Mammoplasty is a serious operation that women undergo to get an ideal bust. Each person evaluates in her own way which forms will make her even more beautiful, but not always objectively. As a result, after complete recovery, the patient develops complexes due to incorrectly chosen implant size, and an obsession appears to have a repeat operation. Therefore, during the consultation, you need to listen to the advice of the plastic surgeon, because he does not visually assess the “working area”, but using different methods and calculations.
What kind of operation is this?
Breast augmentation with implants is the only method that has been permitted and approved throughout the world. Breast implants have improved significantly in the last few years, and even an experienced specialist cannot always identify breasts that have been enlarged by surgical plastic surgery.
Modern technologies make it possible to change the size of the mammary glands quickly, practically painlessly and without a long recovery period.
Mammoplasty is used by girls who are not satisfied with their natural breast size. It helps eliminate asymmetry, correct shape lost as a result of childbirth, rapid weight loss or age-related changes.
We invite you to watch a video about what mammoplasty is:
How to choose the right breast implant size
It is better to go to the first appointment prepared in order to obtain the doctor’s approval for augmentation mammoplasty. You can determine the approximate size of the endoprosthesis yourself by taking the necessary measurements:
- Mark a straight line from the hollow between the collarbones to the navel.
- Draw a parallel at a distance of 1.5-2 cm from line A. It should not be as long - the upper point is at the level of the armpit, the lower point is under the chest.
- Draw a horizontal line from the armpit to line A to make a perpendicular.
- From the lower edge of the nipple, draw a vertical line 5-6 cm long and mark a point.
- Draw a perpendicular to line A, passing through point D. Then you need to connect a point on the armpit of line B with an inclined line until it intersects with line D. And take two measurements: 1st - horizontally through the middle of the nipple from line B to the inclined line, 2nd — vertically through the middle of the nipple from line B to line D.
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Scheme
Based on the results obtained, you need to select the volume of breast implants using the table.
| Estimated value in cm | 9,5-10,5 | 10,6-11,3 | 11,4-12,0 | 12,1-12,5 | 12,6-13,2 | 13,3-14,0 | 14,1-16,0 |
| Implant volume in ml | 150-200 | 205-250 | 255-300 | 305-350 | 355-400 | 405-500 | 505-700 |
Only a difference of 100 ml will be significant. A smaller volume does not affect the visual or sensations in any way, so there is no need to suffer from doubts because of 40-50 ml.
The smallest value will be appropriate.
Indications and contraindications
Mammoplasty is used in the following cases:
- naturally small mammary glands;
- pronounced breast asymmetry;
- deformation, reduction, drooping of the breast due to sudden weight loss, pregnancy and lactation;
- the need to replace existing endoprostheses;
- deformation or removal of female breasts after surgery.
In addition, the reason for breast enlargement with implants may lie in the patient’s own desires, if she is not satisfied with the size, shape and appearance of the breast.
There are a number of contraindications to surgery:
- age under 18 years;
- breast diseases that have not been diagnosed;
- any neoplasms in the mammary glands at the stage of incomplete treatment (benign tumors can be removed along with mammoplasty);
- pregnancy, lactation and the period for six months after lactation.
Price lists in clinics
To simplify the difficult choice of a worthy medical center specializing in aesthetic surgery, we will consider the approximate cost of breast augmentation in popular clinics in Moscow.
| Clinic name | Cost of the operation in rubles on a turnkey basis |
| Bust clinic | 180 000 |
| Sarmedical | 170 000―500000 |
| Seline | 190 000―230 000 |
| On Clinic | from 120,000 |
| Mont Blanc | 260 000 |
| Medlaz | 270 000 |
| Doctor Plastic | 250 000―350 000 |
| Frau Klinik | 350 000―470 000 |
| Beauty Plaza Clinic | 800 000 |
| Estet Clinic | 400 000 |
Methods of carrying out
How are implants inserted and what are the ways to enlarge the mammary glands? The operation is divided into several types depending on the surgical approach. This is one of the most important factors for the success of the operation, determining its final result. At the moment, there are several access methods for installing implants.
Submammary
Submammary is the traditional and safest method .
It makes it possible to easily install implants and allows the surgeon to visually control the surgical field and pocket formation. Breast tissue is not affected. Access to the desired layer is provided through the subcutaneous tissue, so there is no risk of injury to the breast tissue. The surgeon makes a small incision along the natural fold formed under the breast.
This method has many advantages. It allows you to install implants of any shape and size. If the submammary fold is clearly expressed and does not require displacement, the postoperative scar will be almost invisible. However, it will be visible in patients with “girlish” breast shape. The fact that a poorly healed scar can be visible is the only drawback of this method .
