Surgery to enlarge the size of the chest is called breast augmentation and is most often performed in women. Also referred to as augmentation mammaplasty, the procedure involves the insertion of implants either behind the pectoral muscle or behind the glandular tissue of the mammaries. Often done for cosmetic reasons, the technique can also be used for reconstruction of women who received mastectomies due to cancer, disease, or birth defects, and is sometimes done in men as pectoral implants. There are potential complications from the procedure that can be minimized by finding a well-trained surgeon.
Types Of Implants
There are two types of commonly used breast implants. Saline is sterile salt water inside a plastic pouch. The amount of saline will determine firmness and shape. If the plastic shell leaks, the pouch will deflate and the contents will be absorbed by the body safely. Their use is FDA approved for use in women 18 and older.
Silicone is an elastic gel that mimics natural tissue within a similar shell. Implanting silicone requires regular checkups to check for leaks. The pouch will not collapse because the gel may remain inside the chest pocket. Their use is FDA approved for women 22 and older. Younger usage may be approved for reconstructive purposes.
Expectations A Plastic Surgery Candidate Should Have
The results of the procedure should be immediately visible. Some swelling will occur, but this should fade over time. The incision markings may scar, but a well trained surgeon will place them in the least visible location. The line should fade to some extent with time. The implants are not guaranteed for a lifetime. Pregnancy and weight fluctuations may alter their appearance. Follow-up procedures will be necessary to maintain the desired look.
Potential Complications Of The Surgical Procedure
As with any other surgery there are some potential problems that may arise during or after the operation. Not all patients respond to or recover from anesthesia in the same manner. Waking up in the recovery room may be difficult for some and there may be breathing problems in a small proportion of surgical clients.
Any invasive technique also carries the potential for infection and bleeding. These complications could result in poor wound healing, leading to a longer recovery time, increased scarring, and in clotting which could lead to more drastic cardiovascular and pulmonary complications. The more severe side effects require medical follow-up.
Specific to augmentation mammaplasty is the potential for loss of nipple sensation. Wrinkling of the skin may occur at the top of the breast. Also, scar tissue may form around the implant leading to a hardening of the tissue. Secondary surgeries may be needed and checkups required to assess the integrity of the inserts provided during breast augmentation.
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