There were 193,073 cases of Breast Implant surgeries performed in the US in 2020 alone, accounting for one of the top 5 most-requested procedures in Plastic Surgery.
The price for Breast Augmentation surgery in Malaysia ranges from rm25k to rm35k, varying between different Cosmetic Surgery Clinic ran by Plastic Surgeons.
This trend is similar to other procedures such as Liposuction, Abdominoplasty, Hair Transplantation, Otoplasty, Buccal Fat Removal and Facelift.
The followings are 7 of the Most Commonly Asked Questions regarding Breast Augmentation Surgery :
1) WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN BREAST AUGMENTATION AND BREAST MASTOPEXY?
This is of course the first thing that will go through your mind when getting a consult for a breast augmentation procedure.
Most of the indications are loss of breast volume and/or projection, following multiple pregnancies, weight loss or tumor removal surgery.
The first thing that a Plastic Surgeon will determine is whether the patient need a breast augmentation or breast mastopexy ( reshaping) or a combination of both procedures
Breast augmentation is performed using either :
1) Implants ( saline or silicone)
2) Fat grafts
3) Flap procedure ( transfer or adjacent body tissue to augment the breast size)
Breast Mastopexy on the other hand, is when we can reshape the breast by rearranging the tissue to recreate the projected appearance and reposition the nipple-areolar complex
We may do a combination of these 2 procedures if there are significant drooping of the breast together with loss of volume.
2) HOW LONG DO THE IMPLANTS LAST?
The common connotation is that breast implants need to be replaced every 10 years. However, the newer technology in implants manufacturing nowadays enable them to be inside the body for a much longer period.
MENTOR for example, stated that they have a lifetime guarantee for their breast implants.
3) HOW TO KNOW WHICH SIZE IS BEST FOR ME?
In my practice, the determination of breast implants size is done together with the patient. We will ask the patient to give an idea of what size that she wants, (based on photo-reference if possible).
The patient lifestyle is also an important aspect that will be taken into consideration. A person who is an avid runner or swimmer will require the selection to be tailored accordingly.
Following this, an exact measurement of the following parameters will be taken:
1) Breast base diameter
2) Nipple to Inframmary crease distance
3) Upper border of the breast level
4) Degree of breast skin laxity
5) Chest diameter
The most suitable breast implants size will need to comply with these ideal calculations for each individual assessment.
For example, if a small-chested patient want to have an extremely large implants, she may end up with a lot of post-procedure problems like neck pain and difficulty to do daily activities.
4) HOW IS A BREAST IMPLANT SURGERY PERFORMED?
Basically the 2 important aspects of Breast Implant surgery is the skin incision type and plane of implant placement.
Skin incision
There are 4 ways to insert the silicone implant
1) Inframmary Incision
· This is the most popular approach where the implant is inserted using an incision below the breast.
2) Periareolar incision
· In this type of incision, the cut is around the lower half of the areolar.
3) Trans-axillary incision
· The incision is done under the axilla. An endoscope can also be used for this type of procedure to assist in tissue dissection
4) Peri-umbilical incision
· An implant in inserted from the abdomen. This is the least popular approach as the difficulty to dissect the tissue and risk of infection is significantly higher.
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Plane of placement
There are 3 different plane to place the implant
1) Subpectoral
· The implant is placed underneath the Pectoralis Major muscle of the chest.
2) Subglandular
· The placement is underneath the breast tissue but above the muscle.
3) Subfacial
· The implant is placed under the fascia of Pectoralis Major muscle. This plane may cause a lot bleeding during the dissection process.
Most Plastic Surgeons will do a dual-plane insertion technique, there the lower portion of the implant is underneath the breast glands while the upper portion will be under the muscle.
5) WHAT TO EXPECT FOR POST-SURGERY PAIN AND RECOVERY?
The post-operative pain is managed with analgesia given by the anaesthetist. The patient will be required to wear a special bra for 3 to 6 months.
Swelling will gradually resolve within the next 1 to 3 months.
The breasts will settle into the final shape and location after 6 months on average.
6) CAN THE IMPLANT RUPTURE?
It is very unlikely to rupture, including when flying in a aircraft, as the implant materials are quite solid.
In my practise, I have rarely seen cases of implant ruptures, except after severe blunt trauma to the Implants. This is similar to any type of Implant in the body, not limited to breast implants only.
7) WHAT ARE THE RISK OF THIS PROCEDURE?
The risks of breast implants insertion are similar to other types of Surgery, namely infection, hematoma formation and device extrusion or malposition.
The specific risks such as loss of nipple sensation or difficulty to breastfeeding are more dependant on the type of technique used.
The Plastic Surgeons will discuss them in detail during their preoperative consults..
CONCLUSION
Understanding How and Why certain steps are taken is vital to ensure complications can be avoided while obtaining the best results possible.
Learn more about common Plastic Surgery procedures for men here and Plastic Surgery procedures that are covered by health insurance here
Keep learning about other procedures here : Liposuction, Abdominoplasty, Hair Transplantation, Otoplasty, Buccal Fat Removal