The history of mammoplasty (breast augmentation) dates back to the 19th century. Once women began removing corsets, there were attempts to somehow influence the shape and size of the mammary glands.
First, liquid paraffin was injected into the tissues, then they tried to enlarge the breasts using the most amazing materials: glass balls, ivory, cartilage, wool. The consequences of such experiments had nothing to do with health and beauty. It is noteworthy that the surgeon who tried to enlarge the breasts with the help of the patient's own fat was the closest to solving the problem. Later, this idea will be developed. But then the result was not fixed, as the adipose tissue was absorbed very quickly.
In the second half of the 20th century, the invention of silicone gave a new impetus to plastic surgery. Liquid silicone gel was injected directly into the breast region. Complications from such operations were not long in coming: inflammation, granulation, neoplasms. Often, women had to agree to complete breast removal to save their lives.
In 1961-1964, the predecessors of modern implants, which were silicone pockets filled with a specific gel or saline solution, were developed. They began to be placed under the gland or under the muscle. However, reports that its use can cause cancer have temporarily delayed its triumphant march. In 2006, the implants were rehabilitated.
Stars and plastic
Now it is no longer acceptable to hide that women resort to the services of plastic surgeons to improve their appearance. Some stars don't even bother to create an additional news feed to remind themselves. Among those who opted for breast augmentation with implants and did not regret it are Kate Hudson, Jennifer Lopez, Christina Aguilera.
Should you be scared?
Of course, any surgical interventions at the beginning worry us. For those who are afraid of surgery but want to increase their breast size, they offer all kinds of miracle creams, ointments with phytoestrogens, hormone therapy, special physical exercises and injectable preparations (fillers). It must be understood that such procedures will not give the desired result. In short, creams and ointments simply cannot penetrate biological barriers and the concentration of active substances in them is small; exercises can increase the pectoralis muscle but not gland size, and hyaluronic acid-based fillers only work on the skin and subcutaneous layers, and only at a young age.
If you've really decided that breast augmentation will help you not only look, but also feel much better, find a clinic and plastic surgeon you can trust. Trust me, the specialist won't convince you to have an operation if you don't have a special need. They will listen to you, examine you, select the ideal shape and size for your breasts, and use computer models to show you what your figure will look like after a mammoplasty. In addition, they will alert you about the consequences, contraindications and possible complications so that you can make the final decision consciously.
When breast augmentation is guaranteed
The main reasons for breast augmentation include:
- Inconsistency of 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 of mammoplasty is often one thing - a woman's desire to increase the size and shape of the breasts.
A specialist can refuse an operation if:
- Less than 1 year has passed since the end of lactation.
- There are changes in the gland in the form of a mastopathy or a tumor is found.
- There are serious chronic diseases, including blood clotting disorders or endocrine system pathology.
- Inflammatory and infectious processes are active in the body.
Implant and surgical options
In order for augmented breasts to look as natural as possible, and patients not to worry if plastic is noticeable, several versions of silicone implants and installation methods have been developed.
The requirements for modern implants (stents) are quite strict. They must be of high durability, if possible, have an anatomical shape and not cause serious complications (capsule formation, rejection, displacement).
Depending on the characteristics of the figure, skin condition, individual preferences, the doctor may offer a choice of silicone implants, which differ in:
- Shape: round or teardrop-shaped.
- Sizes: from 150 to 850 ml.
- Filling: special gel or saline solution (saline solution).
- Surface type: smooth or textured (less prone to displacement).
Variations in the location of the stent are also possible:
- Under the mammary gland (subglandular) - in the presence of its own sufficiently voluminous gland tissue and skin elasticity preserved, otherwise it will be strongly noticeable.
- Under the fascia (subfascial) - in a pocket of the muscle shell, which consists of connective tissue.
- Under the pectoralis (submuscular) muscle - more traumatic as the muscle must be partially cut from the ribs.
- Combined location - partially under the gland and under the muscle, the most reliable and least noticeable fixation.
In addition to the installation method, the type of access is selected, that is, the location where the surgical incision will be performed:
- in the fold under the gland, healing is more anatomical and faster, 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 convenient option and is quite traumatic.
What is breast augmentation surgery like with implants (augmentation mammoplasty)
Before surgery, the patient must undergo an examination, which includes blood and urine tests, clinical and biochemical tests, coagulation tests, HIV and syphilis, ECG, fluorography and mammography. Only after that the operation is scheduled. Two weeks before the operation, anticoagulants are canceled, smoking and alcohol are prohibited, as they have a negative effect on wound healing. Before the intervention, regardless of the type of anesthesia, the patient spent 8 hours without eating and drinking.
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 is carried out. If the fill is saline, the silicone sheath is inserted first and then the implant is filled with fluid.
Then, drains are introduced to drain blood and other liquid contents from the operative area, and a special compression strap is placed, fixing the breast in the desired position.
Lipofilling
If you need a slight correction of the cleavage area, breast augmentation is possible without installing implants. That's lipofilling. A certain amount of fat is removed from areas with developed adipose tissue, filtered and injected into the chest region. On the other hand, this method combines 2 surgeries to shape the figure at the same time: liposuction and mammoplasty, so it may be more suitable for some patients. On the other hand, after a while, the fat is absorbed and the procedure needs to be repeated.
It can also be used in combination with breast augmentation if it is necessary to smooth the implant location area.
living with new breasts
After discharge from the clinic (usually on the second day), dressings are made, the scars are sealed with a plaster and, if necessary, analgesics are administered. The stitches are removed after one week.
Patients wear compression underwear for at least one to two months and at that time are only able to sleep on their backs. Up to 3 months of heavy physical activity, thermal procedures, swimming pool are contraindicated.
The final result of the operation can only be evaluated after six months. Modern implants allow you to live a full life without hesitation. The only thing you need is to jump from a height. It's best to plan a pregnancy no earlier than a year after the operation. You will also need to monitor your weight and skin condition. Sudden fluctuations in body weight can lead to sagging breasts.
Otherwise, you can enjoy a nice bust and the attention of the opposite sex. On the other hand, the improvement of the body itself occurs without harm to health.
So weigh the pros and cons, consult an experienced expert, and boldly go for your dream.