Breast
Augmentation
Breast Implants or Augmentation Mammoplasty
More volume, an attractive shape and firmness. Breast implants can give you what you need to have one of those cleavages to which the eyes stray. Female breasts are one of the strongest gender markers and can make the whole body to be perceived as female. It will allow you to face social life and to enjoy intimate moments with more confidence than ever. Breast augmentation is one of the most requested procedures in the world and the one that has the highest satisfaction rate.
Saline or silicone?
The external layer of all breast implants is made of the same material: flexible silicone. This is the material that will be in permanent contact with your body, no matter what kind of implant is chosen. What differs is the kind of filling they have, which could be saline solution or cohesive silicone gel.
Saline-filled
- If they rupture, the filling is assimilated by the body and eliminated naturally. Volume loss becomes evident within hours — a clear sign the implant needs to be replaced.
- If the filling leaks through the outer layer, it will not lead to capsular contraction because it will be metabolized naturally. Microleakages have been reduced to a minimum thanks to new multi-layer shells.
Cohesive silicone gel
- Even if the outer layer ruptures, the filling will not spill — it remains whole as a solid unit.
- Does not lose volume over time.
- Does not make sounds during physical activity.
- Feels natural to the touch.
- Allowed in most European, Asian, and American countries.
Smooth or textured?
Even though the outer layer of all breast implants is made of flexible silicone, we may classify them as smooth or textured, according to their surface characteristics.
Smooth implants
- Their surface does not present any kind of roughness.
- Their shell is thinner and very resistant, since it has no unevenness that may give rise to fissures.
- They are looser inside each pocket and not "stuck" in the body's tissues — more natural consistency and easier to remove if necessary.
- Since they are more slippery, they are less palpable and easier to introduce through the small incisions.
Textured implants
Their surface is rough and irregular. They were devised thinking that they would reduce the incidence of capsular contraction. Some surgeons consider that there is not enough scientific evidence to prove that they do reduce it.
The surgery
Two main approaches
Both incisions are about 1.5 inches (4 cm.) long. The surgeon determines which is most adequate based on your body's characteristics and the implant chosen.
A semicircular incision following the lower outline of the areola. This scar heals very well — concealed by the areola's outline, very difficult to notice over time.
On the lower fold of the breasts, where they join the chest.
Behind the mammary gland
The implants will always be placed behind the mammary gland. There are two possible locations:
More complex and a bit more painful in recovery, but the muscles prevent the implant's outline from showing through the skin — more natural look. Interferes less in mammograms.
Most advisable for women who do intense physical exercise using their arms.
Recovery period
First 48 hours
Rest at the hotel. Compression bandage and drainage tubes to reduce bruising — removed at the same time. A burning sensation and discomfort when raising your arms is normal.
Day 4 onwards
You may return to your job and social life. Avoid lifting heavy weights. Wear a sports bra day and night for the first week, then only at night for another month.
Week 1
Stitches are removed. Swelling is at its worst during the first three days, then lessens progressively over the next three or four weeks.
Day 30
Physical exercise is permitted. Your surgeon will tell you what kind of bra you may use at this stage.
During the recovery period, some people may feel quite depressed. It is quite normal to feel this way after any kind of surgery, no matter how simple it may be. You may even come to think that you made a big mistake. But do not worry. Most of the people who are happy today and who are satisfied with the results obtained, have also felt somewhat depressed.
Risks and complications
Every surgery has certain risks. However, it is very unlikely for breast augmentation to present complications when performed by a qualified surgeon.
Adverse reactions to anesthesia.
Asymmetry. Even though the surgeon marks the areas very carefully, in 1% of cases there may be asymmetries.
Infections may develop. If an infection occurs, the implant must be removed and will not be replaced until fully healed (about 4 months).
Capsular contracture due to excessive tissue proliferation around the implants — the most common cause of pain, shape changes, and hardening.
In about 3% of cases, keloids or hypertrophic scars may develop according to the genetic traits of the patient.
Temporary alteration of nipple sensibility. The nipples may become more or less sensible. These changes are never permanent.
Implants may rupture under violent pressure. Saline implants lose volume quickly; cohesive gel implants do not. The FDA recommends a first control at 5 years, then every 1–2 years.
Finally, the outcome…
The results of this procedure are permanent. Your new breasts will remain with you for many years without losing their attractive shape and firmness. You will quickly learn to choose new styles of clothing that will allow you to dress them the way you like best.
Even though it is the procedure with the highest satisfaction rate of all plastic surgery procedures, it is good to know that it can be reversible. If you do not get the results you expected, the implants can be removed or replaced by others of a different size.
Our patients are provided with:
- Bilingual Assistants & Land Transportation from and to the airport, medical appointments and surgery.
- Translators during hospitalization to better communicate with the nurses.
- Cell phone to call the staff 24/7 at no charge.