If you go out on the street and ask ten men why cosmetic surgery is necessary, many will answer without hesitation: "To enlarge women's breasts."This logic is no coincidence: human civilization, whether the ladies like it or not, is inherently patriarchal, that is, men dominate almost everywhere.For her, the breast is the most attractive part of the female body.
In order to make a stronger impression on the stronger half of humanity, ladies have always come up with various ways to highlight their breasts.First it was clothing with a deep neckline, then underwear that created pleasant visual effects.But all of these were temporary measures, and women wanted something permanent, or at least durable.
It was only the development of plastic surgery that helped women really look their own way and meet men's standards of external beauty.In 1889, something happened that millions of beautiful ladies around the world dreamed of - a method of artificial breast enlargement was invented, which later became known as breast arthroplasty (from the Greek words "endon" - "inside" and "prosthesis" - "add, connect").
The first material used to enlarge women's breasts was paraffin, which was initially called petroleum wax because it was made from this flammable liquid.In the first decades of the last century, aesthetic medicine tested many materials suitable for endoprosthetics: ivory and glass beads, polyethylene and polyurethane, polyester foam and much more.All of this had sad consequences.
It was only in 1961 that two American plastic surgeons from Houston, Thomas Cronin and Frank Gerow, created the first silicone implants and used them in surgical procedures, marking a real breakthrough in aesthetic medicine.But it took more than half a century until fifth-generation implants were invented in the mid-1990s.They are characterized by improved physical and chemical properties: they are denser and more reliable;The gel that fills them is extremely long-lasting and therefore does not seep through the shell.
Operation phases
Since breast enlargement is a fairly serious surgical procedure, it is only performed under general anesthesia.During the entire operation, all vital indicators of the body are monitored using special measuring devices: blood pressure, heart rate, level of oxygen saturation of the blood, etc.
Before the operation, the surgeon uses a special marker to make markings, which are then used to carry out the surgical procedure.As a rule, incisions are made so that postoperative scars are hardly visible.The choice of surgical approach depends on a number of crucial factors.These are in particular:
- position (high, medium or low) of the mammary glands on the chest wall;
- the presence or absence of breast ptosis – ptosis and its degrees (there are three in total);
- Skin characteristics: thickness and elasticity, presence of stretch marks;
- Anatomical features of the pectoralis major muscles, sternum and ribs.
A pocket (bed) is then formed for inserting the implants.It can be localized under the pectoralis major muscle, under the mammary gland, or a combined option is performed.The first method is used more often because it gives a more stable result.
After the implants are inserted, the wound is sutured.To achieve the best cosmetic effect, intradermal cosmetic sutures are applied using modern absorbable suture material or a special medical glue is used.Compression garments are then placed on the patient to prevent displacement of the implants and an increase in postoperative tissue swelling.After the operation, the patient remains in the rehabilitation ward for several hours, where her condition is monitored by medical staff.
Generally, breast replacement surgery takes between 40 minutes and an hour and a half.Depending on the surgical technique used and a number of other factors, it sometimes takes longer.For example, a patient's desire to enlarge her breasts by several sizes at the same time.Additionally, if you have previously had breast reconstruction surgery after breast cancer or trauma, the procedure may be more difficult and take longer.
Surgical methods
There are four main surgical approaches used worldwide.
- Submammary (under the mammary gland).
With this method, the skin is only incised underneath the breast (in the inframammary fold), which means that the incisions are not visible if the breast fold is well developed.In other cases, this approach does not provide sufficient cosmetic results.The advantages of this approach include the fact that the breast tissue is practically not affected during its use. - Periareolar.
With this approach, the incision is made along the lower semicircle of the areola, at the border between the pigmented skin of the areola and the unpainted skin.For this reason, the postoperative scar is hardly noticeable after a few months.This causes the breast tissue to drift apart in the lower area.This in no way affects the possibility of future breastfeeding and, contrary to popular misconceptions, does not reduce the sensitivity of the nipples in the postoperative period. - Axillary (axillary).
This surgical approach involves making an incision in the armpit area.This also does not affect the breast tissue.The use of the method makes more sense if the initial size is very small and the under breast fold is not developed.In other cases there are restrictions.To achieve axillary access, endoscopic video technology is required.Due to the distance of the incision from the surgical area, the operation can be performed more safely and less traumatically. - Transumbilical.
This is a rarely used technique.An implant is inserted through an incision in the navel area.In this way, only an implant filled with saline solution can be inserted.First the implant shell is installed, then it is filled.Such breast implants are practically not used, since experience shows that silicone implants allow for a more stable result, taking into account all the nuances of each individual case.
The final choice of implant insertion method and surgical approach depends on the characteristics of each patient, and only a selective individual approach to each case allows you to achieve the most aesthetic result.
Preparation for surgery
Before starting preparations for the operation, the patient should inform the plastic surgeon about all aspects of the planned procedure: type of implant, manufacturer, availability and duration of the guarantee, shape, type of shell and filling.Currently, the most common in the world are silicone implants with a structured shell and a filler - silicone gel with shape memory.
There are different types of implant fillers.
- silicone liquid, the consistency of which is similar to vegetable oil;
- Standard silicone cohesion gel (cohesion is the connection between the molecules of a substance, which determines its strength) with a consistency reminiscent of jelly;
- Silicone gel with a high degree of cohesion, the consistency of which is reminiscent of jam;
- Silicone gel “Soft Touch” (from English “Soft Touch”) – increased softness;
- saline, the consistency of a bag filled with water;
- Soybean oil, similar in consistency to the first filler.
