Many women choose to have breast enlargement (Brustvergrösserung) surgery either for breast reconstruction or breast augmentation. In breast reconstruction, breast enlargement is usually done after a required mastectomy of one or both breasts, such as when a woman has been diagnosed with breast cancer. The more common reason, however, would be for breast augmentation, which is usually done on women who would like to achieve bigger or fuller breasts through surgically inserting implants under the breast tissue.
There are generally two types of implants which are used today: saline and silicone breast implants. Saline breast implants are basically shells that are made with a silicone elastomer and are filled with saline or salt water. They are usually inserted first before they are filled with the saline solution. Silicone gel implants, on the other hand, are filled with cohesive gel. They are more durable and have a more solid feel compared to saline implants; however, they are also more expensive.
The breast implant can also be inserted in several positions. It could be placed in the subglandular position, which means between the pectoralis muscle and the breast tissue. There is also the subpectoral or submuscular placement, which means that the implant is positioned below the pectoralis muscle. This submuscular placement least interferes with a mammogram and can offer a better aesthetic result particularly in women who originally have small breasts.
The site where the incision would be made should also be discussed before the breast enlargement surgery. First, there is the most commonly done incision, the inframammary incision. With this option, the incision is done on the lower area of the breast, where it meets the chest so that any scarring would be hidden. This is also the type of incision which allows the surgeon to have the best visibility during the surgery. There are also the: periareolar incision, which is made on the areola; the axillary incision, which is made in the armpit; and the umbilical incision, which is made in the belly button.
Breast enlargement surgery can be a very simple or complex procedure, depending on the patient and her desired outcome. After the administration of either local or general anesthesia, the surgeon makes the incision and inserts the implants. Patients who have undergone the procedure are generally able to resume normal activities after a week of recovery, although strenuous physical activities should be avoided for one to two months. It can be a stressful time going through a breast enlargment procedure, and many women like to spoil themselves when it is all over with a piece of silver jewellery or another luxury gift.