Mammoplasty
Breast augmentation is an operation that can make breasts plump and firm. It is performed for the following reasons and patients:
- Women who think their breasts are too small and use this procedure to beautify their body curve.
- Breast deformity and atrophy in postpartum women.
- Those with uneven breast size on both sides.
- Other special requirements.
Surgical incision and implant site selection
There are three options for incisions:
- Axillary incision: The most common incision position at present. The doctor chooses the folds of the underarm skin, and the scars will be hidden in the folds, which are not easy to be found. After the operation, it is necessary to carry out hand stretching and other rehabilitation exercises.
- Below the breast: As an incision along the lower edge of the breast, it is often used in reconstructive surgery or teardrop-shaped breast implantation. The wound may be longer and scars can be seen when lying down.
- Inferior areola incision: The incision is usually made at the intersection between the lower areola and the skin. The scar is located at the junction between the areola and the skin. It causes less pain after operation and does not affect hand movement. In addition, the areola sensitivity may be reduced.
The sites of breast prosthesis implantation are usually under the pectoralis major and fascia:
- Under the pectoralis major: The most common site of breast implantation. Muscles need to be dissected for insertion. Postoperative pain is evident. Hand movement should be temporarily restricted to avoid affecting the outcome of surgery.
- Under the fascia: Placing breast implants above the pectoralis major and between mammary glands does not affect hand movement and is suitable for cohesive silicone gel breast implants. A saline breast bag is not suitable as it is easy to touch the folds on the edge of the bag.
Selection of breast implants
There are three different implant on the market.
- Saline bags: The wound is smaller and the expense is lower, but there is a possibility of leakage. Even if the leakage does not affect the human body, it is easier to touch the folds at the edges of the breast implant.
- Cohesive silicone gel (round, teardrop-shaped): The length of the wound from the implantation is 3 to 4cm, and the touch is more real and natural. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) examination every 2 to 3 years as recommended by the Ministry of Health and Welfare is required after operation.
- Motiva® Implant: Minimum incision enables quick recovery, Unique identification system, The outer film of Motiva implants has Blue Seal that verifies the product safety. This refers to the supplementary layer on the outer film of the prosthesis, which plays the role of reducing rupture and deformation, and minimizes gel spreading into other parts to greatly reduce the possibility of capsular contracture.
Before-Operative Precautions
Inform your doctor if you suffer from any of the following conditions:
- Allergic to medicine like painkiller or antibiotics.
- Allergic to food like seafood, milk, or egg.
- Family History like hypertension, heart disease, diabetes mellitus, and cancer.
- Hereditary disease like favism.
- On medications like traditional Chinese medicine or diet pill.
- Notify your doctors if you are pregnant or expect a baby in the near future.
- Remove all makeup, nail polish, piercings/jewelry, etc. from your body.
- Remove contacts, glasses, dentures, etc. during surgery.
After-Operative Precautions
- Do not take anticoagulants (aspirin, etc.) one week before mammoplasty; otherwise, you shall inform your doctor. Do not take nutritional supplements (e.g. Antrodia cinnamomea, Ginkgo biloba, vitamins, fish oil, etc.) either, and reduce intake of foods, such as ginseng, that promote blood flow.
- The drain helps to reduce the risk of infection and seroma (a build up of fluid in the soft tissues)
- It prevents the tube from clogging and keeps the JP drain working correctly. When you empty a JP bulb, unplug the stopper and empty the contents into a cup that is marked with milliliters. Record the amount each time. Pour the fluid contents into the toilet. If the bulb fills up halfway then it is time to drain the bulb.
- If the bulb fills up halfway then it is time to drain the bulb. After emptying the fluid, squeeze the bulb and place the stopper into the bulb. This action creates the suction needed to draw out the body fluid. When the bulb is compressed, it resembles a donut shape.
- Eat a normal diet and take rest after surgery; do not smoke or inhale secondhand smoke.
- A breast massage should be performed according to doctor's instructions after operation. If you use a chest belt, please wear it 24 hours to avoid breast prostheses moving up.
- Wear a corset according to the doctor's advice after surgery. Do not wear an underwire bra to avoid breast deformation.
- Do not lie on your stomach for one month after the operation. If you need to do pectoralis major exercises, such as flat-bench movements and weight-lifting, it is recommended that they be done after three months.
- Make regular return visits as instructed by the doctor for tracking.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us.
- (04)2205-2121 ext. 12020, 12021, Business Hour: Monday through Friday 08:00am-6:00pm, Saturday 08:00am-12:00pm, our center located at 11F, CMU Children’s Hospital.