Breast augmentation is a decision not to be taken lightly. Your surgeon will offer guidance, advice and time for any questions that you may have, making sure that your choice is a fully-informed one.
All breast implants have a silicone based casing but they may contain different fillers: silicone gel or saline. The outer silicone shell may be smooth, shiny, polished, or a slightly rough texture. Research shows that breasts augmented with rough textured implants are less likely to develop the problem of capsular contraction (hardness) than those with smooth implants. We offer the most commonly used methods of incision and insertion; at the nipple, under the breast or under the armpit and it may be more than a simple case of aesthetics as to which option is chosen. Your surgeon will advise you with the best implant, size and procedure to suit you.
Placement of implants
There are 2 techniques in which implants are placed.
| The implants are placed under the breast tissue and over the chest muscle. |
| The implants are placed under both the chest muscle and the breast tissue. |
Your surgeon will be happy to discuss the pros and cons of both with you and will inform you of the correct procedure that will suit you.
Pre-operative assessment for size and placement of the implant
| Our goal is to augment your breasts in proportion to your physique whilst maintaining a natural look. |
| The size and placement of the implant chosen depends on many factors, such as your cup size, your desired cup size, your build, including chest muscle tone. |
| If you have a small amount of breast tissue and want to augment as much as possible, it is recommended that a large implant is placed below the muscle, in order to prevent the feeling or appearance of the implant. There is also less chance of capsular contracture (hardening). |
| If you have large chest muscles the implant should be placed above the muscles in order to allow for comfortable movement and a natural look. |
| For patients with mild to moderate breast sagging, a larger implant placed over the muscle is recommended. This enables a full and natural augmentation. |
Duration of operation
Surgery may take between thirty minutes and one hour, carried out under general anesthesia. Depending on your surgeon you may be admitted the night before.
Recovery and post operative treatment
| All dressings and bandages are removed on the second or third day following the procedure. |
| Afterwards, you are free to bath and shower as usual. |
| You will be given a brochure by your nurse on the correct procedure and the reasons for breast massage which should be conducted twice a day or as directed by your surgeon. |
| You will probably be able to resume exercise and normal physical activities within a month or two after any residual soreness has subsided. |
Results
Breast augmentation increases breast size which will enhance your self esteem and confidence. Leaving you with a better figure and balance your body proportions. For many women, including those who may have undergone a mastectomy, child birth or weight loss, you will notice a magnificent improvement and scarring will gradually fade.
In 2000 both Silicone and Saline implants were both approved by the U.S health officials that were manufactured by Inamed and Mentor who are the two leading marketers of implants that were both considered safe and effective for continued use.
Women that choose silicone implants should have an annual mammogram to ensure that their implants are not leaking, as silicone leaks out slowly unlike saline that is easier to rupture and will deflate fairly quickly. If there is a leakage or break in the implant the implant should be replaced.
Since 2000 statistics show that a low number of silicone or saline implants recipients have experienced complications.
Associated Risks and Complications
Capsular contracture occurs if the capsule, or shell, around the implant begins to tighten and thicken. This will cause the breast to feel hard and appear unnatural. Preventing this can be best achieved by regular self-massage. Your surgeon will advise you on just how to do this by providing you with a "How to Massage brochure". However, should a problem arise, there are a number of paths open to resolve this. Sometimes removal of the capsule is required, or perhaps the implant needs to be replaced, this is uncommon if you follow your surgeon's directions.
Despite bleeding generally being minimal during the operation, there is a possibility that continual bleeding after surgery may result in a blood clot, which will need to be removed. This is uncommon and it is suggested you remain in Thailand for approx. 2 weeks for your surgeon to monitor your improvement after surgery. Infection is uncommon however possible. Your surgeon should provide you with antibiotics prior to surgery to eliminate this possibility. A reputable accredited surgeon will perform these procedures to eliminate risk and by checking your current medical conditions and medications. It is advisable not to take any blood thinning medication 2 weeks prior to surgery and to ensure that you don't smoke prior to a general anesthetic. However, if a breast becomes infected or deflated, the implant must be removed immediately. You will need to wait several months before repeating the operation. Detecting Breast cancer may be more difficult.
Autoimmune Risks
According to scientific research, women with breast implants are not at any increased risk of autoimmune or connective tissue diseases. Although some patients have claimed complications to their health due to ruptured silicone implants in the past, studies have been to small to indicate increased risks of any rare diseases to be true.
