All Procedures
Breast Enlargement Surgery: Breast Augmentation
Useful information for patients on Breast Augmentation procedures
What Is Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure designed to increase breast size and improve shape and symmetry. It can be performed using breast implants or the patient’s own fat (lipofilling).
Implants may be filled with saline or cohesive silicone gel and placed:
- Behind the breast tissue (subglandular)
- Behind the chest muscle (submuscular)
- Beneath the fascia (subfascial)
Small incisions are typically placed within the breast crease (inframammary), around the areola (circumareolar), or via the axilla.depending on anatomy and surgical preference.
Fat transfer breast augmentation involves harvesting fat from areas such as the abdomen, hips, or thighs using liposuction, purification of fat, and injecting it into the breasts for subtle volume enhancement.
Patients must keep in mind that this method of breast augmentation using their own fat may require more than a single session depending on the amount of volume desired. This applies particularly for lipofilling, as in those large volumes it has a high absorption rate; therefore, out of 100% of the injected fat, a variable percentage will be absorbed, leaving less than what was initially placed However, if combined with breast implants, it is usually performed once.
When performed by a qualified plastic surgeon, breast augmentation is considered safe and effective. However, as with all surgery, there are risks that should be discussed with your surgeon.
Who Is It For?
Breast augmentation may be suitable for patients who:
- Desire fuller or more symmetrical breasts
- Have stable body weight
- Are in good general health
- Have realistic expectations
Fat transfer is best suited for patients seeking modest volume enhancement and who have sufficient donor fat.
Some conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and clotting disorders, may require additional medical assessment before surgery.
Preparation
Preparation usually includes:
- Medical evaluation and breast imaging if required
- Smoking cessation
- Temporary adjustment of medications as advised by the surgeon
- Stable weight
- If the breast augmentation is performed via an axillary approach, waxing beforehand is generally not recommended, or it should be done at least 10 days prior to the procedure
- Maintaining good hygiene
It is also likely that the medical history will include a measurement of the body mass index (BMI), a discussion regarding future weight management goals (such as the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists), and an evaluation of the patient's family planning or future pregnancy desires, among other topics.
The practitioner may perform a physical examination to anticipate (if possible) the potential techniques to be used and the resulting scar.
What Preparation Is Required?
Regarding diabetes, type 1 patients must fast for 6 to 8 hours with hourly blood glucose monitoring, while type 2 patients require a 6 to 8 hour fast. In both cases, a glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) test will be requested to assess blood glucose levels over the past 3 months. Like any endocrine pathology, this must be controlled by a specialist prior to the procedure.
This procedure can be performed in older patients. However, it is essential to evaluate whether the patient requires an additional lift procedure (mastopexy) alongside the augmentation due to skin laxity and aging.
Useful Information
Ensure you consider all aspects of a procedure. You can speak to your surgeon about these areas of the surgery in more detail during a consultation.
Length
How Long Is the Procedure?
- Implants: 50-90 minutes
- Fat transfer: 90-120 minutes
Anesthesia
Do I Need Anesthesia?
Most performed under general anesthesia. However, local anesthesia and intravenous sedation or pectoralis major blockage may be chosen.
Inpatient/Outpatient
Is The Procedure Inpatient or Outpatient?
Typically, day surgery.
Additional Information
- Swelling and bruising
- Temporary discomfort
- Tightness or pressure sensation
- Temporary numbness
- Capsular contracture (most common implant-related risk)
- Infection or bleeding
- Implant malposition or rupture
- Fat-related complications such as cysts or oil cysts with lipofilling
There is currently no evidence that breast implants interfere with pregnancy, breastfeeding, or increase cancer risk. While the causes for capsular contractures are variable, postoperative visits are important for its detection and treatment if it occurs.
Patients usually rest for 48-72 hours. Some return to normal activities within 5-7 days if indicated by the surgeon. Exercise should be avoided for approximately 4 weeks. A supportive sports bra is required during recovery. Drinking alcohol is advised against, and driving should be avoided for at least the first 10-15 days due to a risk of seat belt injury. Sleeping prone (face down), raising the arms above the shoulders, and performing excessive heavy lifting must also be avoided.
Results are typically very satisfying and can enhance body proportion and self-confidence. Fat transfer results may require more than one session for additional volume. Typically, surgery lasts around 1-2 hours, and it is possible to repeat further sessions after a few months if desired. Once the fat transfer has been successful, it lasts for life; however, results can be subject to weight changes.
Any procedure involving breast implants requires annual monitoring, and there is a probability that they will need to be replaced or removed within 10 to 15 years. However, if follow-up exams are completely normal and show no complications, the implants may remain in place for as long as desired.
Please note: Individual results vary from patient to patient due to factors such as age, skin quality, body type, and overall health. To understand what results you can expect, consult with a qualified aesthetic plastic surgeon.
After breast lipofilling, the fat infiltrated in the breast will follow the same course as the rest of the body fat, so if the patient gains weight, the adipocytes or fat cells of the breast will also gain volume and the breast will increase in size. The same process will happen if the patient loses weight, where the patient will lose volume in the breast.