If you go out on the street and ask ten men why they need plastic surgery, many will answer without hesitation: "To enlarge female breasts."This logic is not accidental: human civilization, whether the ladies like it or not, is essentially patriarchal, that is, men dominate almost everywhere.For them, the bust is the most attractive part of a woman's body.
Therefore, since ancient times, ladies, in order to make a stronger impression on the stronger half of humanity, invented various ways to make their breasts more prominent.At first it was clothes with deep necklines, then underwear that created useful optical effects.But these were all temporary measures, and women wanted something permanent or even long-lasting.
Only the development of plastic surgery helped women to look true to their desires and meet the external beauty standards set by men.In 1889, what millions of beautiful women around the world dreamed of happened - a method of artificial breast enlargement was invented, which later became known as breast endoprosthetics (from the Greek words "endoni" - "inside" and "prothesis" - "addition, joining").
The first material used to enlarge women's breasts was paraffin, which was first called petroleum wax because it was made from this flammable liquid.In the first decades of the last century, aesthetic medicine tried many materials suitable for endoprosthetics: ivory and glass beads, polyethylene and polyurethane, polyester foam and many others.All this had sad consequences.
Only in 1961, two American plastic surgeons from Houston, Thomas Cronin and Frank Gerrow, made and used the first silicone implants during surgery, which made a real breakthrough in aesthetic medicine.But it took more than half a century before fifth-generation implants were invented in the mid-1990s.They are characterized by improved physical and chemical characteristics: they are denser and more reliable;The gel filler is very durable and therefore does not leak into the shell.
Stages of the operation
Since breast replacement is a serious surgical procedure, it is performed only under general anesthesia.During the entire operation, all vital indicators of the body are monitored using special monitors: blood pressure, heart rate, degree of blood oxygen saturation, etc.
Before the operation, the surgeon marks with a special marker, according to which the surgical approach is made.Incisions are usually made so that postoperative scars are minimally visible.The choice of surgical method depends on several determining factors.In particular, they are:
- the position of the mammary glands (high, medium or low) on the chest wall;
- presence or absence of breast ptosis - ptosis and its degree (there are three in total);
- Skin characteristics: thickness and elasticity, presence of stretch marks;
- Anatomical characteristics of the main chest muscles, sternum and ribs.
A pocket (bed) is then formed to place the implants.It can be placed under the pectoralis major muscle, under the mammary gland, or a combined option can be performed.The first method is used more often because it gives more stable results.
After installing the implants, the wound is sutured.To achieve the best cosmetic effect, intradermal cosmetic sutures are applied using modern absorbable suture material or special medical glue is used.The patient is then placed in a compression garment to prevent displacement of the implants and increase postoperative tissue swelling.For several hours after the operation, the patient remains in the rehabilitation department, where his condition is monitored by the medical staff.
In general, breast replacement surgery lasts from 40 minutes to an hour and a half.Sometimes it takes longer depending on the surgical technique used and a number of other factors.For example, the patient's desire to increase the breast several sizes at once.Additionally, if you've previously had breast reconstruction surgery after breast cancer or trauma, the procedure may be more difficult and take longer.
Methods of operation
There are four main surgical approaches used worldwide.
- Under the mammary gland (under the mammary gland).
This method involves cutting the skin only under the breast (in the fold of the breast), which makes the incisions invisible if there is a well-formed fold.In other cases, this approach does not provide sufficient cosmetic results.The advantages of this approach include the fact that the breast tissue is practically not affected during use. - periareolar.
With this approach, the incision is located along the lower half of the areola, at the border between the pigmented skin and non-pigmented skin of the areola.Because of this, after a few months the postoperative scar becomes almost invisible.In this case, the breast tissue breaks down in the lower part.It does not in any way hinder the possibility of breastfeeding in the future and, contrary to the common misconception, it does not reduce the sensitivity of the breast in the postoperative period. - axillary (axial).
This surgical approach involves making an incision in the armpit area.It also does not affect breast tissue.The use of the method is more justified when the initial size is very small and no inframacular fold is formed.In other cases it has limitations.Achieving axillary access requires endoscopic video technology.This allows the operation to be performed more safely and less traumatically, given the distance of the incision from the operative field. - Transumbilical.
This is a rarely used technique.It involves placing an implant through an incision in the navel.Only saline-filled implants can be placed in this way.First, the implant shell is installed, then it is filled.Such breast implants are practically not used because, as experience has shown, silicone implants allow you to achieve a more stable result, taking into account all the nuances of a specific case.
The final choice of implant mounting method and surgical approach depends on the characteristics of each patient, and only a selective individual approach allows you to achieve the most aesthetic result.
Preparation for surgery
Before preparing for the operation, the patient must find out from the plastic surgeon all aspects of the planned procedure: the type of implant, the manufacturer, the availability and duration of the guarantee, the shape, the type of shell and the filling.Currently, the most common in the world are silicone implants with a textured shell and filler - silicone gel with shape memory.
There are different types of implant fillers.
- silicone liquid, the consistency of which resembles vegetable oil;
- Standard silicone-bonded (hesia is the connection between the molecules of a substance that determines its strength) gel, similar in consistency to jelly;
- Silicone gel is a high-quality consistency, the consistency of which is similar to marmalade;
- Silicone gel "soft touch" (from the English "soft touch") - increased softness;
- Saline solution, the consistency of a bag filled with water;
- Soybean oil, similar in consistency to the first filler.
