucher be provided in which the data of the implant placed, brand, volume, etc.-, as well as those of the surgeon must be included.
As with any surgery, bleeding, infection, bleeding greater than usual or complications related to anaesthesia are a possibility.
As for specific risks, the occurrence most concerned with this form of surgery is capsular contracture (tightening of the scar that is created around the prosthesis). When an implant is made, the organism wraps the prosthesis in a layer of tissue. This layer, called a capsule, in most cases has thin walls and leaves enough space for the prosthesis to be distended, thus preserving the proper soft touch.
In a small percentage of women, the capsule becomes thick, retracts and compresses the prosthesis, causing it to harden. Capsular contracture can occur in one or both breasts. Contracture can occur at any time.
It is not yet known why some women produce it and others do not. If there are no signs of hardening after six months following surgery, it may not occur. The incidence of this complication is around 3%, according to statistics. In further surgeries, the capsular contracture might be higher.
No, not at all. It has been proven that there is no relation between cancer and breast prostheses.
If you want to improve the look of your breasts or if you have any request relating the mammaplasty, please do not hesitate to ask for an appointment or to contact us.
Remember we can serve you in Alicante or Denia.