Breast augmentation
When is a woman eligible for breast surgery?
The first indication for breast augmentation surgery is small size (insufficient volume). This hypoplasia may be the result of inadequate development or of a degenerative process. The latter occurs as breast ptosis or pseudo-ptosis (empty or sagging breast). Breast augmentation with a suitably-sized implant resolves most cases, unless there is extensive ptosis (2nd or 3rd grade). The second indication for surgery is a consequence of the first and concerns the psychology of a younger or older woman with small breasts characterised by hypoplasia. This often leads to lack of self-confidence and self-esteem; certain women also feel that this disorder hinders their love-life. It is impressive how the women's overall behaviour and relationships with their environment or their significant others change after surgery.
There are other abnormalities that can be improved: firstly, a single implant may be inserted into just one breast in order to achieve symmetry in cases of anisomastia. Other cases include rarer anomalies that affect the nipples, such as aplasia or athelia (absence of a nipple), polythelia (supernumerary nipples), macrothelia (nipple hypertrophy) and nipple inversion (nipple facing inwards).
What are the steps prior to surgery?
1. Consulting with the Plastic Surgeon. 2. Discussion leading to selection of implant type and size. 3. Details concerning the day of the procedure. 4. Post-operative stage.
What occurs after the procedure?
After surgery, you will be required to wear a special sports bra. There may be some bruising on the breasts for a few days, as well as pain, which will be managed using pain-killers, and some numbing and hypoaesthesia that will shortly subside. You may return to work in 4 to 7 days, perhaps earlier or later, depending on how you feel. You must avoid lifting objects for 2 to 4 weeks, and exercise is permitted after 4 weeks. The incision will be initially pink but the discoloration will dissipate over time. The satisfaction women feel after breast augmentation or lift surgery is greater than they may have anticipated prior to the operation.
How long do results last?
Results usually last for many years, depending on skin elasticity, any weight fluctuation or pregnancies. It should also be noted that there is no problem when undergoing diagnostic examinations such as mammography or MRI. The satisfaction of individuals who have undergone such procedures is considerable, provided they have been properly informed and have realistic expectations.
By Dr Dimitrios Triantafyllou, Plastic Surgeon
