Facial surgery

Body surgery

Aesthetic, plastic and reconstructive surgery

Cosmetic medicine

Dermocapillary Unit

Consultants

Breast augmentation

Augmentation mammoplasty is a surgical technique whose purpose is to improve the volume, contour and shape of the female breast, helping women feel better about themselves.

Women who undergo this procedure are seeking to eliminate their lack of satisfaction, sometimes because their breasts did not develop to the size they expected. Others undergo this surgery in order to match breasts that differ in size or because they want to restore the natural volume of their breasts, which were reduced because of weight loss or age. This type of surgery provides specific solutions for each case.

Breast augmentation is a straightforward surgical technique that consists of inserting an implant under the mammary gland or the pectoral muscle through a small incision. Before a breast augmentation is performed, the Cosmetic Surgery Unit will assess the shape and size of the breasts, taking note of the adipose tissue and subcutaneous tissue, the extent of the mammary gland, the size of the nipple, chest wall measurements, whether the sternum is properly configured, whether the breasts are symmetrical, and whether the nipples are at the same height.

How is the surgery performed?

The pre-operative evaluation allows us to advise patients on the best method for inserting the implant in their particular case, which may be at the edge of the areola, underneath the breast or through the armpit. In all cases the incision is very small and the scar is almost invisible. Through this opening, the surgeon creates a pocket in which to place the implant, either directly under the breast tissue or under the pectoral muscle. We usually use silicone gel implants, not only because of their high quality but because the outcome is a breast that looks and feels very natural. There are different shapes available, and the one chosen will depend on each case. Round implants are more natural and traditionally the most common, but anatomical or teardrop implants, which are sloped at the top and fuller at the bottom, are becoming more common. Silicone gel implants are wrapped in four layers, so breakage is virtually impossible.

Once the implant is inserted, the incision is sutured and a few drains are inserted and must remain in place for 24 hours. They will be removed before discharge. Breast augmentation is performed under general anaesthesia. The procedure will take 1 to 2 hours and the patient will spend a day in our Hospital and then be discharged.

Post-op

Breast augmentation generally does not involve post-operative pain, but if a patient is in pain or feels discomfort, analgesics are administered. Stitches will be removed 7 days later. In the first two weeks after surgery, there may be slight swelling at the area operated on. It will progressively decrease during the third and fourth weeks. It is normal for patients to experience some discomfort when moving their arms, but that will gradually disappear. Patients may return to work within a few days, making sure to avoid lifting objects or making sudden movements during the first 2 or 3 weeks.