We invite you to watch a video about the preparation and performance of submammary surgery:
Mastopexy
Mastopexy is a breast lift operation that can be performed with simultaneous breast augmentation with implants. It has many advantages, as it is safe and reliable, helps eliminate sagging breasts and can be used by women of any age.
Among the disadvantages of the technique, there is a risk of stretching the postoperative suture and loss of sensitivity of the nipples (you can find out more about what the sutures are like and how long it takes to heal after surgery here). In addition, if certain factors are present (pregnancy, sudden weight changes), repeat surgery may be required.
We invite you to watch a video about what mastopexy is:
Axillary
With this type of access, an incision is made in the armpit area and directed along the posterior edge of the pectoralis major muscle. When installing implants using this type, there is no risk of injury to the mammary gland, since it is not affected.
The implant can be installed both under the muscle and under the mammary gland. Another advantage of this method is its aesthetics, since it makes it possible to hide traces of intervention.
Among the disadvantages of the method, there are certain difficulties when installing teardrop-shaped implants. The operation should only be performed by a qualified surgeon using modern equipment.
The method is contraindicated in case of asymmetry of the mammary glands and the need to accommodate the submammary fold. The operation can only be performed using the endoscopic method . It also cannot be used to install large implants.
We invite you to watch a video about the axillary breast surgery method:
Periareolar
In this case, the incision is made along the lower edge of the areola.
The method makes it possible to achieve a high cosmetic effect, since the scars will eventually merge with the pigmented skin and will be practically invisible. It can be used to install any implants that may be located both under the muscle and under the mammary gland. This method, in addition to breast augmentation, makes it possible to simultaneously perform areola plastic surgery and mastopexy, as well as correct asymmetry.
Among the disadvantages of the technique, there is a risk of impaired nipple sensitivity . However, it usually recovers over time. There are also risks of damage to the mammary glands and inflammation during the rehabilitation period. Large implants cannot be installed using this method.
We invite you to watch a video about how breast surgery is performed using the periareolar method:
Umbilical
With this method, an incision is made on the upper semicircle of the navel. In this case, the surgeon needs to form a long tunnel in the tissue through which the implants will be placed. This technique is now almost never used, since it allows the installation of only implants filled with saline solution, and their use is not widespread.
Types of material for implantation
Implants differ in filler, shape, and texture . Each type has a number of features that need to be taken into account when choosing.
We invite you to watch a video about the types of implants for goodies:
By filler
What's inside the implants? All implants are covered with an elastomer (silicone) shell, but differ in filler:
- Silicone .
They include a multilayer shell and a viscous gel that fills it. They differ depending on the density of the filler. Standard cohesive gel closely imitates the natural texture and shape of the breast and dissolves when the membrane ruptures. The highly cohesive gel has a firm structure and a low degree of deformation, due to which the breasts take on an artificial shape. There is also a soft touch gel that has a “memory effect”, that is, it quickly restores its shape after compression. - Hydrogel . Such implants consist of carboxymethylcellulose, a natural polymer. Their advantages are bioabsorbability, a large selection of shapes and sizes, as well as a minimal risk of contracture. The disadvantages include the high price, as well as the fact that over time, due to liquid seeping through the shell, the implants lose volume.
- Saline . Such implants are filled with a saline solution of sodium chloride. Their advantages include a fairly low cost, as well as the ability to fill the implants with a solution after installation, due to which the incision on the skin can be as small as possible. The disadvantages are softness and the likelihood of the shell breaking.
- With silica gel beads . In this case, the implants are filled with microscopic silicate beads. Their advantage is that they are much lighter than other types of fillers.
By shape
The following types are distinguished by form:
- Anatomical (teardrop-shaped). They repeat the natural shape of the mammary glands and are most often used if the breasts are completely flat.
- Round . They are cheaper and easier to install. Often used to correct and enlarge breasts with signs of mastoptosis.
Implants can have a low, medium, high and extra high profile. The surgeon selects the required height taking into account the patient’s physique.
By surface texture
Implants can have a smooth or textured surface:
- Smooth . After installation, they are covered with a capsule of connective tissue. With its uncontrolled growth, compaction and deformation of the mammary glands is possible. But the plus of a smooth surface in a stronger and thinner shell.
- Textured . Such implants have a finely porous shell, which prevents the development of contracture, ensures their reliable adhesion to surrounding tissues and reduces the risk of displacement.
Modern manufacturers can guarantee the lifetime shelf life of implants. However, most often they are changed every 10-15 years.
What types of implants are there?
To get the bust of your dreams, not only the volume, but also the shape of the endoprosthesis is important. They come in two types:
- Round. They create maximum plumpness and lift of the bust, but give off a “silicone-like” appearance, especially if the volume is chosen incorrectly. The positive aspect is the natural shape during active movements, in a horizontal position of the woman.
