The history of mammoplasty (breast augmentation) dates back to the 19th century. As soon as women began to remove corsets, there were attempts to somehow influence the shape and size of the mammary glands.
First, liquid paraffin was injected into the tissues, then they tried to enlarge the breasts using the most incredible materials: glass balls, ivory, cartilage, wool. The consequences of such experiments have nothing to do with health and beauty. It should be noted that the surgeon who tried to enlarge the breasts with the help of the patient's own fat came closer to solving the problem. This idea will be developed later. But then the result was not fixed, since the adipose tissue was absorbed quite quickly.
In the second half of the 20th century, the invention of silicone gave a new impetus to plastic surgery. Liquid silicone gel was injected directly into the chest area. The complications of such operations were not long in coming: inflammation, granulation, neoplasms. Women often had to agree to full breast removal to save their lives.
In 1961-1964, the predecessors of modern implants were developed, which were silicone sacs filled with a specific gel or saline solution. They began to be placed under the gland or under the muscle. However, reports that its use may cause cancer temporarily postponed his triumphant march. In 2006, the implants were rehabilitated.
Stars and plastic
Now it is no longer accepted to hide the fact that women turn to the services of plastic surgeons and improve their appearance. Some stars don't even mind creating an additional news source to remind themselves. Among those who decided on breast augmentation with implants and did not regret are Kate Hudson, Jennifer Lopez, Christina Aguilera.
Should you be afraid?
Of course, any surgical intervention at first worries us. For those who are afraid of surgery, but want to increase the size of their breasts, they offer all kinds of miracle creams, ointments containing phytoestrogens, hormonal therapy, special physical exercises and injectable preparations (fillers). It should be understood that such procedures will not give the desired result. In short, creams and ointments simply cannot penetrate biological barriers, and the concentration of active substances in them is small; Exercise can increase the pectoral muscle, but not the size of the gland, and hyaluronic acid-based fillers work only on the skin and subcutaneous layers, and then only at a young age.
If you've really decided that breast augmentation will help you not only look, but feel a lot better, just look for a clinic and plastic surgeon that she can trust. Believe me, the specialist will not convince you to have surgery if there is no special need for it. They will listen to you, examine you, select the optimal shape and size for your breasts, and use computer modeling to show you what your figure will look like after mammoplasty. In addition, they will warn about the consequences, contraindications and possible complications so that you can consciously make a final decision.
When breast augmentation is warranted
The main reasons for breast augmentation include:
- Inconsistency of the shape and size of the mammary gland with the figure and constitution of a woman (very small or flat).
- Sagging and loss of shape after feeding.
- Visible asymmetry.
However, often the indication for a mammoplasty is one thing: a woman's desire to increase the size and improve the shape of her breasts.
A specialist can refuse an operation if:
- Less than 1 year has passed since the end of breastfeeding.
- There are changes in the gland in the form of mastopathy or a tumor is found.
- There are serious chronic diseases, including blood clotting disorders or pathology of the endocrine system.
- Inflammatory and infectious processes are active in the body.
Surgical and implant options
To make enlarged breasts look as natural as possible and patients don't worry if the plastic shows, various versions of silicone implants and installation methods have been developed.
The requirements for modern implants (stents) are quite strict. They should be very durable, if possible, have an anatomical shape and not cause serious complications (capsule formation, rejection, displacement).
Depending on the characteristics of the figure, the condition of the skin, individual preferences, the doctor can offer a selection of silicone implants, which differ in:
- Shape: round or teardrop-shaped.
- Sizes: from 150 to 850 ml.
- Filler: special gel or physiological solution (saline).
- Surface type: smooth or textured (less prone to displacement).
Variations in stent location are also possible:
- Under the mammary gland (subglandular) - in the presence of its own sufficiently voluminous tissue of the gland and the preserved elasticity of the skin, otherwise it will be very noticeable.
- Under the fascia (subfascial) - in a pocket of the muscle layer, which consists of connective tissue.
- Below the pectoral muscle (submuscular): more traumatic, as the muscle must be partially cut from the ribs.
- Combined location - partly under the gland and under the muscle, the most reliable and least noticeable fixation.
In addition to the installation method, the type of access is selected, that is, the place where the surgical incision will be:
- in the fold under the gland, the most anatomical and fastest healing, but it is not always possible;
- around the areola (nipple) is used in those women who have already breastfed and need correction of the areola-nipple complex;
- underarm is not the most convenient option and is quite traumatic.
What is breast augmentation surgery with implants (augmentation mammoplasty) like?
Before surgery, the patient must undergo an examination, which includes blood and urine tests, clinical and biochemical tests, coagulation tests, HIV and syphilis, ECG, fluorography, and mammography. Only after that is the operation scheduled. Two weeks before the operation, anticoagulants are canceled, smoking and alcohol are prohibited, as they have a negative effect on wound healing. Before the intervention, regardless of the type of anesthesia, the patient does not eat or drink for 8 hours.
The operation is performed under general or local anesthesia. First, the so-called implant pocket is prepared, the fit is made, and then the final installation. If the filling is saline, the silicone sleeve is inserted first and then the implant is filled with liquid.
Subsequently, drains are introduced to drain blood and other liquid contents from the operative area and a special compression garment is placed, fixing the breast in the desired position.
Lip filler
If you need a slight correction of the décolleté area, then breast augmentation is possible without installing implants. This is lipofilling. A certain amount of fat is removed from places with developed fatty tissue, filtered and injected into the chest area. On the one hand, this method combines 2 surgeries to shape the figure at the same time: liposuction and mammoplasty, so it may be more suitable for some patients. On the other hand, after a while the fat is absorbed and it will be necessary to repeat the procedure.
It can also be used in combination with augmentation mammoplasty, if necessary to smooth the area of the implant location.
Living with new breasts
After discharge from the clinic (usually on the second day), bandages are performed, the scars are sealed with a band-aid, and pain relievers are given if necessary. The stitches are removed after one week.
Patients wear compression underwear for at least one to two months, and at this time they can only sleep on their backs. Up to 3 months of intense physical activity, thermal procedures, swimming pool are contraindicated.
The final result of the operation can be evaluated only after six months. Modern implants allow you to live a full life without hesitation. The only thing you have to get rid of is jumping from a height. It is better to plan a pregnancy no earlier than a year after the operation. You should also monitor the weight and the condition of the skin. Sudden fluctuations in body weight can lead to sagging breasts.
Otherwise, you can enjoy a beautiful bust and the attention of the opposite sex. Now the improvement of the own body takes place without damaging the health.
So weigh the pros and cons, consult an experienced specialist and go boldly to your dream.