Breast Enhancement

What are the various methods of breast enhancement ?

There are surgical and non-surgical methods and combination of both. Breast augmentation using implant is still the most common option. Patients who are not keen on foreign material may consider the Brava (negative suction device) or a combination of Brava with fat grafting to the breast. Artificial filler injection has been controversial and associated with undesirable complications.

Is fat grafting to the breast effective ?

Each session of fat grafting to the breast can increase the breast volume by half to one cup size. This can result in soft and natural breast consistency. Fat is harvested from the abdomen and thighs in a non-traumatic fashion. It is then processed after centrifugation. Injection is done very carefully in the subcutaneous layer of the skin to ensure optimal survival of the fat cells. Non-surviving fat cells does not turn cancerous but leave behind calcification that may cause confusion during mammography. Several sessions may be necessary to achieve the desired outcome.

What are the various types of breast implants and are they safe ?

Breast implants can be filled with saline or silicone. They are either circular or tear drop (natural profile) in shape. The most common implant used nowadays contains cohesive silicone gel in tear drop shape. This type of implant simulate the natural appearance of the breast and its content resists extensive leakage even when the implant is ruptured. Silicone breast implant has good safety record.

What are the considerations when choosing breast implants ?

The main points of discussion with your surgeon would include size, type of implant, location of the cut (incision), and placement of the implant. During the consultation, your plastic surgeon would let you try a variety of implant sizes to simulate the outcome.
The commonest incision is at the breast fold which is well-hidden. This incision affords easy access and allows more accurate orientation of tear drop shape implant. Incision in the arm pit used to be popular with round implant. Incision around the areolar can affect nipple sensation and limit the size of implant if the areolar is small.
In most Asian patient with smaller breast volume, the implant is usually placed behind the chest muscle (subpectoral). This placement provides more soft tissue coverage and reduces the incidence of capsular contracture (scarring) around the implant.

What is the recovery process after breast implant surgery?

Breast enhancement can be done as a day surgery procedure. Most patients return to work within a few days and the post- operative swelling and bruising would resolve in about two weeks. Self-massage would be taught to hasten the recovery.