Breast Surgery

Breast Enlargement (Augmentation)

Woman’s breasts have been symbols of beauty and womanliness for centuries. Naturally, any woman is very conscious of the shape, symmetry, and size of her breasts – and of any deviation, be it in her opinion or in the opinion of others.

Breast enlargement by using implants is a very effective surgery, suitable for women with insufficiently developed breasts or in case the mammary gland system is shedding and the skin is slightly loose, which may happen after breastfeeding or considerable weight loss.

The optimal age limit for surgery varies. Generally, it is done after the development of the mammary glands is completed, i.e. not before the age of eighteen. It is recommended that breast augmentation should only be performed if the client does not plan to conceive; pregnancy and breast-feeding result in changes of volume of this body part, thus producing a negative effect on the results of the surgery. The breast implants do not influence the pregnancy in any way and they will not expose the fetus to any danger. However, the patient risks insufficient lactation which results in disability to breastfeed normally. Although, it is to be noted that a number of patients were able to breastfeed normally after a breast augmentation.

Before any decision is made, it is highly recommended and rather essential to arrange for a personal consultation with an experienced, licensed plastic surgeon. It is necessary to discuss any and all issues related to the size and shape of the breasts, as well as all motives or psychological reasons for undergoing this procedure. Each surgery is unique and so is the surgeon’s individual approach towards every patient. A state of good health is a natural prerequisite. In most cases, implants are placed under the pectoral’s major muscle.

At the Prague Clinic, we use silicon implants made by the reputable brands McGhan from USA and Silicon Polytech from Germany. These are believed to be the best products of this kind available in the world. Most commonly used are the Polytech Implants round base (teardrop form, high profile) in a wide range of volumes. The implants may be inserted using three different techniques. The incision can be made in the axilla, around the aerola, or under the breast. This is subject to the type of implant used and the size of the mammary gland.

Pre-operative Instructions

One month before the operation, do not use any medications containing acetylsalicylic acid (Aspirin etc.). It can increase bleeding during and after the surgery.
It is assumed that no acute illnesses occurred in the period of at least three weeks before the planned operation (viral illness, cold, etc.). Report any and all illnesses to the clinic.
Drink two to three litres of mineral water daily three days before the operation, however, 6 hours before the operation do not drink, eat, or smoke.
Have a good night’s sleep the night before the operation; you should be well rested before the operation. No alcohol may be consumed the night before the operation.
Wash your hair the day before the operation and do not put any facial cream, milk or make-up on the day of the operation. Any jewelry, including earrings, should not be worn.
We recommend for you to be accompanied by a close person in the time of your stay in Prague, at the clinic and in your hotel/suite. Immediately after the operation, you must not drive any vehicle by yourself.

Photo: Before & After

Operation

Before the operation, drawings are made on the breast with the patient standing. The operation is performed under general anesthesia. Applying an elastic bandage to secure the implants into the desired position completes the operation.

Post-operative Period

Patients stay overnight at the clinic and are usually released from the clinic the following morning. Before the patient leaves, the bandages are changed and the drains are removed. Rest is recommended for several days and the patient should avoid any physical strain. The suture is of self-absorbent material. In three to four weeks, supposed the wound has healed as expected, the patient may begin applying the scar pressure massage. The patient will be instructed on how to massage the breasts to prevent the formation of a fibrous capsule around the implants and to assist in the formation of the natural shape of the breast. The patient may resume routine activities after 7 to 10 days. One to two months after surgery, the breasts are considered to be stable. After a six-month period, regular check-ups at a mammary clinic are recommended.

Breast Reduction (Mammoplasty)

The size of a woman's breasts is partly determined by her genes - the inherited factors that also affect height and frame. It is also influenced by her weight and by hormones.
Some women develop particularly large breasts from early adolescence. Others develop them later in life, during the menopause or following the use of HRT. For some women, large breasts are a source of physical and psychological discomfort.

Breast reduction is an operation where the excess fat and skin are removed from the breasts. The breasts are then reshaped to form smaller breasts, and the nipples are repositioned. Breast reduction can also be used to even up the size of the breasts where one is much larger than the other.

Choosing to have a breast reduction

Women can feel very self-conscious and can become depressed about the size of their breasts. Large breasts can lead to numerous problems, including:

back, neck and shoulder pain and grooves in the shoulders from bra straps
excessive sweating, rashes and infections under the breasts
difficulty participating in sport
unwanted attention and comments
difficulty in finding comfortable and attractive clothes to fit
Large breasts may appear droopy, with downward-pointing nipples.

Breast reduction (mammoplasty) may relieve many of the symptoms mentioned above. However, there is always some scarring on the breasts as a result of surgery. This will vary from person to person, and according to the type of incision (surgical cut) that is used. The surgeon will discuss the position of the incisions with the woman before the operation. Creams such as vitamin E and Bio- oil can help with scar reduction when applied regularly post operatively once the scar has healed.