What is a Breast Augmentation Procedure?
A Breast Augmentation, (Mammoplasty) is a surgical procedure to reshape the breast in order to make it larger, Breast Augmentation is typically performed to enlarge small breasts, underdeveloped breasts or breasts that have decreased in size after a woman has had children.
It is accomplished by surgically inserting an implant behind each breast. Breast Augmentation is commonly known as a “boob job” but is also known as Breast Enlargement, Breast Implant Surgery, and Breast Enhancement.
Breast Size is an important issue to hundreds and thousands of women. Some women feel that smaller breasts not only pose an impediment to their fashion choices, but also cause a personal dissatisfaction with personal image and confidence. A Breast Augmentation Procedure to increase the fullness and projection of the breast can improve the balance in a woman’s overall figure and can boost self-confidence and self-image to enormous degrees.
Breast Augmentation enlarges a woman’s breast through the surgical placement of Breast Implants. This surgical procedure is generally performed to an individual personal desire to have fuller breasts.
Breast Augmentation also corrects issues of Breast Asymmetry and is commonly performed to restore breast volume and shape after weight loss or pregnancy. Augmentation using Breast Implants may also be used for Breast Reconstruction to restore and reconstruct a breast or breasts that have been lost due to mastectomy, injury or other reasons.
Breast Augmentation using Breast Implants are also used in many cases in conjunction with a Breast Lift Procedure this allows many women the choice of fuller, natural appearing breast and more balanced figure.
Description of the Breast Augmentation Surgery
Insertion of a saline or a silicone-filled implant behind natural breast tissue to enhance breast size
Length of Surgery
1-2 hours (depending on procedure and implanst chosen)
In/Outpatient
Out patient
Anesthesia
General or local
Back to work in…
7-10 days
Back to the gym in…
3-4 weeks
Treatment Frequency
Once, but breast implant revision can be used to revive older implants
Risks
Infection, numbness, implant rupture (particularly dangerous with silicone implants), anesthesia complications
Duration of results
Long-lasting, though breast implant revision may be required after 10 years or so. Gravity and age may eventually alter breast shape.
Breast Augmentation Surgery Costs in Dubai
The Society of Plastic Surgeons quoted the national average for Breast Augmentation Cost was between 17,000 and 28,000 AED. Fees generally vary according to region of country and patient needs. These fees are averages only. Fees do not include anesthesia, operating room facilities or other related expenses.
Most plastic surgeons and surgical clinics offer flexible Breast Augmentation financing and payment options, some of which allow staggered payments or loans from VARIOUS FINANCING COMPANIES.
Am I a candidate for Breast Augmentation?
In general, a good candidate for Breast Augmentation is:
- 18 years of age or older.
- Not currently pregnant or nursing.
- In good physical health.
- Psychologically stable.
- Wanting to improve their appearance.
- Realistic in their expectations.
- Having this surgery for the first time.
The above is only a partial list of the main criteria that your Breast Augmentation Surgeon will consider in determining whether or not this plastic surgery procedure is appropriate for you. Be sure to ask your Surgeon if he / she consider you an ideal candidate for Breast Augmentation.
While many women seeking Breast Augmentation are young women who have been unhappy with their figures all their lives, others are women who feel that their breasts are no longer attractive following changes in weight, changes associated with aging, or changes due to childbearing. That means a relatively wide range of ages of women seek this procedure.
The best candidate is one with little or no sagging, and a reasonable amount of breast tissue with which to cover the lower part of the implant. Women who are less than ideal candidates can still get excellent results though, as Breast Augmentation Surgeons are usually able to perform additional procedures or modify the procedure in ways to overcome the problematic features, such as Breast Augmentation combined with Breast Lift (Mastopexy).
Preparing for Breast Augmentation Surgery
Your Breast Augmentation Surgeon will carefully explain your Breast Augmentation Operation with you, at your initial consultation. Prior to surgery you will be given specific instructions and information to prepare you for your surgery. This may include;
- Pre-Surgical Considerations, Diagnostic Testing and Medications
- Day of Surgery instructions and medications
- Specific information related to the use of Anaesthesia
- Post-operative care and follow-up
In addition, you will be asked to sign consent forms to assure your plastic surgeon that you fully understand the procedure that you will undergo and any potential risks, complications and side effects associated with Breast Augmentation Surgery.
Breast Augmentation may be performed in your plastic surgeons accredited office-based surgical facility, an ambulatory surgical facility or a hospital. The decision for Anaesthesia will be based on your specific procedure and your individual requirements.
In some cases a mammogram may be recommended prior to your procedure to ensure good breast health and serve as a reference for future comparison. In the future it is also important to note that if undergoing any diagnostic breast exam that you are candid in explaining that you do have Breast Implants.
Breast Augmentation Surgery Procedure Steps
Breast Augmentation requires the surgical placement of Breast Implants; to find more about Breast Augmentation Best Type of Implants talk to your Plastic Surgeon at your initial consultation he will discuss the various types of implants available. Breast Implants will enhance the breast size.
Breast Augmentation Surgical Steps:
Step 1 – Anesthesia
- Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedures. The choices include intravenous sedation and general anesthesia. Your doctor will recommend the best choice for you.
Step 2 – The Incision
The most common incisions include
- an inframammary incision, (this is near the crease just under the breast).
- an axillary incision (in the underarm area),
- or a periareolar incision placed at the edge of the areola (This is the skin pigmented skin surrounding the nipple).
