The history of mammoplasty (breast augmentation) dates back to the 19th century. As the women began to remove the corset, they tried to somehow influence the shape and size of the mammary glands.
First, liquid paraffin was injected into the tissues, and then they tried to enlarge the breasts using the most incredible materials: glass balls, ivory, cartilage, wool. The consequences of such experiments had 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 was the closest to solving the problem. This idea will be further developed later. But the result has not been recorded, as adipose tissue is absorbed fairly quickly.
In the second half of the twentieth century, the invention of silicone gave new impetus to plastic surgery. The liquid silicone gel was injected directly into the breast area. The complications of such surgeries were not long in coming: inflammation, granulation, tumors. Women often had to resort to breast removal to save their lives.
In 1961-1964, the predecessors of modern implants, silicone pouches filled with special gel or saline, were developed. They started to put it under the gland or muscle. However, reports that their use could cause cancer have temporarily postponed their triumphant march. In 2006, the implants were rehabilitated.
Stars and plastic
It is no longer a secret today that women use the services of plastic surgeons to improve their appearance. Some stars don’t even mind creating an additional feed to remind themselves of themselves. Among those who opted for breast augmentation with an implant and did not regret it were Kate Hudson, Jennifer Lopez, Christina Aguilera.
Do you have to be afraid?
Of course, any surgical intervention is a concern at first. For those who are afraid of surgery but want to increase the size of their breasts, they offer all kinds of miracle creams, phytoestrogen-containing ointments, hormone therapy, special physical exercises, injectables (fillers). It is to be understood that such procedures will not give the desired result. In short, creams and ointments simply cannot penetrate biological barriers and have low concentrations of active ingredients; exercise can increase pectoral muscle but not gland size, and hyaluronic acid-based fillers act only on the skin and subcutaneous layers and then only at a young age.
If you have really decided that breast augmentation will not only help your appearance but also your well-being, look for a clinic and a plastic surgeon you can trust. Believe me, the specialist will not persuade you to have the surgery if you do not need it. They will listen, examine, select the optimal shape and size of your breasts, and show you by computer modeling what your shape will look like after mammoplasty. In addition, they warn you of the consequences, contraindications, and possible complications so that you can make an informed final decision.
When breast augmentation is warranted
The main causes of breast augmentation are:
- Contradiction of the shape and size of the mammary gland with the shape and structure of the woman (very small or flat).
- Postoperative sagging and deformation.
- Visible asymmetry.
However, often the indication for mammoplasty is one thing - a woman’s desire to increase breast size and improve her shape.
The specialist may refuse surgery if:
- Less than 1 year has passed since the end of lactation.
- There are changes in the gland in the form of mastopathy or a tumor is found.
- There are serious chronic diseases, including coagulation disorders or pathology of the endocrine system.
- Inflammatory and infectious processes are active in the body.
Implantation and surgery options
In order to make enlarged breasts look as natural as possible and patients not to have to worry about noticing plastic, different variants and methods of implantation of silicone implants have been developed.
The requirements for modern implants (endoprostheses) are quite strict. They must be extremely durable, preferably anatomically shaped and not cause serious complications (capsule formation, rejection, displacement).
Depending on your shape characteristics, skin condition, and individual preferences, your doctor will offer a selection of silicone implants that vary:
- Shape: round or teardrop-shaped.
- Sizes: 150-850 ml.
- Filling: special gel or physiological (saline).
- Surface type: smooth or textured (less prone to displacement).
Differences in the location of the endoprosthesis are also possible:
- Under the mammary gland (subglandular) - in the presence of its own sufficiently large glandular tissue and preserved elasticity of the skin, otherwise it will be strongly noticeable.
- Under the fascia (subfascial) - in a pocket of the muscle shell, which consists of connective tissue.
- Under the pectoralis muscle (submuscular) - more traumatic because the muscle has to be partially cut off from the ribs.
- Combined location - partly under the gland and under the muscle, is the most reliable fixation and less noticeable.
In addition to the installation method, the type of access is selected, ie the location where the surgical incision will be made:
- the most anatomical and fastest healing in the submucosal fold, but not always possible;
- around the nipple (nipple) is used in women who have already breastfed and need complex correction of the nipple-nipple;
- under the arm is not the most comfortable option and is quite traumatic.
How breast augmentation surgery with implants (mammoplasty)
Prior to surgery, the patient should have blood and urine tests, clinical and biochemical tests, blood clotting, HIV and syphilis tests, ECG, fluorography and mammography. Only then will the surgery be scheduled. Blood thinners are given up two weeks before surgery, and smoking and alcohol are prohibited because they have a detrimental effect on wound healing. Prior to the procedure, the patient does not eat or drink for 8 hours, regardless of the type of anesthesia.
The surgery is performed under general or local anesthesia. First they make the so-called implant pocket, do the fitting and then the final installation. If the filling is saline, the silicone sheath is inserted first and then the implant is filled with fluid.
Drainage is then inserted to remove blood and other fluid from the surgical area, and a special compression garment is placed to secure the breast in the desired position.
Lipofilling
If a slight correction of cleavage is required, breast augmentation is possible without implant placement. This is lipofilling. From places with developed adipose tissue, a certain amount of fat is taken, filtered and injected into the chest area. On the one hand, this method combines 2 surgeries for body shaping: liposuction and mammoplasty, so this may be most suitable for some patients. On the other hand, after a while the fat is absorbed and the procedure has to be repeated.
It can also be used in combination with augmentation mammoplasty if it is necessary to smooth the implant site.
Living with new breasts
After discharge from the clinic (usually on the second day), bandages are applied, the scars are closed with plaster, and analgesia is administered if necessary. The sutures are removed after a week.
Patients wear compression underwear for at least a month or two, at which point they can only sleep backwards. Heavy physical activity for up to 3 months, thermal treatments, swimming pool are contraindicated.
The outcome of the surgery can only be assessed 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 your pregnancy at the earliest one year after surgery. You should also monitor the weight and condition of your skin. Sudden fluctuations in body weight can lead to sagging breasts.
Otherwise, you can enjoy the beautiful bust and the attention of the opposite sex. Now your own body is improving without compromising your health.
So weigh the pros and cons, consult an experienced professional, and feel free to pursue your dream.