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Breast augmentation is usually performed as day surgery within a hospital facility, under general anaesthesia. The procedure takes about one to two hours. An incision is first made, a pocket is then carefully created and an implant is inserted. The pocket is then modified to accommodate the implant. The incision is then closed with sutures.
The pocket for the implants can be placed either:
a) Submuscular: under the pectoralis muscle (see Diagram I), or
b) Subglandular: on top of the muscle, behind the breast tissue.
As long as the nipples are above the level of the fold under the breast, most patients favor placement of the implant under the pectoralis
muscle. This tends to give a softer result over the long term. However, if the nipples have become lower over time (from pregnancy and breast-feeding), and now rest at or below the level of the breast fold, then there is an advantage to placing the implant on top of the muscle (subglandular)
The sub-glandular placement position lifts low-lying nipples more effectively than the submuscular position. Your doctor will advise about positioning.
There are three possible incisions to perform this surgery:
(see diagram II)
a) Transaxillary : under the arm
b) Inframammary : under the breast just above the breast fold
c) Periareolar : around the lower edge of the areola
Regardless of the approach chosen, the incisions are relatively small and generally heal extremely well.
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Click on the links below to read more about;
- THE SURGERY
- ABOUT BREAST IMPLANTS
- RISK FACTORS
- PLANNING YOUR SURGERY
- POST OPERATIVE RECOVERY
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