The history of mammoplasty (breast augmentation) dates back to the 19th century. As soon as women began to remove corsets, there were attempts to somehow affect the shape and size of the mammary glands.
First, liquid paraffin was injected into the tissues, 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 breast with the help of the patient's own fat came closest to solving the problem. This idea will be developed later. But then the result was not fixed, because adipose tissue is absorbed quite quickly.
In the second half of the twentieth century, the invention of silicone gave a new impetus to plastic surgery. Liquid silicone gel is injected directly into the chest area. Complications from such operations were not delayed: inflammation, granulation, neoplasms. Often women had to agree to complete breast removal to save their lives.
In 1961-1964, the predecessors of modern implants were developed, which are silicone bags filled with a specific gel or saline solution. They began to be placed under the gland or under the 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 accepted to hide the fact that women resort to the services of plastic surgeons and improve their appearance. Some stars don't even mind creating an additional news feed to remind themselves. Among those who decided to have a breast augmentation with implants and did not regret it were Kate Hudson, Jennifer Lopez, Christina Aguilera.
Do you have to be afraid?
Of course, any surgery in the beginning causes us concern. For those who are afraid of surgery, but want to enlarge their breasts, they offer all kinds of miracle creams, ointments containing phytoestrogens, hormone therapy, special exercises and injectable preparations (fillers). It should be understood that such procedures will not give the desired result. In short, creams and ointments simply cannot penetrate biological barriers, and the concentration of active substances in them is small; Exercise can increase the pectoral muscle, but not the size of the gland, and fillers based on hyaluronic acid act only on the skin and subcutaneous layers, and only at a young age.
If you have really decided that breast augmentation will help you not only to look but also to feel much better, just find a clinic and plastic surgeon you can trust. Believe me, the specialist will not convince you to undergo surgery if there is no special need for it. They will listen to you, examine you, choose the optimal shape and size of your breasts and use computer modeling to show you what your figure will look like after mammoplasty. In addition, they will warn of the consequences, contraindications and possible complications so that you can consciously make a final decision.
When breast augmentation is justified
The main reasons for breast augmentation include:
- Inconsistency of the shape and size of the mammary gland with the figure and constitution of the woman (very small or flat).
- Hanging and loss of shape after eating.
- Visible asymmetry.
Often, however, the indication for mammoplasty is one - a woman's desire to increase the size and improve the shape of her breasts.
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 detected.
- There are severe chronic diseases, including coagulation disorders or pathology of the endocrine system.
- Inflammatory and infectious processes take place in the body.
Implantation and surgery options
In order for the enlarged breasts to look as natural as possible, and for the patients not to worry about the plastic being noticed, different variants of silicone implants and methods for their placement have been developed.
The requirements for modern implants (endoprostheses) are quite strict. They should be very durable, if possible, anatomical in shape and not cause severe complications (capsule formation, rejection, displacement).
Depending on the characteristics of the figure, the condition of the skin, individual preferences, the doctor may offer a choice of silicone implants, which differ in:
- Shape: round or teardrop-shaped.
- Sizes: from 150 to 850 ml.
- Filling: special gel or physiological (physiological) solution.
- Surface type: smooth or textured (less prone to displacement).
Variations in the location of the endoprosthesis are also possible:
- Under the mammary gland (subglandular) - in the presence of its own sufficient volume of glandular tissue and preserved elasticity of the skin, otherwise it will be very noticeable.
- Under the fascia (subfascial) - in a pocket of the muscular membrane, which consists of connective tissue.
- Under the pectoral muscle (submuscular) - more traumatic, as the muscle must be partially cut from the ribs.
- Combined localization - partially under the gland and under the muscle, the most reliable fixation and less noticeable.
In addition to the method of installation, the type of access is chosen, ie the place where the surgical incision will be:
- in the fold under the gland the most anatomical and faster healing, but not always possible;
- around the areola (nipple) is used in those women who have already breastfed and need correction of the areola-nipple complex;
- under the arm is not the most comfortable option and is quite traumatic.
How is the operation for breast augmentation with implants (augmentative mammoplasty)
Prior to surgery, the patient should undergo an examination, which includes blood and urine tests, clinical and biochemical tests, coagulation tests, HIV and syphilis, ECG, fluorography and mammography. Only then is the operation scheduled. Two weeks before the operation, the blood thinners are canceled, smoking and alcohol are prohibited, as they have a bad effect on wound healing. Prior to the intervention, regardless of the type of anesthesia, the patient does not eat or drink for 8 hours.
The operation is performed under general or local anesthesia. First, the so-called implant pocket is prepared, the installation is performed and then the final installation. If the filling is physiological, the silicone sheath is placed first and then the implant is filled with fluid.
Then drains are introduced to drain blood and other fluid from the operating area and special compression underwear is put on, which fixes the breast in the desired position.
Lipofilling
If you need a slight correction of the décolleté area, then breast augmentation is possible without the installation of implants. This is lipofilling. From places with developed adipose tissue, a certain amount of fat is taken, filtered and injected into the breast area. On the one hand, this method combines 2 operations to shape the figure at once: liposuction and mammoplasty, so it may be most suitable for some patients. On the other hand, after some time the fat is absorbed and the procedure will have to be repeated.
It can also be used in combination with augmentation mammoplasty if it is necessary to smooth the area of the implant location.
To live with new breasts
After discharge from the clinic (usually on the second day), dressings are made, the scars are sealed with a plaster and, if necessary, painkillers are applied. The sutures are removed after a week.
Patients wear compression underwear for at least one to two months, during which time they can only sleep on their backs. Up to 3 months of heavy physical activity, thermal procedures, swimming pool are contraindicated.
The final result of the operation can be assessed only after six months. Modern implants allow you to live a full life without hesitation. The only thing you have to part with is jumping from a height. It is better to plan a pregnancy no earlier than a year after surgery. You should also monitor your weight and skin condition. Sudden fluctuations in body weight can lead to sagging breasts.
Otherwise you can enjoy a beautiful bust and attention of the opposite sex. Now the improvement of one's own body is without harm to health.
So weigh the pros and cons, consult an experienced specialist and boldly go to your dream.