Breast augmentation
A breast augmentation or a breast enlargement is a procedure under general anesthesia improving the volume and shape of the breasts is improved by means of breast implants, by means of the body's own adipose tissue or by a combination of these.
After pregnancy or breastfeeding or after weight loss, the volume of the breasts may have decreased. Furthermore, some women have naturally small breasts or there is a clear asymmetry that bothers them. Self-image can be improved by placing breast implants.
There are different types of prostheses and in different sizes. During the consultation, various prostheses will be fitted and together with you will be determined which prosthesis best suits your physique.
In some patients, it may be decided to insert additional fatty tissue (lipofilling) in addition to placing a prosthesis in order to optimize the result.
During the procedure, an incision is made at the level of the breast fold. If a breast lift is also required, the scar will be larger (see breast lift).
Preparation
- You must be fasting for this procedure under general anaesthetic.
- Timely smoking cessation is very important to prevent wound healing problems.
- When taking blood thinners, you should stop them in time. Be sure to discuss this with the surgeon during the consultation.
Postoperative course
- You should wear a sports bra for several weeks to optimize the result.
- You are not allowed to make any strenuous (sporting) efforts for 6 weeks.
- It is very important to mobilize as soon as possible after the procedure (within the pain limits), in order to prevent thrombosis, among other things.
Possible complications
As with any surgery, this procedure carries a risk of bleeding, infection or impaired wound healing. When placing prostheses in the body, the body will respond by forming a capsule. This is a normal reaction. However, in some patients the capsule may thicken and harden after a certain time: this is called 'capsule formation'. Fortunately, this is not very common, but if it starts to hurt or is aesthetically disturbing, the capsule can be removed.
Much attention is currently being paid to BIA-ALCL (Breast Implant Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma), a malignant lymph node disease that is said to occur in women with breast prostheses. This is a very rare condition and is associated with the use of certain implants. By using the right implants, the right surgical technique and good patient education, the risk of this condition is very small.