17 Jun Simple breast augmentation with prosthesis
Breast augmentation is one of the most sought-after cosmetic surgeries today, with more than 300,000 procedures performed annually in the United States alone.
This intervention must be individually planned and planned according to the individual characteristics of each patient (anatomy of the breast and thorax, quality of breast tissue, type of breast, skin condition, patient preferences, etc.) also involving the patient in the decision making process.
In the preoperative interview the surgeon has to explain to the patient several fundamental aspects of breast augmentation, advise him/her taking into account his/her individual particularities, and establish the surgical plan together. Specifically, the elements to be taken into account are:
- Implant size
- Prosthetic and flat pocket.
- Type of implant.
- Position of the submammary fold.
- Incision for surgical approach .
- Implant size.
It will depend on the individual characteristics of each patient (width of the breast base, symmetry, sternal fork-nipple distance, amount of breast tissue available…). It is important when selecting the size of the implant, that the size is not excessive in relation to the characteristics of the tissue, because if the size is excessive, the mammary glandular parenchyma will become thinner, the skin will stretch… all this could cause the appearance of depressions and deformities in the thoracic wall. Sometimes the edge of the implants can even become visible, a deformity known as “rippling”.
- Prosthetic and flat pocket.
Depending on the position where the prosthesis is placed, it can be a subpectoral pocket (under the pectoral muscle), subglandular (under the mammary gland, above the pectoral), subfascial (under the fascia of the pectoral muscle), or dual plane (the prosthesis is covered in its upper part by the pectoral, and in the lower area by the gland). The surgeon will advise each patient according to his or her characteristics as to which plane is indicated or most advisable in his or her particular case.
- Type of implant.
There are several options on the market: with smooth or rough coating, round or anatomical shape, and made with cohesive gel or serum fillers. Each implant has advantages and disadvantages depending on the case in which they are used.
- Position of the submammary fold.
It is important to analyze the position of the submammary fold, sometimes it is necessary to readjust it to give a proper shape to the breast and avoid postoperative complications such as “double bubble” deformity.
- Surgical approach (incisions).
The surgical approach or incision is the area through which the breast tissue is accessed and the prosthesis is introduced; precisely the area where the scar will remain. The approach can be inframammary (at the level of the submammary fold), periareolar, and less frequently, axillary, or transumbilical. As with the previous items, each option has its advantages and/or disadvantages, as well as specific indications, so a thorough examination of the patient is necessary in order to make the best recommendation.
In short, if you are thinking of undergoing breast augmentation surgery, consult your trusted plastic surgeon. Remember that this intervention must be performed by expert hands specialized in this field. The “SECPRE” or “Sociedad Española de Cirugía Plástica y Estética”, a society that brings together the specialists in plastic surgery in this country, whose values include excellence, quality and safety in the performance of aesthetic plastic surgery, offers you a list of professionals who practice the specialty of Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery in your province. Check that your surgeon has the specific qualifications in Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery to operate with the greatest guarantees and without running unnecessary risks.
Dr. María Eloísa Villaverde Doménech. Specialist in plastic, aesthetic and reconstructive surgery.
You can find me at: Hospital 9 d’Octubre, Valencia. Contact: 684148979; info@dravillaverde.com