Breast augmentation is an enlarging of the breast by the placement of a prosthesis. The prosthesis can be placed behind the breast or behind the muscle. More recently, a so-called dual-plane has been described in which the upper half of the breast is behind the muscle and the lower half in front of the muscle‚ which gives the best of both worlds.

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In certain cases, breast augmentation can be used to lift the breast. However, if the breast sags, an additional procedure (mastopexy = lift) will also be required.

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The prosthesis is made of silicone gel and the wall of the prosthesis is rough to touch, the “textured” gel prosthesis. Saline prosthesis is now seldom used.

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ADVANTAGES OF THE PROCEDURE

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1. Improved self-image leading to improved self-confidence

2. The ability to wear clothes of your choice‚ or the clothes you always wanted

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DISADVANTAGES OF THE PROCEDURE

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1. Scar‚ it is impossible to perform an operation without a scar. The aim is to achieve a scar that is about 5cm in length and ideally it should be placed such that it is barely visible and looks like a fine white line.

2. In principle 3 incisions can be used:

   1. The inframammary, (where the breast joins the tummy)

   2. Periareolar‚ around the areola (nipple)

   3. Transaxillary, through the armpit

3. Pain‚ pain will be experienced for the first few days after the procedure‚ as occurs with any operation. However advances in pharmaceutic agents means that the pain will be well controlled with oral medication post-op and that injections are seldom required.

4. Swelling & bruising‚ these are again inevitable consequences of an operation and soon resolve.

5. Change in nipple sensation‚ this is usually a transient phenomenon and scar returns.