Augmentation Mammoplasty in Santiago

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.

Following all recommendations makes complications rare. Still, they may involve hematoma or seroma, infection of the wound, decreased or increased nipple sensitivity, capsular contracture, aesthetic asymmetry, wound separation and tissue necrosis.

A mammoplasty result lasts a long time, about 10–15 years after augmentation (until implants need replacing) and 5–10 years after a lift or reduction. Its longevity is affected by weight, pregnancy, skin aging and gravity. Supportive underwear and weight control help preserve it.

Your ability to breastfeed after mammoplasty depends on the surgery type. For augmentation using an under-breast or armpit incision and an implant placed under the muscle, lactation is usually preserved: the glandular tissue is not damaged. A lift or reduction raises the risk, as ducts may be cut. Discuss this with your surgeon ahead of time.

Selecting an implant means weighing material (silicone looks the most natural, saline is less often used), shape (round or anatomical teardrop), surface (smooth or textured), size and profile. The surgeon then chooses the optimal option for your anatomy and wishes.

The surgery is carried out under general anesthesia, and the patient feels nothing. Moderate discomfort is possible during the first 1–3 days and is relieved by pain medication. Pain falls significantly by day 5–7, and by weeks 2–3 discomfort is over. If you have severe pain, tell your doctor at once.

You can get back to work (no physical exertion) in 7–14 days. Light walks in 1–2 weeks. Fitness and swimming in 4–6 weeks, strength training in 3 months. Pool and sea in 4–6 weeks. Keep wearing compression garments for 4–6 weeks. The precise timing depends on your own recovery.

There is no scientific evidence that mammoplasty increases breast cancer risk. Implants do not cause cancer. After surgery, keep up regular screening — self-exams, mammography and ultrasound. Always tell the examining doctor about your implants.

Mammoplasty after a C-section is an option, though the body should recover fully beforehand. Wait at least 6–12 months after delivery and after you finish breastfeeding. You will need a surgeon's consultation and check-up before surgery.

Scars do remain after mammoplasty, but a skilled surgeon keeps them to a minimum. Incisions are placed in hidden zones: beneath the breast, around the areola or in the armpit. The scars are reddish for the first months and fade within 6–12 months to become almost invisible.

Mild asymmetry soon after surgery is normal during the first weeks and is caused by swelling and uneven healing. If shape or size remains different after 3–6 months, your surgeon should examine you to establish the 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 medications (contraceptives, hormone replacement therapy) do not act on implants directly, yet they may lead to swelling or shifts in breast tissue volume that affect the look for a while. Make sure your surgeon knows about them before surgery.