Breast Enlargement
(Augmentation Mammaplasty)
Augmentation mammaplasty is a surgical procedure to enlarge the breasts and increase the overall firmness. Most importantly you need to be well informed about the decision you undertake. Read and research as much as you can, experiment with adding volume to your bra with inserts, to get the feel of projection and weight and look in the mirror to check your profile.
Dr Zurek limits Breast Augmentation to mature aged women, who wish to restore their breast volume
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Suitable patients:-
A minimal degree of breast ptosis (sagging).
Good quality skin, without excess stretch marks
Breast implant volume restricted to maximum 300cc.
Wishing to avoid general anaesthetic and prefer local anaesthetic and sedation.
Completed their family and not planning to breast feed in the future.
Prefer the incision in the brown skin of the nipple(areolar) rather than underneath the breast or in the armpit.
Implants
There are many different implants on the market today, the advances over the years are now resulting in a much safer, more effective product and breast enlargement has become one of the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures.
Breast implants today are made from cohesive silicone-gel, which do not leak through the shell, which was a problem in the earlier products. There are saline or salt water filled implants, round shaped and anatomical (teardrop) shaped. Breast implants also have different projections (how far they stick out from the chest). The surface of the implant could be smooth and some are textured.
Incision
There are different ways of inserting the breast implant. The most common approach is the fold underneath the breast (infra mammary), the armpit (axilla), or the border of the dark skin around the nipple (peri-areola). Dr Zurek's preferred access is within the areola (intra-areola), as the pigmented skin heals with an imperceptible scar.
The implant can be placed partly under the chest muscle (sub pectoral), or on top of the muscle under the breast tissue (sub glandular).
Although the procedure is usually performed in a hospital or day surgery centre under general anaesthetic or intravenous sedation, Dr Zurek has also an option of performing the procedure under local tumescent anaesthetic and sedation.
Is it for me?
Dr Zurek will assist you in making the right choice of breast implant, however the ultimate decision has to be your own as far as the size and projection you desire.
He would advise though, that the larger the implant, the more risk of potential problems eg: sagging and shrinking of the breast gland due to compression.
There are more recorded problems with teardrop shaped implants, as they have a tendency to rotate slightly, in some cases. Higher profile implants can visually improve a mild drooping breast, however excessive sagging means you will need to consider a Breast Lift see Mastopexy.
Dr Zureks' Procedure
Breast enlargement is performed under local tumescent anaesthetic and sedation. This eliminates the risks associated with general anaesthesia.
The tumescent anaesthetic fluid assists in the creation of the pocket (lifting the breast tissue from the chest wall), which reduces post-operative pain.
He prefers to place the breast implant above the muscle in most cases and partially under the muscle if there is not enough natural breast tissue to cover the edges of the implant.
The entry incision is made within the dark skin around the nipple, about 4-5 cms in length and following the natural curvature, to create an imperceptible scar.
The procedure takes approximately 3 hours.
After a brief recovery time, you will go home with strips of surgical tape (steri-strips) over the areolar area, a small plastic drain in place and a small pad.
A support bra with a front opening is necessary for support in the early stages (4 weeks).
You may have a shower after 2-3 days with a waterproof dressing over the wound.
You will be given pain killers, to take if necessary and antibiotics for 5 days.
Care must be taken not to lift anything heavy and take adequate rest for the first few days after surgery.
You may drive your car again after several days. You may return to appropriate work as soon as you feel comfortable.
You will return to the clinic the next day to remove the drain. Follow up appointments will be arranged at this stage.
Breast Lift (Mastopexy)
A breast lift may be necessary if there is excessive sagging and the nipples are lower than the fold under the breast, more commonly seen in older women and younger women after breast feeding or large weight loss.
Mastopexy does not increase the volume of the natural breast tissue, however the relocation of the nipple and change in breast shape, can give the breasts a fuller, more projected appearance.
Breast Reduction
Breast reduction is often requested for physical relief of discomfort in the neck and back, due to the weight of large breasts.
Surgical breast reduction requires an incision around the areolar as well as a vertical or T-shaped incision in the lower breast.
In selected cases breast reduction can be achieved by liposculpture through tiny access incisions.
Dr Zurek performs breast reduction surgery under local tumescent anaesthetic and sedation.
Before and After images of Breast Surgery
Breast augmentation performed by Dr Zurek:
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Articles about Breast Surgery
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Cosmetic Surgery Magazine #37 - Cosmetic Breast Surgery with Local Anaesthetic |
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Cosmetic Surgery Magazine #36 - Breast Enlargement Under Local Anaesthetic |
