Augmentation Mammoplasty

LASERPLAST

AUGMENTATION MAMMOPLASTY

True beauty lies in the beholder’s eyes

Augmentation mammoplasty (or breast augmentation) is a procedure in which the size of the breasts is increased through insertion of prosthetic implants either under the mammary gland or under the pectoral muscles. It may be combined with mastopexy (breast-lift) if, after pregnancy or weight loss, the breast is particularly empty and sagging. Usually two implants of the same volume are used, but it is possible to correct significant differences in size between the two breasts by using implants of unequal volume. Under general anaesthetic an incision is made in the skin along the inframammary fold or around the lower half of the border between areola and skin. A pocket is created under the gland or under the pectoral muscle, and the implants are put in position. The incision is closed with sutures. Post-operative pain is variable and can be controlled with medication.

TYPE OF TREATMENT

Surgical procedure

INFORMED CONSENT REQUIRED

Yes

LENGTH OF EACH TREATMENT

50 minutes – 1 hour

NUMBER OF TREATMENTS

1 TIME BETWEEN TREATMENTS

–

TYPE OF ANAESTHETIC

General

SIDE-EFFECTS (ALSO TEMPORARY):

Pain and swelling for several days, controllable with medication. At the end of the procedure drainage tubes can be left in place, and removed 24 hours later. Possible risks are haematoma (accumulation of blood that very rarely requires surgical drainage) and seroma (accumulation of serous fluid that rarely requires surgical drainage). Capsular contraction: this is the thickening and tightening of the fibrous capsule that the body forms around the prosthetic implant. It can cause pain and deformity of the breast. It may be caused by an individual’s excessive immune response, or by haematoma or infection. It usually manifests two to six months after the operation, or rarely years later. The risk of capsular contraction is around 5% when textured implants are used, and even less when the implant is inserted under the pectoral muscle. In severe cases of capsular contraction, surgery may be necessary to release or remove the capsule. Pathological or keloidal scarring.

PRECAUTIONS AFTER TREATMENT

Avoid intense physical activity (including sexual) for 2 weeks after the procedure, avoid sunlight exposure, wear a supportive bra for 4 weeks after the procedure.

PRECAUTIONS BEFORE TREATMENT

No anticoagulant or antiaggregant medications for at least 4 days before the procedure; stop smoking