Full and shapely breasts are often considered a sign of attractiveness and femininity. As women age, their breasts may lose volume and shape, causing great dissatisfaction, which may affect their self-confidence, especially after trying natural methods with no success. Fortunately, breast augmentation surgery can provide the desired breast size and shape in just a few hours. Learn more about the surgery and its options in the following paragraphs.

Breast augmentation is a plastic procedure that increases breast size by inserting a silicone implant into the breast tissue or under the chest muscles to make the breast more full, round, and attractive.

 

It is possible to undergo breast augmentation in the following cases:

• Women who are in good health and not pregnant or breastfeeding.

• Women who have specific and realistic goals for the procedure.

• Women whose breast development is complete.

• Women with no health problems such as autoimmune disorders, heart or diabetes problems, or hypertension.

• Non-smokers are ideal candidates for the procedure.

• Women who are close to their ideal weight.

• Women with no skin problems or infections.

• Women who quit alcohol during the recovery period.

• Women who are at the appropriate age, starting at 18 years old.

• Women with no cancerous tumors of any kind.

 

• Getting rid of dissatisfaction with the upper part of the breast due to its lowering.

• Correcting breast size changes due to aging factors.

• Adjusting the size of the breast or the unevenness between both breasts.

• Restoring volume to the breast that has lost fullness due to pregnancy, breastfeeding, and weight loss.

• Boosting self-confidence in cases of dissatisfaction with breast size and appearance.

• Enlarging breasts that have not fully developed after puberty.

• Correcting breast deformities.

Before the surgery, it is important to fully understand the potential risks and side effects that will be discussed with Dr. Wael Ghanem. It is also important to ensure that the preventative measures to minimize these risks are understood. Although all surgical procedures carry some risks, the experience and skill of the chosen doctor, the preventative measures he takes, and the quality of his medical team are factors that can help control these risks. These risks may include:

• Bleeding may occur due to taking medications not approved by the doctor.

• Infection can be controlled by taking antibiotics to prevent its spread and caring for the surgical incisions properly.

• Scarring may occur due to poor wound care and failure to follow Dr. Wael Ghanem's instructions.

• Changes in nipple and breast sensation.

• Leakage or rupture of the implant may require redo surgery to remove the silicone implant.

• Improper placement of the implant by an unqualified doctor.

• Rippling of the skin after implant placement can be corrected by fat injection or by choosing the most appropriate implant type for breast size.

• Fluid accumulation can be managed by following Dr. Wael Ghanem's instructions.

• Persistent pain after breast augmentation surgery.

The cost of breast augmentation surgery varies depending on geographic location, the skill, qualifications, and experience of the doctor, and the type of implants used. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost of breast augmentation surgery is around $3,718, with saline implants costing $3,535 and silicone implants costing $3,918. The cost in Egyptian pounds ranges from 100,000 to 120,000 EGP and includes the following:

• Doctor and hospital fees.

• Medications. 

• Cost of anesthesia and medical examinations.

Different types of implants are used depending on the filling material, shape, and texture. The following are some of the types of implants used:

These implants consist of a silicone shell filled with sterile saline solution. If the implant ruptures, the saline solution is absorbed by the body and expelled naturally. Saline implants provide a sense of breast firmness. They are approved by the FDA for patients 18 years of age or older, and the size can be adjusted even after implantation.

These implants also contain saline solution but are softer and denser, designed to give the breast a more natural feeling, closer to a natural breast.

These implants are filled with a gel-like silicone substance that resembles the natural texture of breast tissue. In the event of a rupture, the silicone gel will not leak out completely, but will remain inside the implant or may leak into the breast tissue. It is important to follow up regularly with Dr. Wael Ghanem to assess the implant condition using ultrasound or MRI imaging. This type of implant is approved by the FDA for women aged 22 or older.

These implants are also made of silicone, inside and outside, and are considered the most cohesive implants because they are made of more adherent particles than traditional silicone implants, so the implant remains inside the breast even in the event of rupture without spreading. It requires a slightly longer incision and is designed to resemble the shape of the breast when placed, making the breast appear abnormal if the implant moves or changes position. In this case, redo surgery may be necessary.

 

Smooth implants give the softest feel and move naturally with the breast, providing more natural movement. However, they may show some visible rippling under the skin.

These implants have a textured surface that adheres more to the breast tissue and does not slip or move, so they do not require repositioning, and the breast does not face the problems of tightness of the breast tissue around the implant.

Implants differ in shape, whether round or teardrop-shaped, which affects the shape of the breast. The choice of implant shape is according to:

• Body type.

• Breast size and tissue volume before surgery.

• Preferred breast lifting degree.

• Preferences for incision location.

These are the most common types of implants and resemble a compressed ball. They differ in height and width. They make the breast more rounded and complete. Since they have the same shape from all directions, there is no concern about their rotation or changing position inside the breast, which helps maintain the breast's shape.

Teardrop-shaped implants make the breast naturally point upward. They are sloped from the bottom and pointed towards the top with a natural incline. This type mimics the shape of a natural breast, and although they are not full from the top, they give a larger breast appearance and volume compared to round implants. They also have a textured surface to adhere well to the breast tissue, which prevents the breast from appearing unnatural if the implant moves.

This stage involves discussing preferences for the surgery, such as the type of implant, incision placement, and how to care for the incisions, with Dr. Wael Ghanem. It also involves ensuring a complete understanding of the potential risks associated with the surgery, how to manage and minimize them, and preventive measures. Before preparing for surgery, you should pay attention to the following:

• Quitting smoking at least two weeks before surgery to avoid the skin being at risk of scarring because smoking hinders blood flow, which can lead to tissue death.

