Aesthetic Surgery

AUGMENTATION MAMMAPLASTY (Breast Prosthesis)

1) Does aesthetic breast augmentation surgery leave scars?
Every surgery leaves scars. Fortunately, this surgery allows us to place the scars in strategically hidden places. The scar is usually small and of good quality, which, added to the hidden location, makes it rather unnoticeable.

2) Where are the scars located?
Some surgeons place them in the crease between the breast and the chest wall. Others prefer the area around the nipple or even the armpit.

3) I head say that some patients have very visible scars.
Some patients have a tendency to develop hypertrophic scars or cheloid. However, this tendency may be predicted, to a certain extent, during the initial medical consultation, when the doctors asks several questions to the patient about previous clinical conditions and family characteristics, which help a lot in establishing a prognosis for the scars. Usually, people with light skin have less tendency to develop this healing complication; people with dark skin or of Asian descent have more predisposition to develop cheloid or hypertrophic scars. However, this is no absolute rule. The analysis of the patients past history, as already mentioned, will facilitate the healing prognosis.

4) Is it possible to repair hypertrophic scars?
There are several medical and surgical means of improving anti-aesthetic scars, in due time. However, this should not be confounded with the normal features of the initial healing process. Any questions you might have on the outcome of the healing process should be discussed with the doctor, and never with lay people who, just like you, are also concerned about the final result.

5) What will my new breasts look like, in terms of size and consistency?
Your breast may have their volume increased by surgery. In addition, we expect to improve their consistency and their shape with the surgical intervention. The new volume may be chosen among several sizes of silicon prostheses. There is a harmony between the optimal breast volume and the size of the chest, and this aspect should be preserved when planning for surgery.

6) How long will it take for me to achieve the definiteve result?
Despite the fact that the immediate results are quite good (70%), only in the late postoperative phase will the breasts reach their final shape (after 6 months).

7) In case I get pregnat again, will the result be maintained or will it be affected?
During pregnancy, the breasts increase in volume, and decrease after the lactating period. This process leads to a distension of the skin, which might not return to normal after lactation. If this happens, there will be breast ptosis (drooping).

8) Does the breast prosthesis interfere with breastfeedingOES THE BREAST PROSTHESIS INTERFERE WITH BREASTFEEDING?
No. Both the subglandular and the submuscular prostheses are placed under the gland, and do not interfere with breast growth during pregnancy and lactation.

9) Is the postoperative phase painful?
Usually no, provided you follow the doctor's instructions, especially concerning arm movement in the first days. In some cases there may be some pain, easily controlled with prescribed analgesics.

10) Does this surgery bear any risk?
Breast plastic surgery rarely has serious complications. The absence of complications will depend on the adequate preparation of the patient for the surgical procedure, and considerations on the convenience of performing this surgery concomitantly with other procedures. The risk is the same as when you travel by plane, car or simply cross a street.

11) What is the type of anesthesia?
Local, with sedation, or general anesthesia. Depends on the case.

12) How long is the surgical procedure?
On average, 90 to 120 minutes, as required.

13) How long is the hospital stay?
24 hours (in case of general anesthesia).
12 hours (in case of local anesthesia with sedation).

14) When are the stitches removed?
Usually the stitches are removed before the 10th day postoperatively.

15) Are drains necessary?
Suction drains may be used to avoid fluid collection around the prosthesis. They are usually removed between 24 and 48 hours after surgery.

16) When will I be able to take a regular bath?
Usually after two days or after the drain is removed.

17) When can I resume my sports activities or gymnastics?
Usually after 60 days, gradually.

18) What does the capsule retraction mean?
This is an exacerbated retraction of the fibrous capsule (formed around the prosthesis), which causes a certain degree of hardening of the area, feeling upon palpation. Some cases are subject to this kind of retraction; however, if this is marked, the prosthesis should be removed, through the same incision marks, in a quite simple surgical procedure, under local anesthesia. The surgeon and the patient should consider the convenience of reinserting or not smaller prostheses or choosing another approach better adapted to the case, in the same procedure or some time after. The retraction of the capsule is never a indication of surgical malpractice, but represents an anomalous behavior of the individual's body. It occurs in approximately 5% of the cases.