Breast augmentation or mammoplatsy or mammoplasty uses breast implant to augment, reconstruct or create the shape of breasts. The surgery is performed to correct the size or shape of a woman’s breasts. Women who consult for the treatment are those who have lost their breast due to cancer, in born defects in chest wall or want to have larger and firmer breasts.
Purpose of a breast augmentation
Primary reconstruction: for women who have damaged tissues in breasts due to trauma, disease or a failed development
Revision and reconstruction: for women who want further changes in breasts after a reconstruction surgery
Primary augmentation: for women who want to have larger and firmer breasts
Benefits of breast augmentation
- Increases plumpness and fullness of breasts
- Gives balanced appearance if both are not of equal size
- Enhances shape and symmetry of breasts
- Women have new clothing options
- Sets you free from self-consciousness
- Gives new breast after its removal due to cancer
Psychological benefits of breast augmentation
- Women who consult for a mammoplasty usually have faced distress and criticism about their body appearances and have a low self image.
- Post-operative surveys report a significant amount of improvement in their mental and physical health, appearance, social life, self-confidence and self-esteem.
- In survey women reported long-term satisfaction with the outcomes.
What to consider before deciding for the surgery
- Breast implants do not stay life-long.
- Sometimes implants create local complications like capsular contracture, rupture or deflation, wrinkling, pain etc.
- It may result in difficulty in breastfeeding.
- After surgery monitor your breasts regularly and consult your surgeon in case of any abnormal changes.
Recovery time after breast augmentation
- Post-operative recovery may take one to two days.
- You will have to avoid many routine tasks for a few days.
- Usually one week is enough for the patient to resume daily activities.
- Strenuous activities can normally be resumed after two weeks.
Breastfeeding after breast augmentation
It is the greatest concern of mothers who consult for a mammoplasty. Whether you will be able to breastfeed normally after the surgery or not depends upon the type of mammoplasty you had. Surgeries that result in incisions beneath the fold of the breast or through the armpit usually do not cause any difficulty in breastfeeding but women who have an incision around the aerola have an increased risk of experiencing such issues.
Solution
You must discuss your insecurities about surgery with your surgeon. Questions regarding your life activities that may experience any change after surgery are always welcomed by the surgeons. Ask him/her if you will be able to breastfeed normally after having treatment or not and the surgeon will set the incision technique accordingly. If you have feeling in your nipples after surgery, you are most likely to have no problem in breastfeeding.
Surgeries like breast augmentation are best known for creating fears and misconceptions in people’s minds. Your queries are always welcomed whole heartedly!