The history of mammoplasty (breast enlargement) goes back to the 19th century. Once women began removing corsets, attempts were made to somehow manipulate the shape and size of the mammary glands.
First, liquid paraffin was injected into the tissue, then attempts were made to enlarge the breasts using the most incredible materials: glass balls, ivory, cartilage, wool. The consequences of such experiments had nothing to do with health and beauty. It should be noted that the surgeon who tried to enlarge the breasts using the patient's autologous fat came closest to solving the problem. This idea is developed later. But then the result was not certain, as the fatty tissue was reabsorbed fairly quickly.
In the second half of the 20th century, the invention of silicone gave plastic surgery a new impetus. Liquid silicone gel was injected directly into the chest area. The complications of such operations were not long in coming: inflammation, granulations, neoplasms. Often times, women have had to consent to a full breast removal in order to save their lives.
In 1961-1964 the precursors of modern implants were developed, which were silicone bags filled with a special gel or saline solution. They were placed under the gland or under the muscle. However, reports that their use can cause cancer have temporarily postponed their triumph. In 2006 the implants were rehabilitated.
Stars and plastic
Now it is no longer accepted to hide the fact that women resort to the services of plastic surgeons and improve their appearance. Some stars don't mind creating an extra news feed to remind them of themselves. Among those who chose breast augmentation with implants and have no regrets are Kate Hudson, Jennifer Lopez, Christina Aguilera.
Should you be scared?
Of course, all surgical interventions initially worry us. For those who are afraid of an operation but want to enlarge their breasts, they offer all kinds of miracle creams, ointments with phytoestrogens, hormone therapy, special exercises and injectable preparations (fillers). It must be understood that such procedures do not give the desired result. In short, creams and ointments simply cannot penetrate biological barriers and the concentration of active ingredients in them is low. Exercise can enlarge the pectoral muscle, but not the size of the gland, and hyaluronic acid-based fillers act only on the skin and subcutaneous layers, and then only at a young age.
When you've really decided that breast augmentation surgery will not only help you look better but also feel better, just find a clinic and plastic surgeon that you can trust. Believe me, the specialist will not persuade you to have an operation unless you have a particular need. They listen to you, examine you, choose the optimal shape and size for your breasts and use computer models to show you what your figure will look like after the mammoplasty. In addition, they warn of the consequences, contraindications and possible complications so that you can consciously make a final decision.
When breast augmentation is warranted
The main reasons for breast augmentation are:
- Inconsistency in the shape and size of the mammary gland with the figure and constitution of a woman (very small or flat).
- Sagging and loss of shape after feeding.
- Visible asymmetry.
However, the indication for mammoplasty is often one thing - a woman's desire to increase the size and improve the shape of her breasts.
A specialist can refuse an operation if:
- Less than 1 year has passed since the end of lactation.
- Changes in the gland in the form of mastopathy occur or a tumor is detected.
- There are serious chronic diseases, including bleeding disorders or diseases of the endocrine system.
- Inflammatory and infectious processes are active in the body.
Implant and surgical options
To ensure that the enlarged breasts look as natural as possible and that patients do not worry if the plastic catches them, different versions of silicone implants and methods of installing them have been developed.
The requirements for modern implants (endoprostheses) are very high. They should be durable as long as possible, have an anatomical shape and do not cause serious complications (capsule formation, rejection, displacement).
Depending on the nature of the figure, skin condition and individual preferences, the doctor can offer a selection of silicone implants that differ in:
- Shape: round or teardrop-shaped.
- Sizes: from 150 to 850 ml.
- Filling: special gel or physiological (saline) solution.
- Surface type: smooth or structured (less prone to shifting).
Variations in the position of the endoprosthesis are also possible:
- Under the mammary gland (subglandular) - in the presence of its own sufficiently voluminous glandular tissue and preserved elasticity of the skin, otherwise it will be very noticeable.
- Under the fascia (subfascial) - in a pocket from the muscle shell, which consists of connective tissue.
- Under the pectoral muscle (submuscular) - more traumatic, as the muscle has to be partially cut off from the ribs.
- Combined location - partly under the gland and under the muscle, the most reliable fixation and less noticeable.
In addition to the method of installation, the type of access is selected, that is, the place where the surgical incision will be:
- in the fold under the gland the most anatomical and faster healing, but not always possible;
- around the areola (nipple) is used in women who have already breastfed and need correction of the areola-nipple complex;
- under the arm is not the most comfortable option and is quite traumatic.
How does breast augmentation surgery with implants (augmentation mammoplasty) work?
Before surgery, the patient must undergo an examination that includes blood and urine tests, clinical and biochemical tests, coagulation tests, HIV and syphilis, EKG, fluorography, and mammography. Only then is the operation planned. Two weeks before the operation, blood thinners are discontinued, smoking and alcohol are prohibited, as they have a negative effect on wound healing. Before the procedure, regardless of the type of anesthesia, the patient does not eat or drink for 8 hours.
The operation is performed under general or local anesthesia. First the so-called implant pocket is prepared, the adaptation is carried out and then the final installation. When filling with saline, the silicone sleeve is inserted first and then the implant is filled with liquid.
Afterwards, drains are inserted to drain blood and other liquid contents from the operating area and special compression clothing is put on, which fixes the chest in the desired position.
Lipofilling
If you need a slight correction of the cleavage area, breast augmentation without the use of implants is possible. This is lipofilling. A certain amount of fat is removed, filtered, and injected into the chest area from areas of developed adipose tissue. On the one hand, this method combines 2 surgeries to sculpt the figure at the same time: liposuction and mammoplasty, so it may be most suitable for some patients. On the other hand, after a while, the fat will be absorbed and the process will have to be repeated.
It can also be used in combination with an augmentation mammoplasty if the area of the implant site needs to be smoothed.
Life with new breasts
After discharge from the clinic (usually on the second day), bandages are put on, the scars are closed with a plaster and, if necessary, painkillers are given. The stitches are removed after a week.
Patients wear compression underwear for at least one to two months and at this point can only sleep on their backs. Heavy physical activity, thermal treatments, swimming pools are contraindicated for up to 3 months.
The final result of the operation can only be assessed after six months. Modern implants enable you to lead a fulfilling life without hesitation. The only thing to part with is jumping from a height. It is better to plan pregnancy no earlier than a year after the operation. You also need to monitor the weight and condition of the skin. Sudden changes in body weight can lead to sagging breasts.
Otherwise, you can enjoy a nice bust size and the attention of the opposite sex. Now you can improve your own body without harming your health.
So, weigh the pros and cons, consult an experienced specialist, and boldly go to your dream.