Definition and objectives

An insufficiently developed decolletage can appear immediately or after loss of considerable weight or pregnancy followed by breast feeding. Collapse of the mammary gland and distension of the skin can also be a contributing factor. The operation involves inserting implants behind the mammary gland. The implant consists of a silicone envelope and a filling product, such as saline solution or silicone gel.

Prior to surgery

A preoperative examination is carried out to examine the patient’s medical and surgical history and to verify mammary imaging from a mammograph or using ultrasound. A preoperative consultation also decided the position of the implant, site of the scar, type and size of the implant.

The implant is always placed behind the mammary gland and in front of or behind the large pectoral muscle.

Medication containing aspirin should not be taken for 10 days prior to surgery. General anaesthesia is usually used. A one day hospital stay is usually sufficient.

The operation

The scar is larger in the case of drooping breasts because the cutaneous insert has to be reduced. A drain may be kept in for a few days after surgery to collect fluid flow resulting from the operation. At the end of the procedure, a support dressing made up of elastic strips is used.

The operation takes 1 to 2 hours.

After the operation

The patient can leave hospital 1 to 2 days after the operation. If there is pain in the first few days after surgery, the patient will be given analgesic treatment. It is common for oedema and bruises to be seen around the breasts after the operation and the patient may have problems lifting the arms.

2 to 3 days after leaving hospital, the surgeon replaces the dressing with a brassiere providing better containment and this must be worn night and day for one month. In the case of non-resorbable sutures, these are removed between the 8th and 15th day after the operation.

The patient should stop work for 8 to 10 days and sporting activities can be resumed after 1 to 2 months.

Result

These can be seen from the 3rd month.

Possible complications

In the vast majority of cases, there are no complications following breast surgery. Using a qualified plastic surgeon is a guarantee against such complications or at least gives you the assurance that complications will be treated if need be. After breast enhancement, it is possible that the scar may develop abnormally in the form of thickening or retraction. Breast pain and nipple sensitivity are also possible.

Complications characterising breast surgery are :

- an infection which requires antibiotic treatment and sometimes surgical drainage.

- haematoma which can require elimination of accumulated blood matter.

- changes in sensitivity which usually reappear after 6 to 18 months.

- hypertrophic scars which are treated by specific local treatment.