breast enlargement abroad

Common problems and their solutions

The shape and size of breasts is not only an important part of their figure to women, but also – especially today, when the mass media is of such great influence – an important aspect of self-esteem, and thus it is also important in private and social life. 

Women also suffer from breasts that are too small compared to their body. This does not have any physical implications, but instead results in emotional pressure because of the physical lack of harmony. It is painful to look into the mirror every day. The woman considers herself to be “imperfect” and is unable to live fully; it may also have a negative effect on her sex life.

Surgical breast enlargement is a good possibility for improving breasts that are too small, in order to obtain the desired body shape. Women’s expectations are different. Most women wish to have natural-looking enlarged breasts, which are in harmony with their body. Others desire very large breasts, which cannot always be obtained because of surgical and technical reasons (and it also should not be possible).

In addition to juvenile (congenital) hypoplasia, corrective surgery is also necessary in women who have developed an involution (degeneration) of the breast following pregnancy and breastfeeding. The loose skin on the upper part of the breast leaves the impression of a languorous hanging breast. Often, women who are still young suffer from the aging process, which is so different from the rest of the body. Surgery generally provides good results because the skin of the breast is already stretched out. However, in case the skin is too stretched out, a skin-tightening procedure should be performed to obtain optimal results. 

Breast enlargement is also a suitable way to improve body shape, if the shapes of the breasts are significantly different (asymmetry).

Breast enlargement procedure will be performed by our cosmetic surgeon Dr. Jüri Kullamaa, who is specialized in breast surgery and facial surgery.

What can one expect from breast enlargement surgery?

Women with harmoniously proportional breasts have the best probability of obtaining aesthetically good results if their breasts are enlarged with implants. Further changing of breast shape is possible, but the price is the formation of scars. 

One should remember that an implant is palpable on accurate touching. The edge of the implant can especially be felt in the lower part of the breast where soft tissues are not as well developed. 

All implants are composed of a silicone sheath, which may be filled with different substances: currently, implants filled with silicon gel or saline are available. Implants are available in different shapes and sizes. 

Mostly silicon implants are used, which are of better quality in terms of consistency and available shapes than others. As dense silicon gel has been developed, seepage from silicon gel is practically impossible; on the other hand, a stabile anatomical shape has become possible. 

Implants filled with saline contain table salt, which is similar to the consistency of aqueous humour. The saline solution is usually transferred into the breast implant during the surgery. The advantage of the given implants is full absorption of the solution into implant rupture, but the shape of those implants is not as natural as the shape of silicon implants. 

At The Health Clinic we use silicone gel implants from Allergan Natrelle (former McGhan). This is the leading manufacturer of breast implants delivering only the highest standards. 

What are the risks related to breast enlargement? 

If the surgery is performed by qualified surgeons, complications are rare and inconsequential in the view of persistently good results. 

However, every surgery has its risks, which are related to surgery in general, as well as specific complications which are related to the properties of the surgery.

The most common problem after breast enlargement is capsular fibrosis. The body considers an implant to be a foreign object and it forms a connective tissue capsule around the so-called foreign object. Usually the capsule is so thin that it cannot be palpated. Some patients may develop –after some years – constriction of the connective tissue capsule, so that the implant seems to be thick or even hard. Capsular fibrosis, causing pain or the spoiling of the aesthetic impression, should be removed – a “scarred” capsule will be removed and a new implant is deployed. 

In the aspect of surgery it is important to cause as little trauma as possible with the new surgery, to prevent developing of bleeding and infections and thus capsular fibrosis. Some surgeons recommend massaging the breasts during the postoperative period.

As with all surgeries, bruises and swelling may develop, but these are usually temporary. Late bleeding, with significant swelling and pain, require surgical intervention. 

Wound infections are rare and usually they can be treated with suitable antibiotics. 

Wound healing disorders also differ. For the most part, the reasons are factors which can be thoroughly discussed during preoperative conversations, for example slower healing in diabetics, smokers or patients with clotting disorders. 

Temporary numbness may develop in the area of surgery, which is caused by injury to the small skin nerves. Skin sensitivity will usually be recovered after healing. Some women have observed hypersensitivity or numbness of the nipples – a disorder which usually also disappears completely.

