FIVE THINGS YOU MUST KNOW ABOUT BREAST AUGMENTATION
by
Dr. Wolf-Gunter Steinmetz
Specialist for plastic and aesthetic surgery
Many women wish to have larger or firmer breasts. This is not a new trend, in fact it is probably as old as civilization. Today we have the knowledge and technology to make this wish come true for most of these women. While it sounds so easy and straightforward to put an implant in the breast and everything is fine, unfortunately it is not that easy at all and there are a number of things you should know about this:
1. What is the best method for breast augmentation?
Like so often in life, there is no best method. It all depends on the situation and the desires of the patient. While a patient with a small but firm and well shaped breast will probably be best off with an implant placed underneath the muscle, someone with a drooping breast that needs some element of ift, will benefit more from an implant on top of the muscle.
2. Which is the best implant?
As far as material, most cosmetic surgeons will agree that the modern silicone gel implants are much better than anything else we can offer. When it comes to shape and surface texture, it again depends on a variety of factors. A round
implant with a smooth surface performs extremely well underneath the muscle to enhance the shape and volume of a youthful looking breast that is not drooping. A breast that already has paid toll to gravity or several children having been
breast fed, will probably need the added support and volume in the lower quadrants that an implant with an anatomical shape can provide. These implants have a textured surface to prevent them from turning.
3. Which incision is right for me?
The implant needs to be placed in a pocket, which the surgeon has to create during the surgery. The shape, size and position of this pocket determine the outcome just as much as the type of implant, maybe even more. Preparing
the implant pocket is not as easy as it might seem and this is where the surgeon‘s skill and experience really matter. While theoretically it is possible to prepare such a pocket from any of the possible incisions, certain combinations just make more sense than others. If you want to place an implant behind the muscle, the most elegant way to do this, is through the armpit, because there you are already behind the muscle and don‘t have to split it. This works best with smooth round implants. On the other side, if you need an implant with anatomical shape on top of the muscle, an incision in the submamary fold works much better.
4. Do I have to exchange the implants sometime?
All the major manufacturers now give long term warranties on their products. Even though, the implants are subject to mechanical loads and therefore it is recommended to exchange them after about 15 years.
5. What are the risks of breast augmentation?
Overall, the risk for complications is very low in the hands of an experienced plastic surgeon, but of course every surgery has certain risks. The major risk is the so called constrictive capsular fibrosis. The body forms a very smooth connective tissue capsule around any implant. This is good, because it largely
prevents the implant from dislocating. In rare cases (approx. 5%) this capsule can contract and exert pressure on the implant changing its shape. If this happens it usually can be fixed with another operation and you can keep the same implants. Dr. Steinmetz is a board certified plastic and aesthetic surgeon, who runs his own clinic in Wuerzburg, Germany and regularly comes to the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery Hospital in Dubai Health Care
City. While he performs most aesthetic procedures, breast surgery is one of his main areas of expertise and he employs some very unique techniques for placing implants through the armpit area underneath the muscle.
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| Dr. Wolf Gunter Steinmetz, Plastic Surgeon |
