Breasts are an important part of aesthetics because they carry meaning as a symbol of femininity, and for this reason breast augmentation has been a frequently performed procedure for many years.
What Is Breast Augmentation Surgery?
Breast augmentation surgery, in short, is an aesthetic procedure sought by women whose breasts are smaller than the size they desire. Nowadays, breast augmentation surgeries are operations that can be performed very easily and have almost become routine.
In breast augmentation surgery today, the gold standard is considered to be a silicone-gel-filled implant (breast implant). Fat injection, which has become popular recently, is also a method that can be applied in suitable patients; however, due to its longer-lasting effect, breast augmentation surgery stands out as the established standard method.
How Is Breast Augmentation Surgery Performed?
The implants are placed through 4-5 cm incisions made under the breast. The implant is not placed inside the breast tissue itself. It can be placed either beneath the breast tissue or beneath the muscle in front of the rib cage. The level at which the procedure will be performed is decided based on consultations with the patient and the examination results. Factors such as the patient’s anatomical structure and skin elasticity play a role in this decision.
Not every patient receives the same single type of silicone implant. Using high-quality silicone implants from reputable, world-renowned companies is an important consideration here. Since these implants have been in use for more than 30 years, patients need not have the slightest concern about safety, provided they choose the right doctor and center.
One of the most frequently asked questions about silicone implants is whether they cause cancer; however, research has shown that the risk of developing cancer associated with breast implants is negligible. This risk is much, much lower than the risk of something happening to you while driving a car every day. Given how commonly breast augmentation is performed worldwide, the number of implant-related cancer cases identified is, according to current data, fewer than 100. Conversely, since women who undergo breast augmentation tend to have smaller breast tissue, their risk of developing breast cancer is also lower.
Breast implants can be placed through an incision under the breast, around the nipple, or under the arm. The procedure is performed in an operating room under general anesthesia, and the entire process takes about 45-60 minutes in total. The patient may need to stay in the hospital on the day of the operation. The patient gets up and can return home the day after the operation. After a rest period of 3-4 days at home, the person can return to their daily life again without any problems.
Who Can Undergo Breast Augmentation Surgery?
Patients who undergo breast augmentation surgery have breast measurements that are small relative to their body. Small breasts may result from birth or from volume loss after pregnancy. Breast augmentation surgery is also sought in cases of asymmetry between the two breasts. With breast augmentation surgery, the two breasts are made more similar to each other.
Provided there is no medical necessity, breast augmentation surgery should be performed on individuals over the age of 18. Since development is still ongoing under the age of 18, it is not appropriate to perform breast augmentation surgery before that age.
It is also not the right time for surgery for candidates who plan to become a mother shortly after the operation. For women who plan to become pregnant in the near future, who are still breastfeeding, or who frequently gain and lose weight, it is recommended that breast augmentation surgery be postponed until after pregnancy.
After Breast Augmentation Surgery
After the operation (once the patient wakes up from anesthesia), significant pain is generally not felt. A feeling of tightness may occur, however. The enlargement of the breasts can be seen and felt immediately. A special dressing is applied to provide the necessary pressure on the breast. In addition, drains may be placed to remove any fluid that may accumulate where the implant was placed. If drains are placed, they are removed after remaining in place for a few days following the operation. Personally, I prefer not to use drains in patients who undergo breast implant surgery alone. In the early period, it is expected that patients may experience either numbness or, conversely, excessive sensitivity in the breasts.
Patients can begin taking fluids about 6 hours after the operation. In operations performed in the morning, the patient may be discharged the same day. Patients generally return home the day after the operation. For the first week, the patient should sleep on their back. It is beneficial to limit turning onto the side.
The patient is allowed to shower 2 days after the operation. During this visit, the first dressing change is also performed. On the 2nd day after the operation, once the bandage is removed and the dressing is changed, the patient is fitted with a sports bra. This bra must be worn continuously, day and night, for 3 weeks.
The first 4 days after the operation are the period in which complications are most commonly seen. Swelling, tightness, and possible discoloration may occur during this period, and it is recommended that this period be spent resting. These complications begin to ease and resolve after about a week. The patient can drive a few days after the operation and can return to social and work life. After the 8th week, patients can also return to sports such as fitness, tennis, and swimming.
As the swelling gradually resolves over time, the shape of the breast also progressively improves and becomes more natural. The breast may take its final shape after 4 to 6 months, and this period can even extend up to 1 year.
There is no problem with breastfeeding after breast augmentation surgery. Since the breast tissue is not removed during breast augmentation surgery, there is no risk of damage to the milk ducts. For this reason, women can breastfeed their babies without any problems after breast augmentation surgery.