Before - After pictures
Information about breast augmentation
(Augmentation Mammaplastyc)
Naturally small-sized breasts, reduction in breast volume after pregnancy, breast-feeding due to the atrophy of mammary glands, as well as a difference in breast size (asymmetry) can only be corrected (enlarged) by the help of breast implants. In reference to breast implants there are a lot of misconceptions and false alarming rumours published by the media. The assumption that breast implants can cause cancer or autoimmune disorders has been disproven by numerous credible studies performed in several countries. Recently a wide range of state-of-the-art, more natural and reliable implants have become available.
Silicone is often used in everyday medical practice for several purposes, such as artificial eye lens, artificial joints, drainage systems etc. Of course, wall material, surface, wall thickness and quality of the implants may largely vary. Experience shows that cheap silicone implants are the worst for long term implants. Generally, the cheapest implants prove to be the most expensive ones in the long run, due to the higher risk they carry. Other materials, such as peanut oil, and sugar derivates have also been used for filling silicone-walled implants but they have not become widespread due to their numerous disadvantages. From the beginning of the 90's saline-filled breast implants have become increasingly popular first in North-America and later in Europe. With these protheses a reduction of filling material has been detected several years after the surgery. On the other hand, high quality implants filled with silicone gel represent safe, state-of-the-art products. Only significant mechanical traumas (a strong hit to the breast, stab or gun-shot traumas) are strong enough to result in a wall-rupture of modern protheses. Since these injuries affecting the wall of the implant never remain unnoticed, it largely depends on the patient if she consults a plastic surgeon regarding her complaints or not. On very rare occasions, also failure of implant material may emerge causing damages. Regarding recently used implants there are no specifications claiming that they should be replaced after a certain period of time. Conventionally, the result of a breast augmentation surgery can be considered as optimal if the breasts are spectacular, attractive and natural at the same time and suit the patient's body structure, and anatomic characteristics. In other words, they do not give the impression - even by a throrough inspection - that the breasts have been operated on. Only their proportion to the slender waist rather than their shape can give rise to suspicion. Risks factors can be reduced to a minimum only if the implant is not extremely large. Optimal size and shape of the implants vary individually. Shape and size of the chest, pectoral muscles, size of breasts and their proportion to each other define what implants are to be chosen. Optimum diameter of the implant can be measured on the chest (in centimeters). This data combined with other anatomical features makes it possible to choose exactly (without estimation) the appropriate type from given tables.
The surgeon can insert implants through an incision made at the crease beneath the breast, through the areola or in the armpit. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages. Incision around the areola leaves minimally noticeable scars but is not a possibility in every patient. Special drop-shaped implants can only be inserted through an incision at the crease beneath the breast. The implants can be placed directly beneath the mammary gland or beneath the pectoral muscle. The latter method provides safer long term results so - if the patient's body is suitable for it - this method is preferred. The patient's body always develops a thin membrane (sheath) around the implants that is normally not palpable. Under pathologic conditions this membrane thickens creating a capsule. This capsule isolates the foreign substance from the rest of the body and scarring contracts with time. Extent of contraction (capsular contracture) may vary and determines the changes in shape and consistency of the breast that become fuller and harder. Factors reducing the risk of capsular contracture include the following: good quality of the wall and surface of the implants; implants of correct size; sophisticated, tissue-protective surgical techniques; high quality and proper type of materials used for the surgery; antibiotics applied during the operation; insertion of vacuum drainage tubes if necessary; general anesthesia rather than local anesthesia; use of special bra or bands; proper massage started in time; sparing (protection) of pectoral muscles in the early postoperative period; avoiding hormonal changes (pregnancy, varying oral anticoncipients) in this period. Depending on the patient's age ultrasound examination or mammography should be performed prior to breast augmentation surgery. These examinations may reveal a possible pathological condition existing in the patient's breast (cyst, benign or malign tumor) before the plastic surgery so these problems may be treated before the planned cosmetic surgery. After a comprehensive general examination and consultation with the anaesthesiologist?, surgery is performed under general anaesthesia, on an inpatient basis (reliable private clinical background), mostly in the form of one-day surgery with care.
Following the surgery, patients are suggested to wear a special bra for 6 to 8 weeks; bandages are generally removed after one week, sutures after a week or two. With implants placed beneath the pectoral muscles, in the first postoperative days patients may experience a feeling of tight, hard breasts and discomfort that can be treated with pain medications. Proper exercises of the neck and shoulders are essential during this period. The final outcome (appearance) becomes apparent about 2 months after surgery.
After a given time, patients with properly inserted, complication-free implants become able to perform breast-feeding in the same way as if no surgery has been performed. Aesthetic result of the surgery may be interfered by several pregnancies, long-lasting (lasting more than 3-4 months) breast-feeding periods or significant weight fluctuations but these aesthetic changes can be dealt with. After surgery, regular consultations at increasingly longer intervals are advised, which we provide free of charge for our patients.
