Breast augmentation is cosmetic surgery that performs breast implant inclusions. Its main objective is the breast enlargement , which may even give the impression that the breasts have been lifted in the case of small drops.

 

 

 

1. What type of anesthesia is used for breast implants?
     In most cases, we choose local anesthesia and sedation. Medication is provided so that the patient can sleep calmly. Subsequently, we perform local anesthesia in the breast, without discomfort. In some cases, general anesthesia may be needed.

 

2. What are the scars?
     The inclusion of breast implants may be performed by the submamary scars (in the mammary groove) periareolar (mainly for patients who also require reduction in the size of the areola) or infra-areola (only at the bottom of the areola). In most cases, we opt for an incision of about 4cm located in the inframammary crease.

3. When will the stitches be removed?
     For this type of surgery we use absorbable sutures, that is, wires that are degraded by the body after a few weeks. Thus, the stitches do not need to be removed, they will disappear by themselves. Adhesives used in the area of the incision to allow the best approximation of the edges and, subsequently, a barely noticeable scars

4. Is the surgery very painful?
     Usually there is no pain and, if it is present, it is quite tolerable. Prosthetics in the subglandular plane usually hurt less than those in the submuscular plane. When the patient wakes up from sedation, anesthesia will still be working on site. We prescribe simple analgesics for pain that the patient can take at home, prophylactically, that is, before they can feel any discomfort.

5. Does the incision get very swollen and purple?
     In the first 2 to 3 days, edema (swelling) and ecchymosis (purple) may be present. But, this will depend on how each patient responds to surgery.

6. How long does the surgery last?
     Usually from 1 to 2 hours.

7. How long will I need to stay in hospital?
     From 6 to 8 hours after surgery.

8. What is the difference between subglandular and submuscular prosthesis?
     The human breast anatomy comprises skin, fat, muscle and mammary gland, from outside to inside. The surgeon should open a space for the placement of the prosthesis. This space may be below the mammary gland and above the muscle (subglandular) or below the muscle and gland (submuscular).
These two techniques have strengths and weaknesses that should be very well talked about between the surgeon and the patient before surgery.

 

9. Can I breastfeed after surgery?
     Yes, breast prosthesis, whether subgandular or submuscular, will not cause harm to future breastfeeding, because the mammary gland will remain intact.

10. Is lymphatic massage necessary?
     The massages are very important. The first massage is performed about 4 days after surgery. It helps in the early reduction of swelling and remodeling of scars.

11. After how many years will I need to replace the prostheses?
     There are no definitive prostheses, and there is also no consensus in the current studies on the exact time for the exchange of the prosthesis. Because it is a synthetic material, over the years, there is a natural degradation of the prosthesis, which makes them more susceptible to contractures (hardening of the prosthesis) and ruptures. We recommend that the exchange of the prosthesis occur after a time range that can vary from 10 to 15 years. Imaging tests should be performed annually to monitor the prosthesis; while they are in good condition and the patient has no breast symptoms, the switch can be delayed.