Deploying implants does not affect breast-feeding. 

However, possibilities for mammography are limited, thus women with breast implants should undergo preventive studies for breast cancer. The doctor should be informed about the presence of implants. Examination of the breast and implant is possible via ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging. 

Implants also age, but replacing an implant is not necessary without a significant reason. Clinical and modern radiological methods allow the precise estimation of an implant in your body. 

In some exceptional cases, implant defects may develop due to pressure or wear. The shape or tightness of the breast will change if an implant ruptures. A defective implant should definitely be removed. Deploying a new implant is not medically contraindicated.

In summary, we can say that breast enlargement is an effective and safe method of surgery with a low number of complications. 

You should be as healthy as possible before the planned surgery. 

Limit your consumption of nicotine and alcohol to a minimum. If necessary, the use of preparations containing hormones (contraceptives, hormone replacement) should be temporary discontinued.

You should not take aspirin or other such medicaments for a period of at least 7 days prior to the surgery. 

Up to seven to ten days should be planned for resting after the surgery, as exercise should be limited right after the surgery.

In general, one night should be spent in hospital after breast enlargement surgery. In doing so, monitoring by qualified personnel is ensured after the surgery.

In general, breast enlargement surgeries will be performed under general anaesthesia, so you will be asleep for the duration of the surgery. Prior to the surgery, an anaesthesiologist will perform necessary research to guarantee the most suitable anaesthesia for you.

Duration of the surgery is approximately 60 – 90 minutes. 

The method used depends on your anatomical properties and wishes, also on the recommendations of the surgeon. 

The usual course of the surgery is the following: 

A 4 cm incision will be made under the breast, around the nipples or under the armpit. Regardless of the area chosen, the surgeon will try to make the incision as invisible as possible. Scars usually become invisible during the healing process. 

After making an incision, a pouch for the implant will be formed – this is situated behind the breast gland or behind the pectoral muscle. Most surgeons recommend deployment of the implant behind the pectoral muscle because the muscle will cover the implant better. 

Final deployment of the implant will be done while the patient is in a half-seated position. 

Before deployment, small drainage tubes will be positioned into the implant pouch to remove blood and aqueous humour during the first postoperative stage (12 – 24 hours). 

Implants will be fixed with a strong bandage.

The breasts are painful during the first postoperative days because the breasts are tense. Therefore, normal mobility of the upper body will be limited. Painkillers will typically be prescribed for this period.

Drainage tubes positioned during the surgery will be usually removed during the first postoperative days. The bandage will be removed at once or during the next few days, and you will be given a special bra which should be worn for the following 2 to 3 weeks. 

Stitches will be absorbed into the body; only a few stitches may require removal after 7 to 10 days. In the beginning the wound is flushed and hard; after some months the wound will become lighter and will resemble the rest of the skin. You can start using special wound treatment creams three weeks after the surgery. The wound should be protected from sunlight for the first 6 months.

Depending on your condition, you may start usual everyday life within a few days, exercise is allowed after 6 weeks (a special bra should be worn), 

Although the successful result of the surgery is visible quite soon after the surgery, the final result may take a few months. The capsule has formed within 3 to 4 weeks; tightness of the breast may last for 6 to 8 weeks. Slowly the breast will become soft again. Hyper- or hyposensitivity of the nipples, use of a protective device for the nipples may be necessary. Regaining normal sensitivity may take months. 

Depending on the type of implant and if your doctor agrees, you may start massaging your breasts starting from the third postoperative week. This helps the spreading of the implant capsule to prevent development of capsular fibrosis. Lying on your breasts to load the implants is also permitted and recommended. 

As said above, mammography is possible and recommended for women with implants. 

Following final deployment of the implant, you will not have any limitations (sport, diving, flying in a plane, sauna) – your quality of life must improve, not be limited.

If treatment indications are correct and expectations realistic, most women are content and very happy with the results. Improvement of appearance means beginning a “new life” to the patients, with better feelings and improved self-esteem.

Can breast enlargement surgery be repeated?

Basically, breast enlargement can be repeated. Regular follow-up by a surgeon will prevent and improve possible complications. In case of problems, a personal decision should be made about the corrective measures to be used.