Breast Augmentation

Breast Augmentation - "Breast Implant" Breasts represent much more than the organ for breastfeeding; they are a symbol of a woman's sensuality and play a fundamental role in the aesthetics of the female body. Initially, the use of breast implants was primarily for breast reconstruction due to congenital deformities, such as asymmetries, or acquired deformities, as in cases of cancer. Currently, the use of breast implants in aesthetic surgery is increasingly frequent, being one of the most performed plastic surgeries in Brazil. There are several types of materials used for breast augmentation, with silicone being the most common. Furthermore, implants can vary in size, shape, and texture, but their choice depends on what is ideal for each patient. The question of how much to augment the breasts is part of every consultation and concerns all patients. The choice depends on 3 main factors: the patient's desire, how much "fits" in the chest, and the surgeon's opinion, who will use various methods to define the ideal volume. All these factors need to be in harmony to achieve a good result. The implant can be placed behind the mammary gland or behind the muscle, and this option is defined by the physician, according to each patient's structure. Usually, the submuscular plane is chosen for very thin patients with little glandular tissue. The surgical access can be inframammary, peri-areolar, or axillary. This choice should be made jointly with the patient because it defines the final location of the scar. The surgery is quick, and hospital stay usually does not exceed 24 hours, often allowing discharge on the same day. Postoperative complications are rare and are generally associated with the placement of excessive volumes, lack of postoperative follow-up, or non-adherence to rest guidelines and the use of elastic garments. It is important to know that breast augmentation surgery with implants may not be a one-time procedure, as the foreign material in the body stimulates the formation of a capsule, which over time can become thick and hardened. In cases where the breast becomes hardened and painful, implant replacement is indicated, just as surgery is also indicated when the breast changes size with lactation, weight gain, or weight loss. Regarding lactation, this surgery does not prevent breastfeeding. Breast implants also do not cause cancer and do not impede routine breast cancer screening.