- Teardrop-shaped. They resemble the natural shape of the breast, which is why they are called anatomical. But such implants have a disadvantage: when a woman lies on her back, her breasts do not “spread out” like real ones, but protrude upward.
There are positive and negative aspects to installing a certain type of endoprosthesis. The choice is made after studying many physiological and aesthetic indicators, taking into account contraindications.
The best manufacturers
The leading manufacturers of breast implants are the following companies:
- French manufacturer producing round and anatomical implants for plastic surgery with silicone and hydrogel filler.
- An American brand that produces implants with a certain pore size and textured surface. This allows the connective tissues to be absorbed into the prosthesis. The implants are filled with a soft gel or saline filler and look very natural.
- British-made implants with a large selection of sizes and shapes. The product is filled with gel, has a texture and a special shell. The percentage of gaps is zero.
- The American company produces elastic prostheses of round and anatomical shapes, filled with highly adhesive materials. There are also saline implants that can be adjusted during surgery.
- Motive Ergonomics . The company produces ergonomic endoprostheses, which are distinguished by a natural appearance and a wide selection of volumes.
- Sebbin . Implants with a shell of 9 layers. They are filled with Naturgel gel, which ensures maximum naturalness. There is a service for creating custom implants.
- Polytech. German implants with memory effect. They are filled with a highly adhesive gel and practically do not change shape. Can be smooth or textured.
- Natrel . The line contains 140 silicone implants and 100 options with water-salt fillers. The design of the shell helps prevent the risk of contracture. Implants for mammoplasty are either round or anatomical with memory effect.
Breast implant size chart
For your information, the article presents data from catalogs of manufacturers of thoracic endoprostheses.
The first table shows the average profile of Mentor round implants with a textured Siltex shell and Cogesive filler.
| Volume (cm3) | Diameter(cm) | Projection(cm) | Catalog number |
| 100 | 8,8 | 2,5 | 354-1007 |
| 125 | 9,3 | 2,8 | 354-1257 |
| 150 | 10,2 | 2,7 | 354-1507 |
| 175 | 10,7 | 2,8 | 354-1757 |
| 200 | 11,2 | 2,8 | 354-2007 |
| 225 | 11,4 | 3 | 354-2257 |
| 250 | 11,5 | 3,3 | 354-2507 |
| 275 | 12,4 | 3,4 | 354-2757 |
| 300 | 12,6 | 3,5 | 354-3007 |
| 325 | 12,9 | 3,6 | 354-3257 |
| 350 | 13,4 | 3,7 | 354-3507 |
| 375 | 13,4 | 3,8 | 354-3757 |
| 400 | 13,5 | 3,9 | 354-4007 |
| 450 | 13,9 | 4,1 | 354-4507 |
| 500 | 14,2 | 4,3 | 354-5007 |
| 550 | 14,8 | 4,4 | 354-5507 |
| 600 | 15,4 | 4,5 | 354-6007 |
| 700 | 16,8 | 4,3 | 354-7007 |
| 800 | 17,2 | 4,6 | 354-8007 |
The second table shows the size table of round Monobloc®Silicone implants with a textured surface from Arion. Medium Profile (HP).
| Volume (cm3) | Diameter(cm) | Projection(cm) | Catalog number |
| 95 | 7,4 | 2,9 | HP 095 |
| 110 | 7,6 | 3,1 | HP 110 |
| 125 | 8,1 | 3,2 | HP 125 |
| 130 | 8,4 | 3,4 | HP 130 |
| 140 | 8 | 3,5 | HP 140 |
| 150 | 8,7 | 3,5 | HP 150 |
| 165 | 9,1 | 3,5 | HP 165 |
| 170 | 9,3 | 3,6 | HP 170 |
| 185 | 9,6 | 3,6 | HP 185 |
| 190 | 9,9 | 3,6 | HP 190 |
| 195 | 10 | 3,6 | HP 195 |
| 205 | 10,1 | 3,7 | HP 205 |
| 210 | 10,2 | 3,7 | HP 210 |
| 235 | 10,3 | 3,8 | HP 235 |
| 240 | 10,6 | 3,8 | HP 240 |
| 250 | 10,8 | 3,9 | HP 250 |
| 275 | 11,1 | 3,9 | HP 275 |
| 285 | 11,2 | 4 | HP 285 |
| 290 | 11,5 | 4 | HP 290 |
| 320 | 11,8 | 4,2 | HP 320 |
| 330 | 12,5 | 4,3 | HP 330 |
| 360 | 12,6 | 4,4 | HP 360 |
| 400 | 12,7 | 4,4 | HP 400 |
| 430 | 13,3 | 4,5 | HP 430 |
| 500 | 13,4 | 4,5 | HP 500 |
| 530 | 13,5 | 4,8 | HP 530 |
How is the preparation and operation going?
