Breast Augmentation by Silicon Implants

Breast augmentation is one of the most common aesthetic surgical procedures undertaken in Plastic surgery practice. Most of the patients show a very high degree of satisfaction from the results of this surgery. Silicon implants are used in the majority of patients, though more recently fat grafting technique is also offered as an alternative.

Technique: A silicon implant is placed under the pectoral muscles on each side through a submammary, axillary or periareolar incision.

Post-operatively patient is advised to use a customised pressure garment for approximately 3 months.

 

Implants: The current implant most commonly used is a textured, cohesive silicon gel implant. Most of the problems associated with the older silicon implants like capsular contracture where the implant can become increasingly palpable and painful & incidence of implant rupture and spillage of silicon to regional lymph nodes are very rare with the modern breast implants. 

As far as safety of silicon is concerned, today we have sufficient proof through extensive studies that they do not cause cancer or any chronic inflammatory disease.

Alternative to implants: More recently autologous fat transfer is available as an alternative to silicon implants for breast augmentation. However, it is still not a very popular choice due to following reasons. First is the need of  multiple sessions to achieve a significant augmentation of breast and second is the problem associated with unpredictability of long term result due to partial absorption of the fat graft.

Breast Augmentation: Types, Procedure, Candidates, Risks and Cost

Breast augmentation is one of the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures around the world. The procedure enhances the shape and size of the breasts. Breast augmentation surgery is for women who have small or asymmetrical breasts which may give them an unpleasant look. A saggy breast is one of the primary reasons why women choose breast augmentation surgery. It occurs due to weight loss, pregnancy or aging. A cosmetic surgeon uses breast implants or fat transfer augmentation to make breasts fuller and restore the breast volume. Breast augmentation can boost self-confidence and improve overall figure of a woman.

Breast Augmentation Cost 

The average cost of breast augmentation surgery in India is Rs. 4-5 lakhs. Breast augmentation cost includes surgeon’s fee, medical tests, anaesthesia, prescriptions for medications, and hospital facilities charge. However, above-mentioned cost may vary based on the type of hospital, the cosmetic surgeon’s experience and type of implants used in augmentation. 

Breast Augmentation Candidates 

Best candidates for the breast augmentation procedure include: 

• One who has asymmetrical breasts
• One who has big sized breasts
• One who is physically healthy
• One who has realistic expectations

Types of Breast Implants

Silicone breast Implants- Silicone breast implants contain silicone gel and gives a feel of natural breasts. Silicone breast implants will not collapse if there is any leakage. The gel will remain in the implant shell or goes into the breast implant pocket. 

Saline breast Implants- These breast implants are filled with sterile salt water and if there is any leakage the body will absorb the saline water. 

Round breast Implants- Round breast implants make the breasts appear fuller and better. These breast implants are more stable and there is less risk of movement of implants. 

Texture breast implants- Textured breast implants make the scar tissue stick to the implant. These breast implants are less likely to move inside the breast. In case these implants move, they reposition themselves. 

Preparing for Breast Augmentation

Before undergoing breast augmentation surgery, a patient should carefully follow the instructions as stated by the cosmetic surgeon. Steps to be followed by the patient include: 

• No smoking
• Get a blood test
• Avoid taking anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin
• Avoid eating and drinking on the day of surgery
• Do not wear any jewellery or contact lenses on the day of surgery

Breast Augmentation Procedure

Before a breast augmentation procedure, a patient is administered general anaesthesia or intravenous sedation to maintain comfort during the surgical procedure. Small incisions are made in unnoticeable areas to minimise visible scarring. The incisions create the pockets through which implants are inserted into the breasts. The breast implants are inserted under the pectoral muscle or directly behind the breast tissue. After this, incisions are closed with sutures and surgical tapes.

Breast Augmentation Risks

Being a cosmetic surgery procedure, there are some risks and complications associated with the breast augmentation surgery. Possible risks of breast augmentation are:

• Infection
• Accumulation of fluid
• Persistent pain
• Bleeding
• Allergy due to anaesthesia
• Scars
• Unsatisfactory results