Breasts are structures that complete the physique of the woman’s body appearance. Breast volume has an important place in the measurements of shoulder width, chest circumference, waist and hip circumference. When the breast volume is small within these measurements, the body contour view remains incomplete. Breasts may be small due to different structural reasons. One may be smaller than the other, asymmetrical. One may be absent congenitally. Silicone prostheses (implants) are the most valid method today to make both breasts equal or increase their volume. Breast augmentation surgeries have been tried with the person’s own tissues, but have yielded limited results. For example, partial enlargement of the breasts can be achieved by taking fat tissue from the person. However, fat filling is not a completely permanent method. The main ingredient in breast prostheses is the silicone on the outer surface of the prosthesis. The filler in it may be different. Each prosthesis has its own advantages and disadvantages. These should be discussed in detail before the operation and it should be decided together which one to use.

What is Silicone Breast Prosthesis (Implant)?

Silicone-containing products are also used for other purposes in the cosmetic industry and medicine. Breast prostheses are balloon-like structures prepared in the shape of a breast. There are round and drop-shaped ones called anatomical. One of them is chosen according to the situation in the woman’s breast. The balloon part is made of silicone; The surface of the prosthesis is produced as rough in order to adapt to the tissues in the body. There may be a difference in the materials filling the balloon. Breast prostheses used today can be named as follows: a. Inside the balloon, the outer surface of which is silicone, there is also a gel of silicone origin. These are produced ready-to-use in various sizes. In the USA, it was again approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) in November 2006. b. The inside of the silicone balloon is empty. Gel-filled: Filled with saline-filled (Saline-filled): During the operation, it is filled with saline, popularly known as saline, until the desired volume is obtained. It has been reported that ready-to-use ones have been manufactured recently. c. PVP: Likewise, the inside of the silicone balloon is filled with a chemical substance called PVP (polyvinyl pyrrolidone povidone). It is in gel form and ready to use. It has been reported to be withdrawn from the market by the manufacturer company.d. Soybean Oil: These are ready-to-use prostheses filled with soybean oil inside a silicone balloon. The usage area is still new. There is not much information about the remote results.

Who is Breast Augmentation Performed for?

• For those who have small breasts from puberty
• Patients who lose weight after pregnancy or in significant amounts
• Patients who have lost their breasts as a result of breast cancer
• Patients with no breast, small or asymmetrical breasts in congenital diseases
• Patients who are uncomfortable with the size of their breasts and want to have larger breasts undergo surgery for more symmetrical, voluminous, fuller and upright breasts.

Surgery

The operation is performed under general anesthesia in the operating room under hospital conditions. It takes 1-2 hours. A 4-5 cm scar is opened for the prosthesis to be placed. This permission overlay can be either

• Submammarian folds
• The lower part of the breast head (Circumareolar)
• Armpit (Alsiller)

Recently, prosthesis can be placed endoscopically by entering around the navel. However, this method has not yet been widely accepted. Wherever the entry is, a trace will remain. These are traces that are obvious at first, but become indistinct over time. Depending on the breast structure of the patient, the prosthesis can be placed behind the breast tissue or behind the pectoral muscle. Each application has advantages and disadvantages, and this detail should be evaluated before surgery.

After Surgery

Post-surgery is usually comfortable. Pain is minimal. If the prosthesis is placed behind the chest muscle, there may be limitation in arm movements for a few days. A bra or wrap is applied to the breast after the surgery. 10-12 if there are non-dissolving stitches. day can be taken. There is no need for suture removal in dissolving stitches. There may be swelling in the early period, numbness in the nipple and purplish discoloration on the skin. These disappear on their own in a short time. The patient can return to work in 3-4 days. After 3 weeks, the prosthesis settles into place and the breast regains its normal function. The patient is advised to stay away from heavy sports (which require jumping-running) for 2 months. Breast augmentation surgery with prosthesis is an operation that gives good and permanent results in general, improves the mental health and psychosocial structure of the person, and makes them more connected to life.

Today, the most commonly used are round prostheses filled with silicone gel and textured. Prosthesis selection and placement may vary depending on the patient, the condition of the breast and the surgeon’s preference.