ABOUT BREAST IMPLANTS
In breast implant surgery, an implant is inserted in order to change the size and shape of the breast. The surgery is commonly performed for women who wish to have larger, more shapely breasts, women with underdeveloped breasts, or women who have had breast tissue removed (a mastectomy). Breast implants can also be used to correct breast asymmetry, or as part of male-to-female gender reassignment.
Patients receiving breast implants should be at least 18 years of age, as the breasts are still developing prior to the late teens and early 20’s. The most commonly used implants are filled with either silicone gel or saline solution. Both types of implant have a silicone exterior however, the substance inside differs. Saline implants contain salt water which is sterile and this type of implant is first inserted into the breast empty. Once they are fitted into place, the implant is then filled with the saline solution. Silicone implants are made up of silicone gel and these are already filled before the implant is inserted. Many women prefer silicon implants as they appear more natural when compared to the saline implants.
The incision site will be discussed and agreed upon with the surgeon prior to surgery. Silicone implants require a larger incision, compared to the incision that is necessary for saline implants, meaning the scar is larger. The implant is usually inserted behind the milk ducts, so that patients can still breastfeed with breast implants.
Recommended for
- Patients with underdeveloped breasts
- Patients who want larger breasts
- Patients undergoing breast reconstruction after a mastectomy
- Patients undergoing male to female gender reassignment
TIME REQUIREMENTS
- Number of days in hospital: In general, no hospital stay is needed.
Patients may need to stay overnight, but many patients can leave on the day of the surgery.
COMPARE BREAST IMPLANTS PRICES AROUND THE WORLD
| Country | Cost |
|---|---|
| Ireland | 5800€ |
| Germany | 5200€ |
| Spain | 4800€ |
| Brazil | 4161€ |
| Costa Rica | 3580€ |
| Thailand | 2787€ |
| Poland | 2692€ |
| Mexico | 2581€ |
| Hungary | 2100€ |
| India | 1700€ |
| Tunisia | 1700€ |
HOW TO FIND QUALITY TREATMENT ABROAD
BEFORE BREAST IMPLANTS ABROAD
Prior to breast implant surgery, the patient will initially have a consultation to discuss important options. These include; the shape, size and material of the implant, the incision site (armpit, underneath the breast, or through the areola of the nipple), as well as the position – either above the muscle (“subglandular”) or below the muscle (“submuscular”).
Before surgery, it is important to avoid certain medications for 2 weeks (aspirin and certain anti-inflammatory medications) which can increase bleeding. Patients are advised to stop smoking ahead of the surgery, as this can delay the healing process. Patients will be told not to eat or drink in preparation for the anesthesia.
It is recommended to buy a sports bras to wear during recovery. It is advisable to buy a bigger size, so that they fit after the surgery.
HOW IS IT PERFORMED
Once the patient has been administered with an anesthetic, the surgeon will begin to make an incision, through which the implant can be inserted. Breast implants can be inserted through the armpit, under the breast or through an incision around the areola (the outside of the nipple), all resulting in minimal scarring. Where the incision is made and the implant inserted, depends on the size of the implant and can vary with each patient. The implant may be inserted either under the breast tissue or under the breast muscle. Once inserted, the incision will then be closed with sutures.
Materials
Breast implants come in saline-filled or silicone gel varieties, and can be round or teardrop-shaped.
Anesthesia
Usually general anesthetic with local anesthetic. In some cases local anesthesia with IV sedation is used.
Procedure duration
Breast implant surgery usually takes around 1 hour, however for more complex cases, (eg. breast implants with a breast lift) it might take longer.
WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER BREAST IMPLANTS
Post procedure care
Patients should avoid sleeping face down or getting the wounds wet during the first week after surgery. It is advised to avoid exercise or heavy lifting for 4 weeks. The surgeon may recommend wearing a special bra (a comfortable sports bra is a good option) for the first few months.
Patients will usually have a surgical drain attached to the area following the procedure, but this can be removed the next day. Patients can then usually return to their hotel to relax and recover for a few days, before returning to get stitches removed (if necessary).
Possible discomfort
After the procedure patients usually experience some pain and swelling, with breasts feeling hard.
IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT BREAST IMPLANTS
Potential risks
- Leaking of the implants
- Deformity due to scar tissue called “capsules” forming around the implant
- Back pain
- Scarring
- Infection
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
In general, how natural your breasts will feel after augmentation depends on the type of implant, how large it is, and how much breast tissue is present before surgery. Most surgeons agree that in a lot of cases, smaller silicone gel implants placed under the muscle feel the most realistic. Your surgeon will advise which implants are most suited most to your case.
While there is no need to replace the implant unless it ruptures or otherwise fails for some reason, implant manufacturers do not consider them to be “lifetime devices.” Different implants have different rates of failure, and every surgeon has a different opinion on which implants have the best results. Some implants come with a warranty. In short, breast implants do not need to be replaced unless they fail. Most can be expected to last 10-15 years with no problems.
The best advice is to get ultrasounds of the implants after 10 years and have annual follow-up exams with a certified plastic surgeon to ensure that there are no ruptures.
You can breastfeed after breast augmentation. The only difference that some women experience is that if their breasts are very large (D cup or DD cup) they may have to support the breast while feeding with their other hand.
You will be anesthetized during the procedure, so you will not feel any pain during the procedure. However, there will be significant pain during recovery. Larger implants tend to hurt more than smaller ones, and implants placed under the muscle are more painful than ones placed over the muscle. The skill of the surgeon also plays a role, as well as the types of pain medication used. Most surgeons agree that immediately using “rapid return exercises” after surgery does the most to improve recovery time and reduce pain.
You may want to ask your doctor if they can place a pain pump with local anesthetic during surgery. Pain pumps tend to significantly reduce the amount of pain medication patients need and will help you move around more, which will help speed recovery and keep the muscle from contracting.
Many patients feel numbness in the nipple and other areas of the breast after breast augmentation. This usually goes away, but may take 6-18 months to fully recover. About 15% of patients get permanent numbness in the nipples, but it is likely slowly improve over time.
