Breast Affairs – On Breast Augmentation

Today, any woman has heard of Breast Augmentation. This surgery, practiced to augment the size, correct the shape, or the feel of a woman’s breast (or even creating breasts in the male-to-female transsexual patient) is increasing in global popularity – being extremely popular in the US, Australia, Latin America and even Europe. At the same time, research advances bring new techniques and practices that aim to better results in appearance, touch and the reduction of post-operatory complications. There are several reasons why a woman may not be happy with the size or shape of her breasts (small size, deformation or disease result, weight loss, child birth…), but breast augmentation decisions tend to be related to self-esteem issues and dissatisfaction with the body contour, which might result in psychological distress. Breast Augmentation enables balancing of body proportions and enhanced femininity – helping create a stronger sense of self-confidence and social skills. Some studies even suggest that, apart from an improvement on physical health and appearance, women benefit from a more satisfactory sexual functioning… At least, buying lingerie becomes more fun! Looking back into history, the first case of breast augmentation occurred still in the 19^th century. In 1885, surgeon Vincenz Czerny performed the first breast implant, using the patient’s adipose tissue, harvested from a benign lumbar lipoma, to repair the asymmetry of the breast from which he had previously removed a tumor  Since then, stranger things have been used as breast implant fillers, like glass, ivory, rubber, ox cartilage (!) and several other chemical products and solutions, until the American plastic surgeons Thomas Cronin and Frank Gerow, from Dow Corning Corporation, finally developed, in 1961, the first silicone breast prosthesis. Thank you Dr. Vincenz…but we stick with Silicone. Little big tips about Breast Augmentation If you are thinking of having a breast augmentation, here goes some info and recommendations to consider and prevent any unnecessary complications. Be prepared to discuss your medical history with your doctor. Some medication and previous health conditions may play an important role in the doctors analysis decision about your procedure. Let him know if you intend to have children or lose a considerable amount of weight in the future, because both of this situations may alter the result of your breast augmentation. If you’re a smoker, stop, at least 10 days before surgery. Smoking is not good for anything in general and, in particular, interferes with the healing process. During 10 days prior to surgery you should not use aspirin, since it can cause increased bleeding. Discuss other anti-inflammatory drugs that you might been prescribed during that period, since they may cause the same problem. Breast augmentation surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia. Sometimes local anesthesia with sedation can be used too. General anesthesia produces a state of total unconsciousness. It’s similar to an induced coma and affects all the functions in the body. In local anesthesia, the patient is sedated, asleep, but not unconscious, and can be easily roused after surgery. Sedation is administrated in conjunction with a local or regional anesthetics to provide relief from surgical pain. The choice on anesthesia is made by the doctor and the anesthetist and other less common options may also be applicable. The need for ward is determined by the surgeon’s recommendation. The patient may leave after full recovery from sedation or be required to stay overnight for observation. If leaving during the same day of the surgery you will be required to have a responsible person to drive you home and stay overnight with you to monitor your health. During the first week post-surgery, the surgeon will probably recommend to sleep in a most seated position, with protection on the sides to avoid rolling onto the chest, which may however cause some discomfort during the night. Depending on the type of implant placement and on the patient particularities, recovery may take from 2 to 7 days, so it might require leave from your job, take this in consideration. Anyway, you’ll be able to walk unassisted and operate normally ie. have a shower, the day after the surgery. Some soreness and discomfort is normal during the first few days, as well as some swelling around the chest area. You may also feel your skin chest is very tight and sensitive. Anyway, you’ll probably be instructed to do some exercise to regain mobility and diminish discomfort during the weeks after surgery and the swelling will gradually disappear during that time (usually, within a month) The use of a special support bra will also be recommended (during the next 6 to 12 weeks). After a week, the stitches are normally removed or absorbed. This is normally the period after which it is possible to get back to driving and work if is not particularly demanding on the torso and superior limbs. After 4 to 6 weeks, you should be able to get back to normal activity. The final result of the breast augmentation will not be fully appreciated right after the removal of bandages, stitches and even the support bra. The final result will be evident only after around 6 months to a year, so, don’t worry,  you’ll have plenty of time to appreciate them. Finally, a small hint: the day after the surgery might be particularly difficult for some patients. The swelling gives a distorted idea of the result, combined with the discomfort and pain of the first days, allied with the sleep difficulties may lead the patient to become anxious and regret the decision.  Just relax, after a week you’ll see how everything is coming together and how your body contour looks more balanced and attractive. Enjoy! Read the Breast Augmentation Guide by BWMC here Have a question? Ask here