Each filler has its own advantages and disadvantages.For example, a highly cohesive gel maintains its intended shape well at high projection but feels denser.A saline solution makes the breasts feel as soft and natural as possible, but does not ensure that they maintain their shape.8-10 months after starting use, salt crystals may form that can penetrate the shell.
In addition, there is a “gurgling” effect, which does not work for all patients.
There is another way to enlarge breasts without the use of foreign materials.This involves the introduction of fat cells – lipofilling or lipomodeling.This method was proposed relatively recently, in 2004, although similar experiments have been carried out since the second half of the 20th century.However, fat implantation in those years had no positive effect as it was quickly absorbed by the body.
Today, plastic surgeons have learned to process fat cells so that the effect of their injection lasts longer.Nevertheless, after a year and a half, up to 60% of the transplanted tissue volume is absorbed, so the operation has to be repeated.In contrast to silicone implants, lipofilling is a temporary measure.
Before breast enlargement surgery, the patient must undergo a comprehensive medical examination to ensure that there are no medical contraindications and to minimize possible risks.It includes:
- Blood tests: clinical and biochemical, for coagulation, for group and Rh factor, for HIV, syphilis and markers of hepatitis C and B;
- general urinalysis.
In addition, mammography or ultrasound of the mammary glands, x-ray or fluorography of the chest, electrocardiogram and ultrasound of the veins of the lower extremities are required.In addition, during a consultation with the plastic surgeon, the patient must be informed about all existing illnesses, previous operations, allergic reactions and medications taken, including nutritional supplements.
Also, before the operation, you must stop smoking and drinking alcohol for at least two weeks, as the former has a negative effect on healing, and the latter is incompatible with antibiotics prescribed for prophylaxis in the postoperative period.
In addition, every woman planning mammoplasty should know and take into account that planning pregnancy within a year after the operation is extremely undesirable.The fact is that changes in hormone levels in the early postoperative period and at the beginning of the lactation process (breast milk production) can affect breast implants in unpredictable ways.
Contraindications to performing breast arthroplasty are:
- Pregnancy;
- diabetes mellitus;
- severe endocrine and autoimmune diseases;
- blood clotting disorder;
- Diseases of the mammary glands (including masses) requiring observation by an oncologist;
- exacerbation of existing chronic diseases;
- Diseases of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems that are a contraindication to general anesthesia;
- age under 18 years;
- less than six months after stopping breastfeeding.
Rehabilitation after surgery
Full recovery from breast replacement occurs within a few months.This period can be divided into several main phases.
In the first 3-4 days after the operation, patients may experience discomfort: a feeling of heaviness and a feeling of bursting in the area of the large pectoral muscles.They can be relieved by taking painkillers prescribed by your doctor.By the fourth day, these manifestations usually disappear.
Swelling of the soft tissue in the surgical area is possible.Sometimes it lasts for several weeks and spreads to the abdominal area.These are normal symptoms and should not cause concern.
Hand movements are limited for the first 24-48 hours after the procedure.
You should not drive for the first week.During this time, it is best to keep your clothing as comfortable and easy to remove as possible.
You need to limit physical activity as much as possible.However, bed rest is not necessary at all.It is also strongly recommended to avoid nicotine and alcohol.
A week after the operation, you can drive a car, but only if you do not take painkillers that severely impair motor skills.It is important to consult your surgeon before driving again.
If your job does not involve intense physical activity, returning to work is possible within a week.However, you must still avoid lifting heavy objects (more than 4-5 kg) and excessive physical activity.
One month after surgery, your doctor will probably allow you to resume light exercise.However, most surgeons do not recommend doing much upper body work during this time, especially the large pectoral muscles.Light cardio exercises can be done without running or swimming.It is around this time that you will begin to see results from breast augmentation.The breasts begin to fall into their natural position and take on a more natural shape.However, please note that this process may take several months.Four weeks after surgery, the compression garment is usually removed and you can begin wearing non-wired bras or push-ups.
A few months after the operation you can see whether the results meet your expectations.Scars continue to fade over time and merge with the surrounding skin.With proper care, they should become virtually invisible within a year.Two to three months after surgery, the breasts will soften, take on the consistency of natural breast tissue, and then become softer month by month.After three months, you can start doing more intense upper body exercises.
There are a few other post-surgery tips to help speed your recovery:
- Avoid taking medications that affect blood clotting.
- Moisturize your mammary glands regularly to avoid stretch marks.
- suppress the desire to remove the bandage and monitor its progress - this can provoke infection;
- Give your implants time to “get used to”: at first they will look unnatural, with an overly filled upper pole, but gradually they will take on a natural teardrop shape;
- Be sure to get enough rest as this will speed up the recovery process.
- Avoid wearing tight-fitting clothing, especially those that require you to lift your arms up when putting them on.
- One month after the operation you only have to sleep on your back!You can't sleep on your side, let alone your stomach.In the first few days it is easier to sleep if the pillows are placed high behind your back.
- If you experience severe pain, asymmetric swelling occurs, or the bandage is wet, seek medical attention immediately.
- Don't worry if you notice increased or decreased sensitivity in your nipples after surgery: this is normal;
- the sensations on the right and left sides may not be the same - this is not a sign of problems and happens to almost everyone;
- Please note that most women can breastfeed after surgery, but milk production may be slower.