- Incision patterns vary base on the type of implant chosen, and also the degree of enlargement desired by each individual patient. Incision patterns also depend on individual patient anatomy and surgeon preference.
Step 3 – Implant Placement
- Once the incisions are made, a pocket is created either directly behind the breast tissue (called the Submammary or subglandular placement) or beneath the pectoral muscle and on top of the chest wall (submuscular placement).
- The Implant is then positioned within this pocket and the incisions are then closed with layered, non removable sutures, skin adhesive or surgical tape to ensure the skin is closed.
Step 4 – Results
The results of Breast Augmentation are immediately visible. Over time post-surgical swelling will subside and resolve, and incision lines will gradually refine in appearance. Patients experience an immediate satisfaction at their results, and experience fulfillment in self-confidence and personal body image in achieving their goal for fuller breasts.
Breast Augmentation Surgery Recovery and Healing Steps
Once your Breast Augmentation Procedure is completed, the surgical areas will be covered in dressing or bandages and an elastic bandage or support bra will be given to the patients to wear, the purpose of a support bra or bandage is to minimize swelling and support the breasts as they heal, you may have to wear a support bra for the first week or two.
Breast Augmentation Recovery Times vary from patient to patient. Initial Breast Augmentation Recovery may include swelling and slight discomfort at the incision sites and in breast tissue overall. It is quite common to experience discomfort and this can be controlled with medication.
Your Medical team will advise you of:
- How to care for the Breasts following surgery, and the importance to cleanse the incision sites and apply any ointment as directed, and it is important you follow that advice carefully, as this is essential to the success of your final outcome.
- Medications to apply or to take orally to reduce the risk of infection
- Specific changes at the surgical site or in overall health
- Follow up consultation with your Breast Augmentation Plastic Surgeon
A return to light and normal activity is possible as soon as you feel ready, which is normally a few days after surgery, however initial would healing may take between 5 to 10 days at which time any sutures will be removed. You will be able to return to work and resume normal activity after this time. It is advisable not to engage in any vigorous exercise or activity or heavy lifting within 4 to 6 weeks after your procedure.
Breast Augmentation Recovery Times can take up to several weeks as swelling slowly resolves and implant position settles. Incision lines will gradually fade; although they remain permanent they are often inconspicuous.
Breast Augmentation Side Effects and Surgery Risks
By Making the decision to consult with your Breast Augmentation Surgeon and following the instructions given, you are taking an important step in helping to assure your safety. Your Plastic Surgeon should be certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery. This ensures that your surgeon is a designated expert who is trained in the field of plastic surgery of the face and body.
Breast Augmentation Procedures are commonly performed and generally safe. However, in order to make an informed decision and give your consent, you need to be aware of the possible side-effects and the risk of complications.
Breast Augmentation Side Effects
- These are the unwanted, but mostly temporary effects of a successful treatment, for example, feeling sick as a result of the general anaesthetic.
- For a few weeks after surgery, your breasts will feel sore, swollen and hard, and you will feel a burning sensation in your nipples. Using extra pillows when sleeping can help reduce the swelling around your breasts.
- You will have scars, they will be pink and noticeable at first, but they should fade gradually.
Breast Augmentation Complications
- This is when problems occur during or after the operation. Most women are not affected. The possible complications of any operation include an unexpected reaction to the anaesthetic, excessive bleeding or developing a blood clot, usually in a vein in the leg (deep vein thrombosis, DVT).
Breast Augmentation risks and complications are rare, but can include:
- an unevenness in size and shape – possibly caused by natural differences highlighted by the surgery
- creasing, kinking and ripples on the skin over the breast
- infection – this may need antibiotic treatment, sometimes the implant needs to be removed temporarily
- abnormal scar tissue forming around the implant – this may cause a firm, painful swelling called capsular contracture, requiring further surgery
- change in skin and nipple sensation – can be permanent
- build up of fluid around the implant (seroma) – may require further surgery
- unusual red or raised scars (keloids) – can take years to improve
It’s possible that you still won’t be satisfied with your appearance after the operation.
All surgery carries risks associated with Anesthesia. These and additional risks will be discussed prior to your consent.
The exact risks are specific to you and will differ for every person. Ask your surgeon to explain how these risks apply to you.
Questions to Ask A Surgeon About Breast Augmentation
Knowledge is power so arm yourself with the facts before making any decision about Breast Augmentation Surgery; here is an essential check list to help you find the right Perfect Yourself Surgeon.
- Am I a good candidate for Breast Augmentation surgery?
- Are my described expectations realistic?
- Where is the surgery performed?
- How long will the procedure take?
- What kind of anesthesia is used?
- What is your experience in performing Breast Augmentation surgery?
- Can I see your qualifications?
- Ask to see any Breast Augmentation before and after photos of recent surgeries?
- What percentages of your Breast Augmentation patients have had significant post-surgical complications? (surgeons should disclose this information to you)
- Who will be assisting my surgery? Can I see their qualifications?
- How much will my Breast Augmentation surgery cost?
- Do you offer patient financing? (Flexible payment schemes for your surgery)
- Will you repeat/correct procedures if the agreed goals are not met? If this is the case, will I be charged again?
- Ask to observe the exact procedure you are considering before you decided to have surgery if you are unsure (this could be on videotape or in real life).
- What is the recovery and healing period for Breast Augmentation? When can I resume full normal activity?
- Have you ever had your malpractice insurance coverage denied, revoked, suspended
- Ask for and follow up on patient references (these can be invaluable to finding out what your surgeon is really like and the level of customer satisfaction he/she has received in the past)