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Breast augmentation is one of the commonest procedures
performed at plastic surgicentre in Doha,
Qatar. Breast augmentation, technically known as augmentation
mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure to enhance the size and shape of a
woman's breast for a number of reasons:
To enhance the body contour of a woman who, for personal reasons, feels
her breast size is too small.
To correct a reduction in breast volume after pregnancy.
To balance a difference in breast size.
As a reconstructive technique following breast surgery.
By inserting an implant behind each breast, surgeons are able to
increase a woman's bust line by one or more bra cup sizes. If you're
considering breast augmentation, the following information will give
you a basic understanding of the procedure - when it can help, how it's
performed, and what results you can expect. It can't answer all of your
questions, since a lot depends on your individual circumstances. Please
ask your surgeon if there is anything you don't understand about the
procedure.
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Breast augmentation is usually done to balance a difference in breast
size, to improve body contour, or as a reconstructive technique
following surgery.
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The best candidates for breast augmentation
Breast augmentation can enhance your appearance and your
self-confidence, but it won't necessarily change your looks to match
your ideal, or cause other people to treat you differently. Before you
decide to have surgery, think carefully about your expectations and discuss
them with your surgeon.
The best candidates for breast augmentation are women who are looking
for improvement, not perfection, in the way they look. If you're
physically healthy and realistic in your expectations, you may be a
good candidate.
Types of implants
A breast implant is a silicone shell filled with either silicone gel or
a salt-water solution known as saline.
All surgery carries some uncertainty and risk
Breast augmentation is relatively straightforward. But as with any
operation, there are risks associated with surgery and specific
complications associated with this procedure.
The most common problem, capsular contracture, occurs if the scar or
capsule around the implant begins to tighten. This squeezing of the
soft implant can cause the breast to feel hard. Capsular contracture
can be treated in several ways, and sometimes requires either removal
or "scoring" of the scar tissue, or perhaps removal or
replacement of the implant.
As with any surgical procedure, excessive bleeding following the
operation may cause some swelling and pain. If excessive bleeding
continues, another operation may be needed to control the bleeding and
remove the accumulated blood.
A small percentage of women develop an infection around an implant. This
may occur at any time, but is most often seen within a week after
surgery. In some cases, the implant may need to be removed for several
months until the infection clears. A new implant can then be inserted.
Some women report that their nipples become oversensitive, under
sensitive, or even numb. You may also notice small patches of numbness
near your incisions. These symptoms usually disappear with time, but
may be permanent in some patients.
There is no evidence that breast implants will affect fertility,
pregnancy, or your ability to nurse. If, however, you have nursed a
baby within the year before augmentation, you may produce milk for a
few days after surgery. This may cause some discomfort.
Occasionally, breast implants may leak. Rupture can occur as a result
of injury, causing the man-made shell to leak. If a saline filled
implant breaks, the implant will deflate in a few hours and the salt
water will be harmlessly absorbed by the body.
If a break occurs in a gel-filled implant, however, one of two things
may occur. If the shell breaks but the scar capsule around the implant
does not, you may not detect any change. If the scar also breaks or
tears, especially following extreme pressure, silicone gel may move
into surrounding tissue. The gel may collect in the breast and cause a
new scar to form around it. There may be a change in the shape or
firmness of the breast. Both types of breaks may require a second
operation and replacement of the leaking implant.
After surgery, breasts appear fuller and more natural in tone and
contour. Scars will fade with time.
A few women with breast implants have reported symptoms similar to
scleroderma and other arthritis-like conditions. These symptoms may
include joint pain or swelling, or breast pain. Research has found no
link between silicone breast implants and these symptoms
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While there is no evidence that breast implants cause
breast cancer, they may change the way mammography is done to detect
cancer. When you request a routine mammogram, be sure to go to a
radiology center where technicians are experienced in the special
techniques required to get a reliable x-ray of a breast with an
implant. Additional views will be required. Ultrasound examinations may
be of benefit in some women with implants to detect breast lumps or to
evaluate the implant.
While the majority of women do not experience these complications, you
should discuss each of them with your physician to make sure you
understand the risks and consequences of breast augmentation.
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After surgery, breasts appear fuller and more natural in tone and
contour. Scars will fade with time.
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Planning your surgery
In your initial consultation, Dr. Makki will evaluate your health and
explain which surgical techniques are most appropriate for you, based
on the condition of your breasts and skin tone. If your breasts are
sagging, Dr. Makki may also recommend a breast lift.
