Breast Implants in Benoni: Augmentation Surgery

Mammoplasty is an umbrella for several procedures: augmentation (increasing volume with implants), reduction (taking away excess tissue and skin), mastopexy (lifting sagging breasts), reconstruction (after mastectomy) and asymmetry correction. Your wishes and the surgeon's advice determine the best individual method.

As long as all recommendations are kept, complications are rare. Among the possible ones: hematoma or seroma, wound infection, reduced or increased nipple sensitivity, capsular contracture, aesthetic asymmetry, wound separation and tissue necrosis.

The effect of mammoplasty lasts for years: about 10–15 years after augmentation (until the implants are replaced) and 5–10 years after a lift or reduction. Duration depends on weight, pregnancy, skin aging and gravity. Supportive underwear and a stable weight help the result last.

Breastfeeding after mammoplasty depends on which surgery was done. When augmentation is performed through an under-breast or armpit incision and the implant sits under the muscle, lactation is usually kept, as the glandular tissue stays intact. With a lift or reduction the risk rises, because ducts may be cut. Discuss this with your surgeon in advance.

In choosing implants, the surgeon considers material (silicone looks most natural, saline is less common), shape (round or anatomical teardrop), surface (smooth or textured), size and profile, and selects the best option for your anatomy and wishes.

The operation is done under general anesthesia, so the patient feels nothing. Over the first 1–3 days moderate discomfort may occur and is eased with painkillers. By day 5–7 pain drops noticeably, and by weeks 2–3 the discomfort has gone. If the pain is severe, let your doctor know at once.

Returning to work without physical exertion is possible after 7–14 days, and light walks after 1–2 weeks. Fitness and swimming are allowed after 4–6 weeks, strength training after 3 months, and the pool and sea after 4–6 weeks. Compression garments: 4–6 weeks. Exact timing depends on recovery.

There is no scientific basis for saying mammoplasty raises breast cancer risk. Implants do not cause cancer. Post-surgery, maintain regular screening with self-exams, mammography and ultrasound, and always inform the examining doctor that you have implants.

After a C-section, mammoplasty can be done once the body has fully healed. At least 6–12 months should pass after delivery and after breastfeeding ends. A consultation and examination by a surgeon are required before the operation.

Mammoplasty leaves scars, yet a skilled surgeon makes them minimal. Incisions are made where they are hidden: under the breast, around the areola or in the armpit. Scars are reddish at first, and within 6–12 months they fade until they are almost invisible.

During the first weeks after the operation, slight asymmetry is normal, since swelling and healing are uneven. If a size or shape difference continues after 3–6 months, see your surgeon for an exam to find its cause.

After mammoplasty, sensitivity of the nipples and breasts may change for a while, becoming lower or higher. This is due to irritation of the nerve endings. In most cases sensitivity comes back within 3–12 months. If nothing improves after a year, see your surgeon.

Hormonal drugs (contraceptives, hormone replacement therapy) do not affect implants themselves, but they can cause swelling or a change in breast tissue volume that alters the appearance for a time. Always inform your surgeon about them ahead of surgery.