Introduction

Breast augmentation, a well established procedure in cosmetic Surgery, is a surgical procedure to enhance the size and shape of a woman's breast. It is done by using a Silicone Implant which is placed under the existing Breast. Breast augmentation is a simple day care surgery & gives gratifying results. To date there is no report in medical literature saying that placement of silicone implant increases the risk of cancer..

Breast augmentation is performed for the following reasons:

• To enhance the size and shapeof the breasts for personal reasons, for ex. when a woman feels her breast size is too small.
• To correct sagging breasts after pregnancy.
• To correct difference in breast size and achieve symmetry.
• As a reconstructive technique following breast cancer surgery.

Surgical Procedure :

This operation is performed in the operation theater in a strict sterile environment & requires hospitalization of one day. It is done under General Anesthesia and can be done as a day care procedure.

A small incision is made under the breast in inframammary fold to create a pocket under the Breast tissue. A pocket may also be created by talking an incision in the armpit. An implant is placed in this pocket either under the breast tissue or under the muscle over the chest wall. When the implant is placed under the breast tissue the projection of nipple is better than when placed under the muscle. Dressing will be given to support the breast and hasten healing.

Getting back to normal :

Immediately after surgery a dressing is given to provide support to the breast. The patient can start moving around form the very next day. The gauze dressings will be removed over a period of several days and you may be given a sports bra. Stitches are absorbable and do not require removal. Sensations over nipple may get altered & numbness may remain for couple of weeks after surgery.

Breasts will probably be sensitive to direct stimulation for two to three weeks, so much physical contact should be avoided. Scars will be firm and pink for at least six weeks. After few months, scars will begin to fade, although they will never disappear completely.

Regular examination by your plastic surgeon and routine mammograms for those in the appropriate age groups at prescribed intervals will help assure that any complications, if they occur, can be detected early and treated.

Result :

The result of Surgery is noticeable immediately. The patient is advised to move the implant within breast tissue so as to form capsule of bigger size. This reduces chances of capsular contracture. Your decision to have breast augmentation is a highly personal one that not everyone will understand. The important thing is how you feel about it. If you are realistic in setting your goals, then you will be pleased with the outcome of the surgery.

Risk and Complications :

Capsule contracture: The most common problem, capsular contracture, occurs if the scar or capsule around the implant begins to tighten. This squeezing of the soft implant can cause the breast to feel hard. The incidence of capsular contracture has reduced with the advent of newer implants.

Capsular contracture can be treated in several ways, and sometimes requires either removal or "scoring" of the scar tissue, or perhaps removal or replacement of the implant.

A small percentage of women develop an infection around an implant. This may occur at any time, but is most often seen within a week after surgery. In some cases, the implant may need to be removed for several months until the infection clears. A new implant can then be inserted.