How does the preparation take place? Before placing implants, the patient must undergo a series of studies. Among them:
- blood test before surgery;
- tests for hepatitis;
- syphilis;
- blood clotting;
- HIV test;
- fluorography;
- ECG;
- Ultrasound;
- mammary glands.
This is necessary to exclude contraindications. How long does the operation take and how is it done? Surgery lasts on average two hours . It is always done under general anesthesia - the use of local anesthesia is unacceptable.
After general anesthesia, during plastic surgery, the surgeon makes an incision using the chosen method and creates a place for installing an implant to enlarge the breast. After coagulation of all vessels, the endoprosthesis is fixed, then the incision is sutured with special self-absorbable threads.
Photo
Below you can see a photo of what breasts look like before and after augmentation surgery with round and anatomical implants:
Rehabilitation: prohibitions after intervention
During the rehabilitation period, a woman should adhere to the advice of a specialist. You will need to wear special compression garments.
In addition, there are a number of prohibitions that need to be taken into account. Below is what you should not do after surgery:
- For a week (and possibly more) you will not be able to have sex.
- It is important to avoid stress and negative emotions.
- You should not sleep on your side or stomach.
- Aspirin, medications containing vitamin A and other blood thinners are prohibited for two weeks - they can cause bleeding.
- Physical activity is prohibited. Also, while you feel pain, it is better not to drive, as COSMO warns.
- You will not be allowed to be in direct sunlight for a year. Solariums, saunas, and hot baths are prohibited.
- Pregnancy is contraindicated within a year after surgery, so special attention must be paid to contraception.
We invite you to watch a video about the rehabilitation period after surgery:
Displacement and other complications and side effects after mammoplasty
In some cases, surgery can provoke the following complications:
- Implant displacement after mammoplasty . Implant displacement may be noticed after swelling subsides after surgery. It can Signs of implant displacement after mammoplasty? manifest itself as breast asymmetry, sagging and deformation of the areola. Apart from aesthetic dissatisfaction, this phenomenon is not dangerous, but if the displacement is pronounced, repeated surgery is required.
- The implant is palpable after mammoplasty . What should you do if you can feel the implant after mammoplasty? If the implant can be clearly felt when pressing on the chest, and its contours are visible, adding fat through lipolifting or replacing implants with denser ones can correct the situation.
- You can feel the implant after mammoplasty . What if you feel the implant after mammoplasty? At first, the feeling of the implant as a foreign body is a normal phenomenon, which should subside over time. But if the sensation does not go away, we may be talking about capsular contracture. In some cases, massage and certain medications in the form of injections are sufficient to eliminate the problem, while in others surgical intervention is required.
- Suppuration of the postoperative suture . This is one of the most dangerous complications, in which the breast swells greatly, the temperature rises, and pus is released from the nipple or the suture itself. The process can be eliminated with antibacterial agents, but in some cases surgery is necessary.
- Loss of sensation . At first, this phenomenon is normal. If it does not go away, massage and physiotherapy are prescribed.
Read more about how to understand that breast surgery was unsuccessful and what to do in a separate article.
We invite you to watch a video about possible complications after mammoplasty:
You may be interested in reading our other articles about what reduction and augmentation mammoplasty are, as well as how and when nipple and areola correction surgery is performed.
Is it possible to save money?
If a patient, without sufficient funds, is properly aware of the real cost of a high-quality operation, but at the same time wants to enlarge her breasts at minimal expense, she needs to sensibly assess the possible risks of such savings.
You can save on the following factors that affect the cost of the operation:
- Clinic .
The pricing policies of aesthetic medical centers are different, however, think about whether you are ready to decide on surgical intervention without proper examination, equipment, medications and with the participation of low-profile specialists. - Anesthesia .
Of course, you can give preference to inexpensive local anesthesia or combine anesthesia, which will also significantly reduce the cost, but most surgeons refuse such operating conditions, citing the presence of restrictions for performing high-quality and professional plastic surgery. - Endoprosthesis .
By purchasing implants you can also reduce waste. But here it is worth taking into account the recommendations of the surgeon, who, from a professional point of view, will select a breast prosthesis taking into account the physiological and other individual characteristics of the woman.
When choosing a clinic, you should not be deluded by the stylish and expensive surroundings; the main thing that the patient should pursue is the skill of the surgeons, the availability of innovative equipment and the use of new technologies.
First of all, you need to pay attention to the following aspects:
- a valid license to practice medicine;
- proper qualifications of service personnel;
- reviews about the clinic;
- Availability of preliminary agreements and insurance.
