The desire of having larger breasts depends on the individual’s sense of aesthetic taste. Younger women after puberty often want this correction because they subjectively feel their breasts are too small. At the same time this may cause a considerable psychological burden. Women who have given birth and breastfed their baby occasionally wish their breast resume the form they had prior to pregnancy. Breast enlargement then aims at restoring both the volume and tightening sagging skin with reconstitution of a prominent nipple.
The primary goal of each breast enlargement (breastaugmentation) and breast skin tightening with an implant is to create a natural breast form. Therefore, pre-operative planning is crucially important. This requires the determination of both the exact breast mass as well as the proportions of the upper body, for using this data for planning.
The breast is enlarged with an implant that is placed either under the mammary gland or under the chest- and thorax muscles (in all three muscles that form a plate). If a breast skin tightening is also needed, the implant is put mostly under the mammary gland. The skin incision that is needed for implant placement is located in the natural breast fold for a scarless and pleasant aesthetic result.
Several forms and sizes of implant are available. The proper choice of an implant depends upon precise measurements and the individual preference of the patient. All breast implants (from MENTOR, USA. Probably the best implant in the world with life-long guarantee) have a nucleus of silicone gel that is covered by a jacket of specially coated solid silicon. The implants used in our surgery day clinic have a mildly rough-textured surface. This enhances the healing and the connection between the implant and connective breast tissue. Breast implantation is always done under full anesthetic either in the surgery day clinic or, upon demand, in the hospital. After surgery, the following needs attention: For the implant to heal well in the tissue the patient should abstain from athletic physical exercise for 6 weeks. During this time a special bra needs be worn day and night. Thereafter, the lower part of the breasts should be pressed gently between thumb and forefinger for 5 minutes once daily. This so-called anti-capsule training is to prevent aggravated breast encapsulation.
Good to know:
- Breast enlargement is done usually in the day clinic.
- The patient always needs full anesthetic.
- Pain after the breast enlargement surgery is usually well tolerated and lasts about one week.
- The patient should not work for about one week after surgery.
