Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation surgeries are being applied more and more frequently in our country and around the world. The most used materials for breast augmentation are silicone prostheses .

Who can have a breast prosthesis?

Women who think their breasts are not big enough, women with reduced breast volume and deformed breasts due to reasons such as breastfeeding, women with a difference in the shape or size of their breasts benefit from breast augmentation surgeries. There is no age limit for breast augmentation. All adult women can undergo this surgery as long as their health is adequate. One of the most important steps in evaluating a patient for breast augmentation surgery is to determine if there is sagging in the breast. In case of flaccidity, breast augmentation and lift can be performed in the same session.

How are breast prostheses placed in the chest?

Breast augmentation surgeries are performed under general anesthesia. The prosthesis is placed under the breast tissue, under the muscle membrane, or partially or completely under the muscle tissue. The incision is made under the breast, around the nipple, under the armpit, or around the navel.

Prostheses filled with saline (distilled water) are used instead of silicone prostheses with incisions made in the armpit and navel. Incisions made from the navel are almost never used today. The plane on which the prosthesis will be placed depends on the expectations and needs of the patient, as well as the existing breast structure. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages. These advantages and disadvantages are evaluated separately for each patient and the method to choose is decided.

How long does it take to return to daily life after surgery?

Patients are discharged the same day or the day after surgery. Usually after 24 hours the patient is allowed to take a bath. The healing process varies depending on the plane in which the prosthesis is placed, the incision site, the size of the prosthesis, and personal characteristics. In general, the sensation of pain and tension subsides in 3-5 days. Return to daily activities at the end of the first week. Most patients return to work during this period. At the end of 1 month, patients can continue with their normal life completely .

How does pregnancy and the puerperium affect prostheses?

All the changes seen in normal breasts during pregnancy are also seen in breasts with prosthetics (such as breast enlargement, milk duct enlargement). Many mothers with breast prostheses are able to breastfeed their baby. Studies have shown that the amount of silicon in the milk of mothers with silicone prostheses is not higher than normal .

Can a mammogram be performed with a breast prosthesis?

The presence of a prosthesis does not interfere with mammography or ultrasound.

Do breast implants need to be replaced periodically?

Breast prostheses used today are designed to remain in the human body for a lifetime without causing problems. However, sometimes it may be necessary to change the prosthesis for personal reasons (change the size) or very rarely due to problems such as emptying or displacement of the prosthesis .

What is capsule contracture? Do all patients have capsule contracture?

The formation of capsules around the silicone prosthesis is actually the body's normal response to protect itself. However, sometimes this capsule can thicken and stretch and compress the prosthesis. Sometimes the formed capsule can even become visible. This may require surgical removal of the capsule and, in some cases, removal of the prosthesis and placement of a new prosthesis. Capsule contracture is more common in women who smoke. In addition, factors such as the surface of the prosthesis, the plane in which the prosthesis is placed, the accumulation of blood (hematoma) in the area of the operation also affect the formation of capsular contracture. Maneuvers such as the use of prostheses with a rough surface and the placement of the prosthesis under the muscle reduce the risk of capsular contracture formation.