All You Need to Know about Breast Enlargement

Why women increasingly decide on breast enlargement and what do you need to know before breast enlargement surgery?

Why do women decide on breast enlargement?

As Mother Nature enables a specific development in every individual in a unique way, sometimes minor deformations can occur in the development of female breasts, such as an asymmetrical shape, sagging breasts or congenital smallness of one or both breasts (hypomastia). Sagging can occur after weight loss, during menopause or after childbirth and breastfeeding, which changes breast appearance and thus causes dissatisfaction in many women. Problems related to breast shape can also have an effect on self-confidence. The reasons why women decide for breast enlargement often lie in a desire to achieve greater symmetry of the body, reshape the breasts that have lost their natural shape and correct asymmetrical breasts. Naturally, apart from a desire, consultation with a surgeon is needed to discuss realistic expectations.

Where can scars form?

There are three approaches used to insert an implant or prosthesis and they have to be discussed with the surgeon prior to surgery. Thus, a woman’s desires can be harmonized with the advice of the surgeon. The surgeon will often insert the implant through a cut made below the breast, in the armpit or around the areola. Every cut leaves a few centimetres long scar that doesn’t present a major aesthetic disturbance. The cut made around the areola isn’t suitable for all women, whereas the best visibility during the procedure is offered by the cut made below the breast.

Placement of the implant under the muscle  and under the mammary gland

Implants can be placed under the mammary gland or under the pectoral muscle that sits underneath the breast. Advantages and disadvantages of both methods of the procedure can be explained by the surgeon, but you still have to make a decision. In placement of the implant under the muscle, you don’t feel anything under the skin and minor asymmetries aren’t visible. It’s also easier to assess the result in mammographic examination, whereas this is slightly more difficult in placement under the mammary gland. It’s also easier to notice small asymmetries or the edge of the implant in this method. The duration of the operation and recovery last longer in the case of placement under the muscle, whereas they’re easier and faster in the case of placement under the gland.

Types of breast implants

The quality and variety of the choice of implants has increased in the last thirty years so that the surgeon can decide among over 300 types of breast implants on the basis of an examination, tests and desires. Thus, you can choose among implants filled with a gel, which differ in terms of gel firmness. There are also implants filled with saline that is similar to liquid of which the human body largely consists. If the implant has a removable tube, this allows the surgeon to remove or add the solution optionally even six months after surgery. You can choose between round and anatomic implants, that is, breast implants that have a teardrop shape and ensure a more natural look of your breasts. The implant can have a smooth or slightly rough surface. Smooth implants are also somewhat softer to touch.

Surgery and recovery

The surgical procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia, without any pain. You can leave a few hours after the procedure or stay a day in the clinic. The duration of the operation depends on the choice of breast implant and an incision location, and it usually takes one to two hours. Women feel moderate pain in their breasts a few days following their surgery. The pain is caused by the muscle and skin stretching and the tension of nerves. The most severe pains are felt in the first 24 to 72 hours. The doctor can alleviate them with various painkillers and it definitely isn’t recommended to take aspirin after surgery. Removal of tubes, if you decide thereon, occurs a few days after surgery and it’s performed very quickly and easily and without anesthesia. Women can already engage in minor physical activities after a week. The signs of any complications are the creation of liquid around the implant, manifested by a rapidly growing swelling of the breast and pain, high temperature, sharp pains and redness. In that case, you immediately have to consult your doctor.

Questions to ask your surgeon before the procedure

Before you decide on surgery, consult your surgeon about everything you want to know. Ask him or her about risks and complications related to the operation. Ask him or her about scars, the possibility of enlargement, the expected results of the surgery, how the procedure will affect your ability to breastfeed, what you can expect in a few years, and if the operation will deprive you of any physical activities. You definitely have to be realistic about your desires as regards appearance as well as expectations and don’t forget to mention everything about your health and diseases that could affect the operation.

You can find more information about breasts in the Encyclopedia of Sexuality.