Small breasts - when to decide to enlarge them?

For whom the breast augmentation procedure is intended

For many women, small breasts are a source of complexes or dissatisfaction with their appearance. The decision to enlarge them is often based on the desire to improve and achieve a proportional figure, aspects that are perceived quite differently by each person. The concept of "small breasts" is subjective and varies depending on individual expectations and aesthetic canons, which change across cultures and eras. 

From a medical point of view, there is no clear definition of small breasts, although in practice the term is sometimes used for figure disproportions, such as those caused by underdevelopment of the mammary glands (hypoplasia). Breast size is largely determined genetically, and its appearance changes with age. Size, in turn, depends on the physique and current body weight.

Indications for breast augmentation surgery

Breast augmentation surgery is performed primarily on patients who wish to improve the appearance of their breasts for aesthetic or health reasons. The basis of qualification for the surgery is a consultation with a plastic surgeon, who assesses both the patient's expectations and her health status to rule out contraindications to the procedure.

Indications for the procedure are:

• Dissatisfaction with the size and shape of the breasts,
• breast asymmetry, 
• Loss of firmness and volume after pregnancy or breastfeeding, 
• Sagging of breasts due to aging processes.

It is worth remembering that the consultation is not only so that the surgeon can choose the appropriate method of operation and size of implants, but also so that the patient can dispel doubts about the operation itself and its effects. Breast augmentation surgery, whether using implants or the patient's own adipose tissue, are effective and safe methods of improving breast size and aesthetics, provided they are performed by a qualified plastic surgeon.

Our clinic is a place where breast augmentation surgery is performed with the utmost precision and attention to safety. Thanks to the many years of experience of our team of plastic surgeons and access to the latest technology, each patient can count on an individual approach and professional advice. 

Breast augmentation methods

The choice of breast augmentation method depends on the patient's preferences and needs. The most popular methods are:

• breast augmentation with implants,
• breast augmentation with fatty tissue.

Breast augmentation with implants

Breast augmentation with implants is one of the most frequently performed plastic surgery procedures both in Poland and around the world. By individually selecting the size, shape and projection of the implants , the cleavage can be precisely modeled, adapting it to the patient's expectations and anatomical conditions.

The operation is performed under general anesthesia. The implants are placed under the mammary gland and pectoralis major muscle after making an incision in the submammary fold or around the areola. After the operation, the patient is fitted with bandages and a special shaping bra, which she must wear for 6-8 weeks. It is important to follow the doctor's recommendations, which include follow-up visits, physiotherapy and proper scar care with recommended preparations and treatments. 

Implant placement is considered the safest method of breast augmentation. Implants do not need to be replaced unless there are medical indications, and their presence does not affect the possibility of pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Read also: Which breast implants to choose - round or anatomical?

Lipofiling, or breast augmentation using your own fatty tissue

This state-of-the-art method allows for a subtle increase in bust size while simultaneously modeling the breasts. It is a less invasive alternative to implants, and is especially recommended to patients who prefer a natural effect. An additional advantage is the simultaneous improvement of the contours of the silhouette - the fat tissue used for the procedure comes from the abdominal area, hips or thighs, allowing them to be modeled during liposuction.

The procedure is also performed under general anesthesia. First, the fat is suctioned out through liposuction, followed by appropriate processing to obtain pure tissue rich in fat cells. The material prepared in this way is transferred to the breast, allowing the desired shape and size of the bust to be achieved. 

Read also: Beautiful breasts after pregnancy and breastfeeding - what to do to get them back?

How to prepare for breast augmentation surgery? 

Preparation for breast augmentation surgery is an important stage that affects the safety of the procedure and the course of recovery. At the consultation stage, the type of implants and surgical method are selected, and the details of anesthesia and the course of the operation are determined.

Before the operation, blood tests and a breast ultrasound or mammogram must be performed. The list of tests is given to the patient immediately before the operation, as it is important that the results are as close as possible to the date of surgery. 

Diagnostic tests recommended before breast augmentation surgery

Laboratory tests:

• morphology,
• coagulogram: APTT and PT index (Quick's score),
• Biochemistry: sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), creatinine, glucose levels,
• blood type,
• Virology: HBs antigen (HBsAg), anti-HCV antibodies, anti-HIV antibodies.

Imaging studies:

• Breast ultrasound or mammography or MRI.

What else should be kept in mind?

A minimum of 4 weeks before surgery, alcohol should be avoided and smoking should be given up, as stimulants can adversely affect postoperative wound healing. It is also important to discontinue blood-thinning medications (this should be done after prior consultation with your doctor).

Before surgery, it is advisable to take care of a healthy diet, rich in protein, vitamins and minerals to support the recovery process. Intense exercise in the last days before surgery should be avoided, as well as contact with sick people to reduce the risk of infection.

Read also: In what situations is it a good idea to reduce the bust?

What results can be achieved with breast augmentation?

The effects of breast augmentation surgery with implants include increasing the volume of the breasts, modeling the shape and improving the proportions of the figure, making the body look harmonious. The procedure corrects asymmetry, gives the breasts a fuller shape and improves their firmness.

In terms of size, it is possible to enlarge a small breast to a very large size, but the most important thing is to maintain the proportions of the figure, the health and safety of the patient. During the consultation, the plastic surgeon will help select the appropriate size of implants or the amount of fat to be transplanted, so that the effect is both aesthetic and natural. The final result depends on the individual's preferences, body shape and the recommendations of the specialist, who will make sure that breast augmentation has the desired results and is safe.

Thanks to modern solutions and artificial intelligence, to improve the patient's experience, a consultation with 3D visualization can be requested at Dr Szczyt 's clinic. This is a visit during which the surgeon takes photos of the patient, then uploads them to the program, and the program visualizes the patient's appearance after breast augmentation surgery with implants of any size. It is possible to view the generated silhouette in clothes, in a bikini and, if necessary, naked. It is important to inform the receptionist, when making an appointment for a consultation, that you would like to have visualization as well. 

FAQ

For whom is the breast augmentation procedure intended?

The procedure is offered to women who want to improve the proportions of the figure, increase the volume of the breasts, restore the appearance of the breasts from before pregnancy and lactation or correct asymmetry. The decision to perform it should be based on the individual needs and expectations of the patient and consultation with a plastic surgeon.

Do breast implants need to be replaced after a few years?

Modern breast implants are durable and do not require routine replacement unless there are medical indications, such as implant failure.

Does breast augmentation affect breastfeeding?

As a rule, the procedure does not affect the possibility of breastfeeding, but it is worth discussing this issue with the surgeon before the operation, especially if the patient is planning a pregnancy.

What are the alternatives to breast augmentation?

As an alternative to surgery, there are non-invasive methods, such as the selection of appropriate shaping underwear or aesthetic medicine treatments to improve skin firmness, but the effects of such methods are usually temporary and less spectacular.

Is breast augmentation a lifelong decision?

The effects of the procedure are permanent, so the decision should be made consciously, taking into account the long-term consequences and the possibility of changing preferences in the future. If the decision changes after some time, it is possible to replace the implants with larger or smaller ones, or remove the breast implants altogether.

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