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Ask the Experts
What does breast augmentation involve?
One of the most performed cosmetic operations worldwide, breast augmentation has a very high degree of satisfaction. Several reasons bring women to consider this procedure in different seasons of their life: from lack of development of the breasts to decrease or loss of volume due to pregnancy or breast feeding, from weight loss to ageing. Last but not least, purely cosmetic reasons. Therefore the age of patients seeking this procedure ranges from 18 to over 50s.
But what do women want from a breast augmentation?
I have been given several answers: "Firmer", "Rounder", "Fuller", "More cleavage".
These answers address the different characteristic of what women consider the perfect breast: consistency (firm tissue), roundness (shape), fullness (size) and cleavage. Therefore the entire breast is involved in the concept of breast enhancement. But all breasts are different and one key will not fit all locks: the secret to a good breast augmentation is a good breast analysis, a good plan, the right patient.
The right implant will enhance the shape and improve the projection with virtually undetectable tell tale signs. The incision will be hidden in the breast crease; in specific cases around the nipple or the armpit. The choice of placing the breast implants above or under the pectoralis muscle has to be discussed in relationship with the patient's specific features, lifestyle and preferences.
The choice of the right implant is obviously crucial: they come in different shapes (round and teardrop), consistency (filled with more or less cohesive silicone gel or alternatively filled with sterile water) and projections (high, medium and low projection just to name the most common). The explanation to the patient of the different implants available and also the different techniques is an essential part of my consultation. The operation usually takes around one hour and the recovery (back to normal activities) ranges from 10 days to 2 weeks.
Technology has also significantly improved the quality of the implants available; however it is of paramount importance that women still examine their breast regularly for lumps; the risk of breast cancer in women with breast implants or without is identical however a monthly self-examination is the best advice for healthy breasts.
The key to a successful operation is a well educated patient and a meticulously performed operation in the hand of an experienced surgeon.