One of the most popular cosmetic surgeries worldwide is breast augmentation or enlargement. (Photo: iStock)
One of the most popular surgical cosmetic procedures worldwide is breast enlargement or enlargement. According to Statista, “The most common cosmetic surgeries worldwide include liposuction, bosom augmentation and blepharoplasty. In 2022, nearly 2.2 million breast augmentation surgeries were performed.”
Breast augmentation is done to increase the size of the breast. A breast augmentation procedure involves placement breast implants under the breast tissue or chest muscles. For many women, breast augmentation is a means to achieve the desired body to feel confident and attractive.
For some, augmentation is used to reconstruct the breast after cancer surgery.
Dr Varun Dixit, Consultant, Plastic Surgery in PD Hinduja and MRC HospitalKhar, Mumbai says, “Women come for breast augmentation for various reasons – most want it for personal reasons. Some women however come for surgery because of external pressure – the husband or partner wants it. Some even say the husband is cheating them and feels that breast augmentation will tempt him, frankly, an absurd reason, or when a young woman enters the entertainment industry and her job or boss (casting director, etc.) recommends breast augmentation.”
Whatever the reason for breast augmentation, there are risks and complications associated with the surgery if one plans to undergo it.
In a report published by Harvard Health Publishing, Dr. Andrea Pusic, the Joseph E. Murray Professor of Surgery at Harvard Medical School said, “A woman who decides to get breast implants should be aware that they may not last forever. “This means she may need future surgery or have long-term complications. Surgery is a serious decision and devices are not perfect.”
Common complications that may occur
Dr Dixit talks about various complications he faces after a breast augmentation surgery.
- The most common complication of silicone saline implants is deflation, which is the sudden leakage of saline from the implant leading to deflation of the enlarged breast and asymmetry. However, nowadays saline implants are very rarely used. Silicone-filled implants are the preferred implant choice. Rupture and leakage of silicone was a major problem with older generation silicone breast implants. However, with the newer generation of high consistency silicone gel (gummy bear) implants this is no longer a concern.
- Size dissatisfaction is another common problem. This can very easily be eliminated by using size gauges or in some cases simulations. With these tools, the days of patients complaining postoperatively that “I wish I had chosen a larger or smaller sized implant are gone.” The size of the implant should be selected based on body measurements, patient preference and surgeon recommendations.
- Reduction or loss of nipple sensation can be another concern, especially when choosing large implants. In general, sensations recover in the next year after surgery, but may remain absent in a small percentage of cases.
- Fibrous capsular contracture (FCC) i.e. hardening of the shell produced by the body around the implant. This can happen immediately after surgery or years later and can happen on one or both sides. Early stage capsular contracture may respond to medication and massage. More advanced capsular contracture requires surgery to remove the affected capsule along with removal or replacement of the implant.
- Breast Implant Associated-Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) is a type of lymphoma that develops within the capsule around the implant. It is a very rare condition and if it occurs then it is treated in the early stages. This is NOT the same as breast cancer. In fact, studies have repeatedly shown that breast implant surgery is not associated with an increased risk of breast cancer.
Types of implants and procedure
Breast implant options include, saline breast implants, structured saline breast implants, silicone breast implants, fixed form breast implants, round breast implants, smooth breast implants, and textured breast implants.
Breast augmentation with silicone implants is a surgical procedure performed under general anesthesia. It can be performed as a day care procedure or, at most, may require an overnight stay. “There may be some pain, swelling and bruising after surgery, but this generally subsides in 7-14 days. Bandages will be recommended for 2 weeks. Most implant companies recommend changing implants after 10-15 years. However, that is It is not mandatory to have a mammogram every 3 years and an MRI after 10 years to be performed every 5 years,” says Dr.Dixit.
Points to keep in mind
Dr. Dixit stresses the importance of thorough consideration and careful selection when considering breast implant surgery. He emphasizes that a woman must have genuine conviction in her decision, stressing the central role of choosing a qualified surgeon and hospital. “The plastic surgeon should explain the pros and cons of the surgery, help you choose the right implant size, should properly explain post-operative care, and should be able to handle any problems afterwards,” says.
In addition, it highlights the importance of selecting an appropriate implant size, advocating for the harmony between personal preference and physiological fit. “I think the most important step is choosing the right implant size, as you don’t want to be constantly changing implants every now and then. The size the woman wants is important, but the size the body and tissues can handle is even more important. important factor when choosing the right implant size Your surgeon should be able to guide you through this process.”
Removal of Breast Implants
From wanting larger implants to having larger ones removed, women come for a variety of reasons to have them removed. Dr. Dixit says, “In the last 20 years I have only removed implants for one patient because she was unhappy with the implants (foreign body in her). Today, I see patients who come to have implants removed for other reasons like – they want bigger implants (the first surgery done elsewhere Implants can rupture after many years due to folds in the outer shell (where the implants and breasts feel hard) New implants are placed And, some patients want to change implants simply because it was done before from 10-15 years”.
