Cosmetic breast enlargement is done by surgical placement of a breast implant behind the breast area muscles. The breast implants are available in many size and shapes. All the breast implants are made with silicone envelope (bag). Many of them contain just silicone gel. The inflatable implant comes empty and after placing in the body, it is filled with saline. There are other implants that will have silicone gel in the inner compartment and saline in the outer compartment.

There are limitations with regard to the size the breast could be enlarged. It depends upon the amount of available skin. However most patient's wishes and desire, are fulfilled.

If there is excessive sagging of the breast, Dr. K. Ramachandran will perform skin tightening with reshaping at the time of the breast enlargement.

Because the implants are placed behind the breast tissue and the muscles, usually there are no problems in breast examination after enlargement. Also, there is no problem in breast-feeding after this surgery. To-date, there is no recorded increased evidence of breast cancer after silicone implant surgery.

SURGICAL PROCEDURE:

This surgery is performed in the hospital as an outpatient or as one-day surgery, either under local anesthesia or under general anesthesia. The surgery takes approximately 3 hours.

Approximately a two inch long incision (cut) is made above the breast fold or at the lower part of the areola, (the dark skin that surrounds the nipple). A cavity is created behind the breast area muscles. A satisfactory size implant is placed in the cavity and wounds are sutured in many layers. A snug dressing is applied and left in place for 5 to 6 days. The stitches are removed in stages from the sixth day after surgery.

AFTER SURGERY:

One may experience some discomfort during the first few days post operatively. This will be similar to a muscle pain after strenuous physical activity.

Even though the patient is required to stay only one day in the hospital one should stay within the close reach of Dr. K. Ramachandran for about 7 days for follow up care.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATION:

Occasionally, complications such as bleeding, infections, changes in sensations, asymmetry, rupture of implants, psychological problems, healing problems, unsatisfactory scars, etc., can occur. Firmness or hardness of the breast in varying degrees can also occur in a few patients. On extremely rare occasions, it may be necessary to remove an implant due to rejection by the body.