The history of mammoplasty (breast augmentation) dates back to the 19th century. As soon as women started removing corsets, there were attempts to somehow influence the shape and size of the mammary glands.
Initially, liquid paraffin was injected into the tissue, then they tried to enlarge the breast 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 closer to solving the problem, the surgeon who attempted to enlarge the breast with the help of the patient's own fat. Later, this idea will be developed. But then the result was not fixed, as adipose tissue was absorbed quite quickly.
In the second half of the twentieth century, the invention of silicon gave a new impetus to plastic surgery. Liquid silicone gel was injected directly into the chest area. Complications of such operations did not delay: inflammation, granulation, neoplasia. Often, women had to agree to complete breast removal to save their lives.
In the years 1961-1964, the ancestors of modern implants were developed, which were silicone bags filled with a specific gel or saline solution. They began to settle under the gland or under the muscle. However, reports that their use could cause cancer temporarily delayed their triumphant march. In 2006, the implants were rehabilitated.
Stars and plastics
It is no longer acceptable to hide the fact that women turn to the services of plastic surgeons and improve their appearance. Some stars do not even have the problem of creating an additional source of news to remind themselves. Among those who decided on breast augmentation with implants and did not regret it are Kate Hudson, Jennifer Lopez, Christina Aguilera.
Should you be afraid?
Of course, any surgical intervention at first causes us concern. For those who are afraid of surgery, but want to increase the size of the breast, they offer all kinds of miraculous creams, ointments with phytoestrogen content, hormone therapy, special physical exercises, as well as injectable preparations (fillers). It should be understood that such procedures will not give the desired result. In short, creams and ointments simply can not penetrate the biological barriers, and the concentration of active substances in them is small; exercise can increase chest muscle, but not gland size, and hyaluronic acid-based fillers act only on the skin and subcutaneous layers, and then only at a young age.
If you have really decided that breast augmentation will not only help you look but also feel much better, just find a clinic and a plastic surgeon you can trust. Trust me, the specialist will not persuade you to have an operation unless there is a 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 guaranteed
The main reasons for breast augmentation include:
- Mismatch of the shape and size of the mammary gland with the figure and structure of a woman (too small or flat).
- Falling and losing shape after feeding.
- Visible asymmetry.
However, often the indicator for mammoplasty is one thing - a woman's desire to increase the size and improve the shape of her breasts.
A specialist may refuse an operation 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 found.
- There are severe chronic diseases, including blood clotting disorders or pathologies of the endocrine system.
- Inflammatory and infectious processes are active in the body.
Implant and surgery options
In order for the enlarged breasts to look as natural as possible and for patients not to worry if plastic is conspicuous, different versions of silicone implants and methods of their placement have been developed.
The requirements for modern implants (endoprostheses) are quite strict. They should be very stable, if possible, have an anatomical shape and not cause serious complications (capsule formation, rejection, displacement).
Depending on the characteristics of the figure, skin condition, individual preferences, the doctor may offer a choice of silicone implants, which vary in:
- Shape: round or teardrop-shaped.
- Dimensions: from 150 to 850 ml.
- Filling: special gel or physiological solution (saline).
- Surface type: smooth or textured (less prone to displacement).
Changes in the location of the endoprosthesis are also possible:
- Under the mammary gland (sublandular) - in the presence of its sufficiently voluminous glandular tissue and preserved skin elasticity, otherwise it will be very visible.
- Under the fascia (subfascial) - in a pocket from the muscular shell, which consists of connective tissue.
- Under the pectoralis muscle (submuscular) - more traumatic, as the muscle must be partially detached from the ribs.
- Combined location - partly under the gland and under the muscle, more reliable and less visible fixation.
In addition to the installation method, the type of access is selected, ie the place where the surgical incision will be:
- in folding 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 arm is not the most convenient option and is quite traumatic.
How is breast augmentation surgery with implants (magnifying mammoplasty)
Before surgery, the patient should undergo an examination, which includes blood and urine tests, clinical and biochemical tests, tests for coagulation, HIV and syphilis, ECG, fluorography and mammography. Only after that is the operation planned. Two weeks before the operation, blood thinners are canceled, smoking and alcohol are forbidden, 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 assembly is performed and then the final assembly. If the filling is saline, the silicone sheath is inserted first and then the implant is filled with fluid.
After that, drains are inserted to drain the blood and other liquid contents from the operation area and a special compression garment is put on, fixing the chest in the desired position.
Lipofilling
If you need a slight correction of the décolleté area, then breast augmentation is possible without installing implants. This is lipofilling. A certain amount of fat is taken from sites with developed adipose tissue, filtered and injected into the chest area. On the one hand, this method combines 2 surgeries to form the figure at the same time: liposuction and mammoplasty, so it may be more convenient for some patients. On the other hand, after a while the fat is absorbed and the procedure will have to be repeated.
It can also be used in combination with augmentation mammoplasty, if necessary to smooth the area of the implant location.
Living with new breasts
After leaving the clinic (usually on the second day), dressing is performed, the wounds are plastered, and sedatives are administered if necessary. 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. Heavy physical activity up to 3 months, thermal procedures, swimming pools are contraindicated.
The final result of the operation can be evaluated 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 best to plan a pregnancy no earlier than one year after surgery. You also need to monitor the weight and condition of the skin. Sudden fluctuations in body weight can lead to sagging breasts.
Alternatively, you can enjoy a beautiful bust and attention of the opposite sex. Now the improvement of one's own body occurs without harming one's health.
So weigh the pros and cons, consult an experienced specialist and boldly go for your dream.