• Avoiding medications that increase the risk of bleeding, such as aspirin, herbal supplements, and anti-inflammatory drugs.

• Breast augmentation will not prevent the breast from sagging, and it is preferable to tighten the breast along with the augmentation.

• Identifying the type of implants that do not interfere with imaging tests.

• Implants are not permanent and have an average lifespan of 10 years.

• The possibility of implant rupture depends on the type and location of the implant in the breast.

• Breast appearance changes with weight loss or gain, which may require redo surgery, so you must maintain weight.

• Breast augmentation surgery does not interfere with breastfeeding, and the probability of such interference is very low in some women.

• When removing a breast implant, another procedure, such as a breast lift, is necessary to compensate for the changes in the shape of the breast.

• Regular MRI scans should be performed after three years, especially if symptoms appear.

 

The surgery is performed in several stages as follows:

In this stage, the patient is given anesthesia and takes some medications to feel comfortable during and after the surgery. The most appropriate type of anesthesia for the patient's condition is chosen.

There are two ways to place the implant inside the breast, as follows:

• Under the mammary gland: the implant is placed under the mammary gland but above the chest muscles. This makes the procedure easier when dealing with breast fat and tissue, as it does not result in a feeling of tightness in the breasts after the filling. There is also no pain after the implantation, and it requires a shorter recovery time. It is also easier to replace during implant removal procedures. However, this type of implant may appear more artificial in some cases and is more prone to rippling. It may also become harder over time when breast tissue is compressed.

• Submuscular placement: The implant is placed under the chest muscle, so the muscle covers two-thirds of the implant, which makes the breast more naturally curved and provides better aesthetic results, especially in cases of naturally small breast size. The rippling possibility is also lessened because it is hidden behind the muscle and does not interfere with imaging tests. Breast tissue can be easily examined with mammograms, and the implant is less prone to tearing. However, it requires a longer recovery time, and implant removal will be more difficult in the future. It may also make the breast appear higher than normal until the muscles get used to the new position. Women may also find it difficult to perform exercises targeting the chest muscle.

 

The surgical incision options are determined according to the patient's preference, the type, and the location of the implant used. The incision sites avoid visible scars. These include:

• An incision under the armpits.

• An incision under the fold of the breast.

• A semi-circular incision below the areola.

 

After making the surgical incisions, the implant is inserted under or above the chest muscles and beneath the mammary gland.

The surgical incisions are closed, and the internal breast tissues are secured with dissolvable sutures. Then, the superficial sutures are placed, and the skin is closed with medical adhesive tape. Over time, the incisions fade away during the healing process. The healing quality depends on the skin quality, genetic factors of the skin type, and smoking, and the results are visible immediately.

 

After breast augmentation surgery, it is possible to feel pain and discomfort for 24 to 48 hours. Bruising and swelling may persist for several weeks, and scars are visible during this period. However, they fade away with time but do not disappear completely. During this period, a medically supportive bra is necessary, followed by a sports bra. To alleviate pain, Dr. Wael Ghanem prescribes painkillers and antibiotics to prevent infection. It is possible to return to work after a week if it does not require physical activity. Strenuous activities should be avoided for at least two weeks because they may cause an increase in blood pressure or heart rate.

 

During the wound healing period, it is necessary to be careful about the breast's sensitivity to movement or pressure for at least five weeks. Therefore, violent movements or sleeping on the stomach should be avoided, as should lifting heavy objects or carrying children or pets. It is necessary to take care of the surgical incisions and clean the suture site gently. It is also important to visit Dr. Wael Ghanem on the scheduled dates for removing the superficial stitches after 7 to 10 days. If you experience shortness of breath, chest pain, or warmth and redness, you should contact your doctor immediately because they are signs of an infection that requires urgent treatment.

 

After surgery, the shape and size of the breast change, becoming more rounded, feminine, and attractive. The breast's shape, which has lost its volume due to aging, weight loss, pregnancy, or childbirth, improves and becomes more attractive and youthful. Self-confidence increases, and this is reflected significantly in the psychological state. You need to discuss the surgical goals with Dr. Wael Ghanem to achieve the best results.

This procedure is performed for those who wish to add fullness to the breast without surgery. It is done by suctioning fat from one of the body areas in which fat is available, such as the buttocks, abdomen, or thighs. The fat is then separated and prepared for injection into the breast to add fullness and roundness. It provides a natural sensation, like natural breast tissue. You must wait for the appearance of the results because the breast may not respond to fat. Therefore, candidates who do not have a lot of fat may not be suitable for this procedure because multiple sessions may be required to support the results. The result appearance and the number of sessions depend on the breast's response to fatty tissues, and additional sessions are required over time because the body naturally absorbs fat. The injection does not require a long recovery period, but it is necessary to rest and take care of the surgical incisions in the fat suction areas to avoid infection and scarring. Following all recovery instructions, such as taking medications, eating healthy food, avoiding strenuous activities during the first few weeks, and following Dr. Wael Ghanem's instructions and follow-up sessions, is essential.

 

In conclusion, dear reader, after learning how to enlarge the breast through surgery and knowing the risk factors and how to prevent them, we hope we have provided sufficient answers to all your questions. If you need to ask more questions, please do not hesitate to contact Dr. Wael Ghanem's center.