Breast augmentation

Mammoplasty: general information

Breast augmentation during mammoplasty is achieved by installing a silicone implant. This is an elastic endoprosthesis filled with a special substance — silicone gel. After being placed under the skin, it is almost indistinguishable in structure and shape from a natural breast.

Surgery is usually performed for aesthetic reasons for patients who want to feel more attractive and confident. In addition, mammoplasty is performed for breast reconstruction. This operation is performed to repair the breast after surgery for breast cancer[2].

Augmentation mammoplasty is performed to:

• increase breast size;

• to correct the shape of the mammary glands (for example, to remove the tubularity);

• eliminate the asymmetry;

• to correct age-related changes, ptosis.

Contraindications

Contraindications for breast augmentation are only serious diseases[3]:

• acute infectious or inflammatory process;

• oncopathology before completion of treatment;

• decompensated autoimmune, endocrine, and somatic pathologies;

• blood clotting disorders;

• allergic reaction to silicone;

Mammoplasty is not performed in pregnant, lactating women, or patients under 18 years of age.

To eliminate contraindications and reduce the risk of complications, standard tests and examinations are prescribed before the procedure.

Mammoplasty methods

The choice of mammoplasty method depends on the patient's anatomical features and her wishes for the results of the operation. Breast augmentation implants can be installed with various surgical approaches[4]:

1. Periareolar.With this technique, the surgeon performs an incision along the lower contour of the semicircle of the areola. This is a modern and most popular method that is suitable for the installation of medium-sized implants and related procedures, for example, a small volume lift, correction of the shape of the areola, displacement of the submammary fold. The advantage of such breast augmentation surgery is a good cosmetic effect. However, if the areola is small, the periareolar incision may not provide sufficient access to surgery. In addition, there is a small risk of loss of nipple sensitivity.
2. Submammary. In this case, the incision is made in the area of the natural fold under the breast. In most cases, surgeons previously preferred this type of incision due to its versatility and maximum visibility during surgery. The implant can be placed under the mammary gland and under the pectoral muscles, and the surgeon can effectively work with implants of any size. When performed correctly, the operation gives an excellent cosmetic result. However, submammary mammoplasty requires careful planning — the surgeon must accurately calculate the location of the incision so that after healing it coincides with the fold. There may be restrictions on the use of the submammary method if a woman has a tendency to keloid scars.
3. Axillary (axillary).Breast augmentation is performed through an incision in the axillary fossa using an endoscope. The method is recommended for patients with small and symmetrical breasts when installing implants that also have a small volume. Many patients prefer this type of access because of the good aesthetics and the absence of incisions on the breasts. However, this method does not provide sufficient scope for surgical manipulation, does not allow for the formation of a submammary fold, and is not suitable for operations with large implants.