Breast augmentation

The operation is aimed at those who want to increase the volume of the breast or improve its shape. Furthermore, it is also suitable for those with small, underdeveloped breasts or breasts that have reduced in volume and are slightly sagging over time.

An initial consultation with the plastic surgeon will help to eliminate doubts and perplexities, to understand exactly how the operation will take place and what all the options and possibilities are suitable for your case. In order to achieve an optimal result, the possible minimal variations of the surgical procedure will be evaluated based on the anatomical characteristics and needs of the patient. The visit is not binding and gives the opportunity to receive all the information and satisfy any curiosity regarding the surgical and post-surgical program, the drugs to be taken, the analyzes and checks to be performed and the costs.

The positioning of the prostheses, in fact, depends on the characteristics of the breast and the objective to be achieved. There are three possible alternatives:
• Breast augmentation with retro-glandular positioning, for patients with adequate skin and glandular coverage;
• Breast augmentation with retromuscular positioning, for patients with inadequate skin and/or glandular coverage;
• Breast augmentation with partially retromuscular positioning (dual plane), suitable for patients with mild or moderate sagging skin.

The operation takes place under general anesthesia and lasts approximately 90 minutes. In relation to the type of prosthesis chosen, its size and the implant site established in the pre-operative phase, the insertion of the prostheses takes place through an incision that varies between 2.5 and 6 cm along the inframammary fold or along the lower periareolar margin, in order to leave a scar that is as thin and barely visible as possible. After making the incision, the subcutaneous or submuscular pocket is created into which the prosthesis will be inserted. Once the prosthesis has been inserted, the skin is sutured, performed in such a way as to make the scar as less evident as possible. Finally, a compressive bandage is applied, which, once removed, is replaced by a sports bra. The duration of hospitalization is one day. It is an operation that does not affect the mammary gland and therefore preserves its function, allowing normal breastfeeding.

Approximately 5 days after the operation, the compression dressing is removed and replaced with an elastic sports bra, which must be worn for approximately 30 days. The sutures are removed two weeks after surgery. In the first days following the operation, absolute rest and limitation of movements, particularly of the upper limbs, are recommended. In the first post-operative phase, a sensation of swelling, stiffness and slight pain in the breasts will be normal. Work activity can be resumed after 7-10 days and sports activity after approximately 30 days.

In the first post-operative days, the presence of slight pain, swelling, redness and bruising in the treated area will be normal. Post-operative discomfort can be controlled with normal painkillers and anti-inflammatories.

The residual scars are approximately 4-7 cm long and are barely visible, both in the breast fold and at the peri-areolar level.

The result of the surgical operation depends on several factors: the patient's initial clinical condition, the healing capacity and compliance with the post-operative instructions given by the surgeon: avoid inappropriate movements, abstain from sun exposure until complete stabilization of the scars. The definitive profile will be visible after about a year but the results and benefits will be noticeable immediately.

Complications of the operation are rare, but possible: hematomas and bleeding, infection, delayed healing of the surgical wound, hypertrophic scarring, modification of skin sensitivity. Complications related to the prosthetic implant can be: capsular contracture and rupture of the prosthesis. The causes of these complications are not yet completely clear and there are numerous studies in this regard. Capsular contracture is a predictable and very frequent complication, which consists in the formation of an excessively rigid periprosthetic capsule which dislocates the prosthesis and causes breast asymmetry. There are various degrees of contracture and, based on the severity, the most appropriate treatment is set. In the most serious cases, surgical revision with possible capsulotomy and replacement of prosthesis is necessary. The use of adequate measures and new generation, excellent quality prostheses significantly reduces the incidence of this complication. Prosthetic rupture, a rarer complication, involves pain and breast asymmetry and requires surgical revision with cleaning of the implant site and prosthetic replacement.