Each filler has its advantages and disadvantages.For example, a highly cohesive gel holds its intended shape well with a high level of projection, but is denser to the touch.The saline solution makes the breasts feel as soft and natural as possible, but does not ensure that they retain their shape.After 8-10 months of use, salt crystals may begin to form that can pierce the shell.
In addition, there is a "roaring" effect, which also does not suit all patients.
There is another way of breast augmentation without the use of foreign material.This is the introduction of fat cells - lipofilling or lipomodeling.This method was proposed relatively recently, in 2004, although similar experiments began in the second half of the twentieth century.However, in those years, fat implantation did not have a positive effect, as it was quickly absorbed by the body.
Today, plastic surgeons have learned to process fat cells so that the effect of their injection lasts for a long time.Despite this, after a year and a half, up to 60% of the volume of transplanted tissue is absorbed, so the operation must be repeated.Thus, unlike silicone implants, lipofilling is a temporary measure.
Before breast augmentation surgery, the patient must undergo a complete medical examination to ensure that there are no medical contraindications and to minimize possible risks.It includes:
- Blood tests: clinical and biochemical, for coagulation, group and Rh factor, HIV, syphilis and hepatitis C and B markers;
- General urine analysis.
In addition, mammography or ultrasound of the mammary glands, chest X-ray or fluorography, electrocardiography and ultrasound of the veins of the lower extremities will be required.In addition, during the consultation with the plastic surgeon, the patient should be informed about all existing diseases, previous operations, allergic reactions, as well as the medications taken, including dietary supplements.
Also, you will have to stop smoking and drinking alcohol for at least two weeks before the operation, because the first has a bad effect on healing, and the second is not compatible with antibiotics, which are prescribed for preventive purposes in the postoperative period.
In addition, all women who are planning mammoplasty should know and take into account the fact that it is extremely undesirable to plan a pregnancy within a year after the operation.It is a fact that changes in hormonal levels in the early postoperative period and the beginning of the lactation process (breast milk production) have the most unpredictable effect on breast implants.
Contraindications for breast endoprosthesis are:
- pregnancy;
- diabetes mellitus;
- severe endocrine and autoimmune diseases;
- blood clotting disorders;
- diseases of the mammary glands (including mass formations) that require the observation of an oncologist;
- exacerbation of existing chronic diseases;
- diseases of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, which serve as a contraindication for general anesthesia;
- age less than 18 years;
- Less than six months after stopping breastfeeding.
Rehabilitation after surgery
After breast replacement, full recovery takes place in a few months.This period can be divided into several main stages.
During the first 3-4 days after the operation, patients may experience discomfort: a feeling of heaviness and swelling in the area of the main chest muscles.They can be removed by taking analgesics prescribed by the attending physician.On the fourth day, these symptoms usually disappear.
Swelling of soft tissues in the surgical area is possible.Sometimes it lasts for several weeks and spreads to the abdomen.These are normal symptoms and should not be a cause for concern.
Hand movement is limited for the first 24-48 hours after the procedure.
You should not drive during the first week.During this time, it is best to keep the clothes as comfortable as possible and easy to remove.
You will have to limit physical activity as much as possible.However, bed rest is not required at all.Avoiding nicotine and alcohol is also strongly recommended.
A week after the operation, you can already drive a car, but only if you do not take painkillers that seriously impair motor skills.It is important to consult with your surgeon before getting back behind the wheel.
If your job does not involve intense physical activity, then it is possible to return to work in a week.However, you should still avoid lifting heavy objects (more than 4-5 kg) and refrain from excessive physical exertion.
One month after surgery, your doctor will allow you to resume light exercise.However, most surgeons still do not recommend doing upper body work during this period, especially involving the core muscles of the chest.Light cardio exercises are possible without jogging or swimming.Around this time, you will begin to see the results of your breast augmentation.The breasts will begin to fall into their natural position and take on a more natural shape.However, keep in mind that this process may take several months.Four weeks after surgery, the compression garment is usually removed and you can start wearing a bra without wires or push-ups.
A few months after the operation, you will be able to see if the results are as expected.As for the scars, they will continue to fade over time and blend in with the surrounding skin.With proper care, they should become virtually invisible within a year.Two to three months after surgery, the breast becomes softer, regains the consistency of natural breast tissue, and becomes softer every month thereafter.After three months, you can start more intense training for the upper body.
Here are some other tips to speed up recovery after surgery:
- Avoid taking medications that affect blood clotting;
- Moisturize your breasts regularly to prevent stretch marks.
- Suppress the desire to remove the bandages and look at the progress - this can provoke an infection;
- Give your implants time to "adapt": at first they will look unnatural, with an overfilled upper post, but gradually they will take on the natural shape of the teardrop;
- Make sure you get plenty of rest as this speeds up the recovery process;
- Avoid wearing tight clothes, especially those that require you to lift your arms up;
- For a month after the operation, you only need to sleep on your back!You can't sleep on your side, especially on your stomach.In the first days, it will be easier for you to sleep with pillows placed on your back;
- If you experience severe pain, asymmetric swelling appears, or the bandage is wet, consult a doctor immediately;
- Do not worry if you have increased or decreased sensitivity in the nipple area after surgery: this is normal;
- Sensations on the right and left may not be the same - this is not a sign of trouble and happens to almost everyone;
- Please note that most women are able to breastfeed after surgery, although milk production may slow down.