Be sure to discuss your expectations frankly with Dr. Makki. He will be
equally frank with you, describing your alternatives and the risks and
limitations of each. And, be sure to tell Dr. Makki if you smoke, and
if you're taking any medications, vitamins, or other drugs.
Dr. Makki will also explain the type of anesthesia to be used, the type
of facility where the surgery will be performed, and the costs
involved. Because most insurance companies do not consider breast
augmentation to be medically necessary, carriers generally do not cover
the cost of this procedure.
Preparing for your surgery
Dr. Makki will give you instructions to prepare for surgery, including
guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding
certain vitamins and medications.
While making preparations, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you
home after your surgery and to help you out for a few days, if needed.
Where your surgery will be performed
Your surgery may be prefer performed in an office facility, a
freestanding surgery center, or a hospital outpatient facility.
Occasionally, the surgery may be done as an inpatient in a hospital, in
which case you can plan on staying for a day or two.
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Incisions are made to keep scars as inconspicuous as possible, in the
breast crease, around the nipple, or in the armpit.
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Types of anesthesia
Breast augmentation can be performed with a general anesthesia, so
you'll sleep through the entire operation. Some surgeons may use a
local anesthesia, combined with a sedative to make you
Incisions are made to keep scars as inconspicuous as possible, in the
breast crease, around the nipple, or in the armpit.
drowsy, so you'll be relaxed but awake, and
may feel some discomfort.
The surgery
The method of inserting and positioning your implant will depend on
your anatomy and your surgeon's recommendation. The incision can be
made either in the crease where the breast meets the chest, around the
areola (the dark skin surrounding the nipple), or in the armpit. Every
effort will be made to assure that the incision is placed so resulting
scars will be as inconspicuous as possible.
Working through the incision, the surgeon will lift your breast tissue
and skin to create a pocket, either directly behind the breast tissue
or underneath your chest wall muscle (the pectoral muscle). The
implants are then centered beneath your nipples.
The breast implant may be inserted directly under breast tissue.
Some surgeons believe that putting the implants behind your chest
muscle may reduce the potential for capsular contracture. This
placement may also interfere less with breast examination by mammogram
than if the implant is placed directly behind the breast tissue.
Placement behind the muscle however, may be more painful for a few days
after surgery than placement directly under the breast tissue. Drainage
tubes may be used for several days following the surgery.
You'll want to discuss the pros and cons of these alternatives with Dr.
Makki before surgery to make sure you fully understand the implications
of the procedure he recommends for you. The surgery usually takes one
to two hours to complete. Stitches are used to close the incisions,
which may also be taped for greater support. A gauze bandage may be
applied over your breasts to help with healing.
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The breast implant may be inserted directly under breast tissue.
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After your surgery
The breast implant may be inserted directly under the chest wall
muscle.
You're likely to feel tired and sore for a few days following your
surgery, but you'll be up and around in 24 to 48 hours. Most of your
discomfort can be controlled by medication prescribed by Dr. Makki.
Within several days, the gauze dressings, if you have them, will be
removed, and you may be given a surgical bra. You may also experience a
burning sensation in your nipples for about two weeks, but this will
subside as bruising fades.
Your stitches will dissolve over time, but the swelling in your breasts
may take three to five weeks to disappear.
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The breast implant may be inserted directly under the chest wall
muscle.
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Getting back to normal
You should be able to return to work within a few days, depending on
the level of activity required for your job.
Follow Dr. Makki's advice on when to begin
exercises and normal activities. Your breasts will probably be
sensitive to direct stimulation for two to three weeks, so you should
avoid much physical contact. After that, breast contact is fine once
your breasts are no longer sore, usually three to four weeks after
surgery.
Your scars will be firm and pink for at least six weeks. Then they may
remain the same size for several months, or even appear to widen. After
several months, your scars will begin to fade, although they will never
disappear completely.
Routine mammograms should be continued after breast augmentation for
women who are in the appropriate age group, although the mammographic
technician should use a special technique to assure that you get a
reliable reading, as discussed earlier.
Your new look
For many women, the result of breast augmentation can
be satisfying, even exhilarating, as they learn to appreciate their
fuller appearance.
Your decision to have breast augmentation is a highly personal one that
not everyone will understand. The important thing is how you feel about
it. If you've met your goals, then your surgery is a success.
The information on this web site is only intended as an
introduction to this procedure and should not be used to determine
whether you will have the procedure performed nor as a guarantee of the
result.
The best method of determining your personal options is to schedule a
personal consultation with Dr. Makki. He will be able to answer
specific questions related to your situation.
Please don't hesitate to call for any questions that you might have
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