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BREAST AUGMENTATION (ENLARGEMENT)

Breast Augmentation (Enlargement)

  • This procedure enlarges the size of the breast and can improve the shape.
  • Specifically adding fullness in the upper poles of the breasts and enhancing the cleavage.
  • Dr Maree uses Motiva™ Breast implants, which are FDA approved, and many shapes and sizes of breast implants exist to address your specific needs. These implants are made of silicone and are the latest generation of implants available in the world.
  • These implants carry a lifetime guarantee on their workmanship, so it is important to keep a record of your implants, which will be given to you after the procedure.
  • Not all breast enlargements require silicone implants. In a selected group of patients, breast enlargement can be performed using lipofilling / fat grafting.
  • Polyurethane breast implants are also available.
  • Your doctor will discuss these options with you at your consultation.
FAQ's

Q: Will I be able to breastfeed after a breast enlargement?
A: The placement of a breast implant is in a plane deeper than the breast tissue. The architecture of the breast is therefore not disturbed. However, the pressure effect of the implant on the blood vessels and glandular tissue in the breasts can negatively impact milk production. You will most likely still be able to produce milk, but less in volume.

Q: Will I need to wear a bra, or will my breasts remain perky?
A: Adding volume and weight to your breasts will increase stretching and pulling forces on your skin and Coopers ligaments. Gravity will always win! Therefore, it is important to always wear good supportive garments, if you want your results to last.

Q: Are these implants safe? Can I scuba dive or fly after an enlargement procedure?
A: The silicone implants used today are of the highest quality. They are the fifth generation implants and most of the flaws have been ironed out. They carry a lifetime guarantee on workmanship. Therefore, you will be able to do all your contact sports, flying, diving etc., as before.

Q: Can silicone breast implants be harmful? Can they leak?
A:

  • The previous generations of breast implants were often of inferior quality liquid silicone within a silicone covering. These implants were meant to be replaced after 10-15 years. If not replaced, they stood the risk of developing leaks. Silicone can leak around the implant within the contained cavity or capsule or in severe cases leak through the capsule and into adjacent breast tissue and beyond.
  • Most patients become aware of a change in their breasts. These changes can be progressive, presenting as changes in shape or symmetry, pain in one or both breasts. Some patients are unaware of silicone leaks and these are incidental findings on their routine sonar/mammography.
  • These patients should be evaluated by their plastic surgeon on a regular basis. Leaking implants can cause inflammation in the breast and surrounding tissue.
  •  Silicone is however inert and to date, no proof of breast cancer related to silicone implants has been documented.
  • However, a recent association between textured breast implants and a type of “blood cancer” lymphoma has been discovered. This condition, known as Breast Implant Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma, BIA-ALCL was first reported in 2014.
  • The association is with textured breast implants, rather than smooth implants.
  • In genetically susceptible patients often more than 8 years after having a breast enlargement procedure. Current incidence is about 1 in 3000. (The risk of breast cancer is 1 in 8 women.)
  • This does not mean all textured breast implants need to be removed. But patients need to be aware of this condition and what to look out for.
  • Symptoms include a sudden enlarging and/or painful breast, often many years after having had an enlargement procedure and without any trauma caused to the breast.

Q: How long should my implants last?
A: This is a difficult question.

  • Although modern implants are of excellent quality, they are still exposed to continuous forces within your body.
  •  Trauma that can cause serious bodily harm can certainly damage implants as well.
  • Although not proven, indications are that modern implants can last more than 20 years, possibly even a lifetime. However, no guarantees are given to patients promising these expectations.

Q: What can go wrong during/after this surgery?
A: Please refer to the Patient’s Informed Consent document detailing the risks and complications of this procedure. Your doctor will also discuss these during your consultation.

Q: What are capsular contractures and how can this be avoided?
A:

  • Your body recognises the breast implants as a foreign body and forms a film of tissue around an implant, known as a capsule. This film consists of blood vessels, muscle tissue and connective tissue fibres.
  • In some patients these films or capsules become thick, firm and cause breasts to feel hard and in some cases be painful.
  • Furthermore, these capsules can alter the shape of the breast, due to pulling and contracting forces. We call these capsular contractures.
  • Capsular contractures are often associated with a low-grade infection within a breast capsule.
  • Meticulous aseptic techniques and care in the post-operative period can ensure that a low-grade infection does not develop.
  • Capsular Contractures may also occur after trauma to the breast.
  • Prevention, early detection and management will be discussed with you by your doctor.