The procedure followed varies from person to person and depends on the patient requirement. Your surgeon will discuss all implant options with you prior to surgery.
Implants can be placed either in front or behind the breast muscle. The various options and benefits of each type of procedure is discussed between you and your surgeon. The areas for incision normally are below the breast, around the nipple, in the area of arm pit or in the navel area. To position the implant, an incision is made in a suitable area as desired and the implant is inserted into a pocket created through the incision. It may be placed under either the breast tissue or the chest muscle beneath the breast. After the implant has been carefully positioned and adjusted to the correct shape the incision is closed with stitches.
A breast lift (mastopexy) is done to raise sagging or drooping breasts and elevate the nipple and areola. To lift the breasts, excess skin from the bottom of the breast and the area around the areola is removed. The remaining skin is then brought together, which tightens and raises the breast. Larger incisions are required for this in comparison to breast enlargement. Incisions may extend from the areola down to the crease where the bottom of the breast meets the chest.
Breast enlargements and lifts are usually done as outpatient procedures in a hospital or outpatient surgery center. An overnight stay in the hospital is not needed unless there are complications during surgery. The surgery takes 1 to 2 hours.
General anesthesia is usually used, although local anesthesia or an epidural may be used in some cases.
There are several potential complications and risks associated with this procedure.
- Infection though rare can occur within days or weeks after surgery.
- Contraction of the implant can occur with a capsular formation around the implant during the healing process. This compresses the implant which could leqads to a distorted look.
- Symmastia also known as "breadloafing"can occur in women with chestwall deformities. This can happen at anytime after surgery from a few days to several months.sia or an epidural may be used in some cases.