Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation, also known as augmentation mammoplasty, is a cosmetic breast surgery designed to increase breast volume, improve breast projection and create a more proportionate breast appearance in relation to the patient’s body.
Breast augmentation may be considered by women who feel their breasts are smaller than desired, have experienced a loss of breast volume following pregnancy, breastfeeding or weight changes, or want to improve breast symmetry and overall breast proportion.
There are two main approaches to breast augmentation surgery: breast implant augmentation and fat grafting. The most suitable option depends on the patient’s existing breast size, body proportions, available tissue, desired increase in volume and individual aesthetic goals.
Types of Breast Augmentation
Breast Implant Augmentation
Breast implant augmentation involves placing implants to increase breast volume and projection. Breast implants are available in different sizes and shapes, allowing the surgeon and patient to select an implant based on the desired breast size, shape and body proportions.
The outer shell of a breast implant is made from a silicone-based material and the implant may contain a silicone gel or saline filling, depending on the implant selected.
Before surgery, the surgeon will discuss the available implant options and help determine an appropriate size and shape based on the patient’s anatomy and desired outcome.
Fat Grafting Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation with fat grafting, also known as fat transfer breast augmentation, uses the patient’s own fat to enhance breast volume.
Fat is removed from another area of the body and processed before being carefully injected into the breasts. One of the advantages of this approach is that it uses the patient’s own tissue while also allowing fat to be removed from selected areas of the body.
Fat grafting may be suitable when a smaller or more subtle increase in breast volume is desired.
What Happens During Breast Augmentation Surgery?
Breast augmentation is generally performed under general anaesthesia.
During implant-based breast augmentation:
- An incision is made in each breast. Depending on the surgical approach, the incision may be placed around the areola or in the crease beneath the breast.
- The breast tissue may be carefully separated from the underlying chest muscle.
- The implant is positioned either beneath the breast tissue (subglandular placement) or beneath the chest muscle (submuscular placement), depending on the patient’s anatomy and the surgical plan.
- The incisions are closed with sutures and appropriate dressings are applied.
The exact surgical approach may vary depending on the patient’s anatomy, implant selection and the surgeon’s recommended technique.
What Are the Risks of Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation is generally considered a safe procedure when performed by a qualified plastic surgeon. However, like any surgery, it can involve potential risks and complications.
These may include:
- Infection
- Bleeding or hematoma
- Changes in nipple or breast sensation
- Temporary numbness or altered sensation
- Changes in breast symmetry
- Scarring
- Implant-related complications, where applicable
- Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL), which is a rare condition associated with certain breast implants
Your surgeon will discuss the potential risks, benefits and limitations of the procedure before surgery.
Recovery After Breast Augmentation Surgery
Breast augmentation recovery varies between individuals and depends on the surgical technique and whether implants or fat grafting are used.
Breast augmentation is commonly performed as a day-care procedure. Patients may be able to resume light daily activities and walking soon after surgery, depending on their recovery and the surgeon’s advice.
Patients with desk-based jobs may be able to return to work within a few days. Activities involving heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, sudden movements or significant pressure on the breasts should be avoided during the initial recovery period as advised by your surgeon.
Your surgeon may provide specific instructions regarding bras, physical activity, driving, wound care and exercise during the recovery period.
Bruising, swelling and discomfort generally improve gradually. By around one month, most of the initial swelling and discomfort may have reduced significantly, although the breasts can continue to settle into their final position over the following weeks to months.
More strenuous physical activities can generally be resumed gradually after adequate healing and with your surgeon’s approval.
Breast Augmentation Surgery in Bangalore
If you are considering breast augmentation surgery in Bangalore, a consultation with an experienced plastic surgeon can help determine the most appropriate approach based on your breast anatomy, existing volume, body proportions and aesthetic goals.
Dr. Rajendra S. Gujjalanavar provides personalized evaluation and treatment planning for women considering breast implant augmentation and fat grafting breast augmentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Breast augmentation surgery can increase breast volume and projection and may help create a more proportionate appearance. The amount of enhancement depends on the selected technique, existing breast tissue and individual anatomy.
Augmentation mammoplasty is the medical term for breast augmentation. It is a cosmetic procedure performed to increase breast volume and improve breast shape and proportion, usually using implants or, in selected cases, fat transfer.
Fat transfer breast augmentation uses the patient’s own fat to provide a more subtle increase in breast volume. It may be considered when a smaller enhancement is desired. The amount of fat that can be transferred and the final result depend on the available donor fat and individual factors.
Breast implant augmentation recovery varies from person to person. Patients with desk-based jobs may often return to work within a few days, while strenuous activities and heavy lifting should be avoided until adequate healing has occurred and the surgeon gives clearance.
Yes. Breast augmentation for breast asymmetry may help improve differences in breast size or volume in selected patients. Different implant sizes or other techniques may sometimes be used to achieve better symmetry, depending on the individual’s anatomy.