Breast augmentation is a procedure whereby chosen implants are carefully inserted via a small opening in each breast to increase the size of small or asymmetrical breasts.
Can you choose the size of implants?
Over the past 10 years I have helped numerous patients undergoing breast enlargement surgery in Kuala Lumpur. What I noticed is that no two patients have the same request on the size of implants. Very active patient tends to go for small implants whilst others would go for large implants to show off their cleavage when wearing low cut designer’s dresses.
Whatever size you desire to have, an experienced plastic surgeon will always evaluate you on an individual basis. During consultation and physical examination the surgeon takes into account your body type and frame before suggesting or agreeing the size of the implants. Guided by whatever your need, goal, and motivation for the surgery rest assured that an optimum treatment plan will be designed for you.
What type of implants?
There are different types of implants available however the silicone and saline implants are the preferred choice though saline implants are slowly losing its popularity.
Silicone implants are filled with a cohesive gel material. The majority of our patients opt for silicone implants because they look and feel most like natural breast tissue. The silicone is less likely to ripple or wrinkle within the implant pocket. They are pre-filled by the manufacturer so they require a slightly longer incision. If the implant were to rupture or leak, the filling material would stay largely intact within or close to the implant pocket, which makes it more subtle to detect.
Saline implants have a silicone outer shell filled with a sterile saltwater solution. They generally have a less satisfactory feel and have a higher leakage rate, therefore most surgeons tend not to use them.
What about the shape and sizes?
Implants come in either a round or teardrop shape. Round implants are circular and provide more fullness in the upper portion of the breasts. Teardrop implants are also known as anatomical or contoured implants, and have a downward slope similar to natural breasts.
Implants can be filled to various capacities, depending on the desired cosmetic outcome. Most women choose conservatively sized implants that provide natural-looking enhancement, while others desire more noticeable results. Implants are measured in cubic centimetres (cc’s), instead of cup sizes and can be quite heavy if large implants are chosen. Most patient would follow surgeon’s advice after knowing this.
An implant sizer kit will be offered so you can “try on” different sized implants to make the right decision. Through my observation most patients tend to go up by 1 or 2 cup sizes for a more natural outcome. Patients always find this process enjoyable.
What to expect during breast implant surgery?
The surgery is done at an accredited medical centre and you will be asleep under general anaesthetic. It will take about an hour to complete when performed by a skilled plastic surgeon.
A small incision in the crease of the breast (inframammary fold) will be created and through this incision, the surgeon carefully makes a pocket to hold the implant either in front of or behind the pectoralis (chest) muscle. The implant is placed inside the pocket and carefully position. Finally the incision is closed with dissolvable sutures and a sterile dressing placed over the area.
Patients will be asked to wear a surgical support garment and an implant stabiliser for a few weeks to provide slight compression on the tissues an as well as making sure the implants remain in position.
When can you return to work?
The recovery after breast augmentation surgery is relatively straightforward. Range of motion is limited at first, as your breasts will be mildly swollen with a modest ache. Medication and a course of antibiotics will be prescribed to help ease the feeling of soreness. However, these feelings are temporary and will subside within a few days. Most patients can return to work within a week.
Sister Kay McNaught 