My Breast Job Ruined My Life!
Although concepts of beauty change, full breasts have become the standard for sex appeal in America. Unfortunately, largest breast size isn’t possible through exercise. Instead, breast size and shape are influenced by pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight fluctuations and aging. Women generally seek breast augmentation for one of three reasons:
They have always had underdeveloped breasts
They have experienced changes after pregnancy and breastfeeding
They wish to improve breast size and shape for their own personal reasons.
Women who are seeking breast augmentation in an attempt to save a relationship, or who were influenced by a significant other, need to recognize that breast augmentation does not save relationships and may need to reconsider their reasoning.
The choice of surgeon for breast enlargement is vitally important. Recently the procedure is loosing popularity both in US and Europe because of numerous complications associated with breast augmentation. According to the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons breast implant procedures fell by 20% last year.
Lets review the some important points so we can understand why this is happening and is Breast Augmentation relay bad for you?
Understanding your needs and your health
The questions you ask and the decisions you make before your breast augmentation largely determine the results. Its the patients job to work diligently with qualified plastic surgeon. The most common reason for unsatisfactory results is misunderstanding between a patient and a surgeon. Remember, the best results in breast augmentation are achieved during the first surgery. The patient should be aware about their specific breast shape( particularly the presence or absence of constricted breasts or tubular breast deformity), breast size, conditions involving the pectoral muscles or chest wall, the degree of asymmetry, the degree of sagging, breast masses, posture (especially shoulder position) and the presence of scoliosis and the attachment of the chest muscles to the breast bone and breast bone anomalies.
Once health history is also of vital importance to and extra attention to certain factors such as your family history of breast cancer (especially a mother or grandmother with breast cancer or a family member who developed breast cancer at an early age). History with autoimmune diseases (such as scleroderma, lupus, fibromyalgia or rheumatoid arthritis or others). I base line mammogram is always a good idea before breast surgery. Unfortunately not always covered by insurance.
Understanding breast implants
Poor choice of breast implants by the surgeon is probably the number one reason for poor outcomes in short and long term.
Current technology has greatly increased the safety of breast implants. The new generation of silicone cohiseive gel implants allows surgeons to achieve a more natural shape and feel for cosmetic and reconstructive purposes.
Today there is a big discrepancy between the technological improvement and the knowledge and the mind set of the breast surgeons especially in US.
Despite the large variety of breast implants available the smooth round implant is still the most common breast implant used in US, for one and one reason only- EASY TO PUT IN.
High profile breast implants are frequently used for breast augmentation. Here is the catch: High profile implants are good for breast reconstruction. Because of the preexisting scaring and often irradiated tissue a high profile implants is needed to achieve projection. I aesthetic surgery the high profile implants apply pressure to the breast tissue and in a long term cause atrophy and accelerated sagging. So the good looking breast soon become quick sagging breast requiring additional procedures and cost for the patient. During the initial evaluation the degree of sagging or false perception of sagging should be determined and explained to the patient. Combination of breast implants and breast lift give longer lasting result in most of the cases that overzealous use of high profile implants.
Use of large implants sizes
I am always astonished by the frequency of recommendations for large breast implants is given to the patient by another surgeon especially during the second opinion consultations in my office. The smallest implant capable to achieve the best cosmetic results should be used. Large implants are the most common cause of implant related complications. The implants size is determined by precize body measurements and its specific for each patient. A cookie cutter approach should never be used.
The outcome of any breast surgery is just as good as the planning before the surgery and the capability of the surgeon to execute the plan. Poor planning lead to disasters. Knowledge about the anatomy and the physiology of the breast and the changes which occur with normal aging, pregnancy and breast feeding are of vital importance. Disrespect to any these factors and alterations of structures crucial for long term maintenance of the breast shape always leads to poor outcomes. The factors are breach of surgical sterility and poor choice of anesthesia- trend towards local anesthesia in attempt to save cost and perform breast augmentations if offices and uncertified facilities.
Reasons for drawback from breast augmentation:
Increased number of procedures performed by poorly trained physicians. Especially doctors without training and Board Certification in Plastic and Reconstructive surgery. Its the patients responsibility to research the credentials of the surgeon or any professional for that matter.
Poor understanding of breast anatomy and natural behavior and lack of respect to structures responsible for long term maintenance of breast shape and position.
Poor understanding of breast implants: Use of high profile, large smooth breast implants.
Breaches in surgical sterility decreasing the chance for contamination of the implants with bacteria form the skin surface with in a long term will increase the chance for capsule contracture.
Poor choice of anesthesia and surgical facility.
