Among the most performed cosmetic surgeries, the fitting of breast prostheses arrives in a good position. More and more women are taking the plunge every year.
We take stock of breast augmentation:procedure, risks, price, post-operative results...
Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure that aims to change the appearance of the breasts . It increases their volume, but also corrects breast ptosis (sagging breasts) when necessary or desired. The surgeon places implants, most often in silicone, which allow the appearance of the breasts to be modified.
Breast augmentation is part of cosmetic or reconstructive surgeries, depending on the motivations of the patient.
Generally, women resort to a breast augmentation for aesthetic reasons. The desire to have a more generous chest is what motivates the most patients. Indeed, breast hypoplasia (when the breasts are too small in relation to the silhouette) can be a real reason for discomfort for some women, who do not feel comfortable with their bodies.
Finally, breast augmentation may be indicated in cases of breast ptosis following pregnancy or significant weight loss, or in the case of certain malformations.
As with any act of cosmetic surgery, the psychological impact that breast augmentation can have on the patient should not be overlooked. Indeed, this type of surgical intervention directly influences the perception that one has of oneself, which can be difficult to apprehend for some people.
After the operation, a psychological follow-up is to be scheduled. It is indeed essential to be accompanied following this type of intervention, in order to accept this new body. Physical changes always induce psychological changes, and even more so when the change is so rapid.
The placement of breast implants costs between 3000 and 6000 € . The price varies mainly according to the surgeon who operates and the hospital where the intervention will take place. This operation, since it is for aesthetic purposes, is not reimbursed by Social Security.
On the other hand, if the intervention falls within the scope of reconstructive surgery, Social Security can cover it. Certain other very rare cases may justify treatment:severe breast hypertrophy, significant asymmetry, malformations... In all cases, the surgeon must be able to inform the patient about this.
Breast augmentation is an operation performed under general anesthesia. The duration varies between 40 minutes and 2h30.
Once the patient is under anesthesia, the surgeon places the implants. To do this, he has the choice between three methods:making an incision in the submammary fold, at the level of the armpit crease, or in the areolar area. These are referred to respectively as the submammary route, the axillary route and the lower hemi-areolar route.
The choice is made according to several elements, and in particular according to the anatomical conditions of the patient.
Once the incision has been made, the surgeon places the implants, either in front of the pectoral muscles (we speak of pre-muscular implantation), or behind (retro-muscular implantation). muscular). This second option is generally preferred.
As with any surgery, there are risks. Breast augmentation can, for example, lead to hematoma, discharge, infection, necrosis of the skin... These complications are nevertheless rare.
Some medical problems, on the other hand, are contraindications to the procedure. This is particularly the case for cardiovascular history such as phlebitis or pulmonary embolism.
According to the data currently available, in particular via the National Cancer Institute, there is no link between breast cancer (adenocarcinoma) and the wearing of breast implants. Only one extremely rare form of cancer seems to affect women with prostheses:anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL).
Breast augmentation is in no way a contraindication to breastfeeding. Studies conducted to date show that there is no difference in the quality of the milk or the mother's ability to breastfeed.
Scarring depends on the route used to make the incision. If the lower hemi-areolar approach is the method that best hides the scar, the other two methods leave discreet scars.
The operational follow-up is not very restrictive. A compression bandage is applied first, then the patient must wear a non-wired bra for a few weeks. Some pain is to be expected. The work stoppage is generally one week, and you have to wait 4 to 6 weeks before resuming a sporting activity.
