Breast Augmentation in Malta |
AM I A GOOD CANDIDATE
FOR BREAST ENLARGEMENT?
The size of a woman's breast will largely be determined
by genetics but it will also be influenced by fluctuations
in weight, pregnancy, breast feeding and hormonal changes.
Some women have problems with asymmetry (one breast
much larger than the other). Others have very small breasts,
breasts that are out of proportion for their frame or breasts
that decrease in size after pregnancy. Surgery would not
usually be offered to a teenage girl whose breast might
not have reached full maturity, and it is against our policy
to accept candidates who are under the age of 18 years. In
all cases including adults, surgery is always subject to the
Surgeon's discretion.
THE SURGERY
Breast enlargement surgery will usually be performed under
a general anaesthetic, takes one to two hours and in some
cases might be performed as a day case without the need for
an overnight stay in hospital. The surgery involves placement
of an implant either under the skin and breast tissue or even
deeper, under the muscle under the breast. There are many
different types of implants available. They all have a silicone
outer layer but may be filled with silicone (cohesive gel that
doesn't run if cut), saline (salt water), oils or a combination
of these. The choice of implant should be discussed with
your surgeon and the position of the incisions should also
be discussed. There are different techniques available which
result in different incisions either under the breast, around
the nipple or in the armpit.
Before the operation, depending on your age and fitness,
you will have to undergo some health checks such as blood
tests. If you decide on surgery you will be required to sign
a consent form giving permission for the operation. This
requires that you are aware of the risks and complications
involved with the procedure.
After the operation there will be swelling and pain and you will
be advised to take pain killers and wear a supportive bra day
and night. You may have dissolvable stitches but any permanent
stitches will need to be removed after 10 days.
ARE THERE ANY COMPLICATIONS?
There are general risks associated with a general anaesthetic
including chest infection and DVTs (clots in the veins of the
legs). There are risks specific to breast surgery.
Bleeding, sometime requiring a return to theatre and problems
with wound healing and infection can occur particularly in
those who smoke and it is therefore advisable to stop smoking
before the operation. In some cases infection might result in
the implant having to be removed. In most cases the scars
will fade and be hardly noticeable and would not be visible in
normal underwear or swim wear. These vary enormously from
one woman to the next and some people can have problems
with red, raised, and lumpy scars. Internal scarring around the
implant, known as a capsule, occurs to some extent in up to
10% of women. In the worst cases this leads to hard painful
breasts and may require further surgery. Asymmetry (one side
different in size or shape) can occasionally be a problem as can
cause numbness or altered sensation. Rupture or leakage of
the implant is rare. Despite media reports, there is currently no
convincing evidence linking implant to increased risk of breast
cancer or other health problems such as autoimmune diseases
and rheumatoid arthritis. It is possible to have mammograms
after breast enlargement surgery and it may also be possible to
breast feed in many cases.
BACK TO NORMAL LIFE
You should avoid lifting, driving and strenuous activity for up to
3 weeks. Depending on your job, you should be able to return
to work 2 to 4 weeks after the operation. Patients are usually
fit to fly within 8-10 days post-op, yet some cases may take up
to 3 weeks to fully recover. This is decided by the Surgeon.
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