Breast augmentation

The reason why a woman has breast augmentation is of course that the bust is perceived to be too small, although the reasons differ. Sometimes, inadequate breast development is genetically determined or due to a deformity. Deformities such as tubular breasts or Poland's syndrome are not that uncommon and affect the breasts by causing one or both breasts to have a different appearance and size. Sometimes it is pregnancy and breastfeeding that have caused the size of the breasts to decrease compared to how it was before the children were born. Regardless of the cause, a smaller bust sometimes means physical, psychological and psychosocial difficulties and a feeling of lower self-confidence in certain situations. A bust that is too small can make it difficult to find a bra that fits, especially if there is a size difference between the breasts. The psychological and psychosocial problems are usually greater and it is not uncommon for patients to say that they never show themselves naked in front of their partner and feel uncomfortable in social situations when the bust, not by a long shot, fills out the nice dress.

Breast augmentation is a common procedure with few risks, but in the case of a breast deformity it is also one of the more demanding plastic surgery procedures. At our clinic we have many years of experience with common breast augmentations , but not least great experience with the difficult breast augmentations in breast reconstructions for deformities . Dr. Lewin was responsible for reconstructive breast surgery after breast cancer and breast deformities at Sahlgrenska University Hospital for several years .

Before surgery

When we meet during the first visit, there are several different things that need to be discussed carefully. First, your plastic surgeon must understand you! What do you want to change? How do you want your breasts to look after your surgery? With his experience as an expert in the TV program Skönhetsfällan (TV3), Dr. Borén knows that communication before the procedure is the key to a successful result. We will have a discussion about the types of implants available and which type of implant is right for you, so that you get the result you want. Should the implant be placed over or under the muscle? There is no right or wrong, it all depends on how you look in your body, what your conditions are and what result you want. We try out which size feels comfortable by trying on different sized inserts in the bra. In combination with measuring the width and height of your existing breast and rib cage, we find out which implant sizes are right for you. We guide and advise you to make a good choice. For some patients, an anatomical (teardrop-shaped) implant is best and for others, a round implant is a better fit.

It is of course also important that you gain trust and a good feeling for your surgeon and the clinic. We want to give you the feeling of security that you need before your breast augmentation.

This is how the operation works

In the morning you will come to us and we will go over how the surgery will be performed and confirm which implant we have agreed on. Before the surgery you will receive a preventive dose of antibiotics. We always use the so-called “no-touch” technique, which means that the implant is inserted using a so-called Keller funnel. This is the recommended way to reduce the risk of infection, capsule formation and ALCL. The surgery takes about 45 minutes to an hour and after the surgery you will wake up in peace and quiet. Usually you stay in the recovery room for a few hours and are offered a coffee before going home.

Aftercare and convalescence

If the implant is placed under the pectoral muscle, you will have more pain than if it is placed above the muscle. It takes a couple of weeks to recover and stronger painkillers are often needed in the first few days. It is also important not to be too active in the first few weeks as the implants need to heal in peace and quiet. You will be given a bra that you will wear 6/8 for the first few weeks. You can gradually start working after a couple of weeks and after 2-3 weeks you are usually back to normal. A medical certificate may be required and usually XNUMX-XNUMX weeks depends on your profession. When placed in front of the muscle, recovery is faster.

Risks and complications

As with all surgery, complications such as bleeding and infection occur. However, in the case of a pure breast augmentation, this is very unusual. However, we want to treat major bleeding around the implant, which means a new operation, the first day is the greatest risk. Most implants form a thin capsule, but if this becomes unusually hard, it is called capsular contracture, this affects a few percent (about 4-8% get a thick capsule in 10 years). Capsular contracture is treated by a new operation where the capsule is "split".

ALCL is a very rare form of lymphoma, i.e. cancer of the lymphatic system. There is a link between ALCL and textured breast implants, see separate information about this.

During a consultation, we carefully review the risks of the surgery and there is time for you to ask questions.

Follow-up

After a week you will return to the clinic to check that everything looks normal and is healing as it should. The stitches will disappear on their own, but sometimes a thread end will stick out and we will cut it off. You will be called in for a final check-up after about 6 months to check that everything has healed well and that you are satisfied. Should you suffer from capsular contracture, we offer free capsular splitting for 1 year after surgery.

Book a consultation and talk to a specialist to find out what is best for you.