Ana's Transformation on “Você na TV” (TVI) - Augmentation Mammoplasty with B-Lite Implants
WHAT IS AUGMENTATION MAMMOPLASTY?
Augmentation mammoplasty or breast augmentation is a surgical intervention that makes use of breast implants to increase the size of the breast.
Did you know that augmentation mammoplasty is currently the most performed plastic surgery in the world?
The great advantage is that it can be “personalized” according to the patient’s physical characteristics and objectives – there are several types of breast implants that differ in size, shape, profile and texture.
For WHOM IS
Augmentation MAMMOPLASTY INDICATED?
Women who undergo augmentation mammoplasty do so to improve their image and body proportionality.
Most often, our patients seek augmentation mammoplasty because they want to:
- Enlarge their breasts as they never developed to a size that matched their expectations;
- Balance any existing disharmony;
- Restore the natural volume of their breasts, which may have changed as a result of weight loss, pregnancy or aging.
Candidates for breast augmentation must be emotionally mature and understand their own motivations to perform it.
The size and shape of the breasts before surgery will influence both the necessary techniques and the final result of the augmentation mammoplasty.
WHY CHOOSING US FOR YOUR AUGMENTATION MAMMOPLASTY?
WHAT RESULTS CAN I EXPECT
AFTER GETTING BREAST IMPLANTS?
The objective of augmentation mammoplasty is to increase the volume and projection of the breast through the placement of silicone breast implants.
Harmonious Body Profile
Using breast implants of different sizes and shapes makes it possible to respect the physical characteristics and desires of the woman. The goal is to achieve firmer, rounder breasts in harmony with the body profile.
Fuller Cleavage
On top of achieving a more harmonious shape, the augmentation mammoplasty allows you to show a beautiful and natural, fuller cleavage.
Improved Breast Symmetry
We are by nature asymmetrical, and the breasts are no exception. Breast implants, in some cases, improve breast asymmetries.
Beautiful and Natural Breasts
We believe in lasting and natural results. During your breast augmentation medical appointment, a 3D simulation with different sizes and formats will be shown, so that you have an idea of what can be achieved.
Augmentation
MAMOPLASTY PROCEDURE
The outcome of every breast augmentation procedure will differ from patient to patient, as
the objective is to meet the individual expectations of each woman.
HOW TO CHOOSE BREAST IMPLANTS?
1. Discussion with the Doctor
The patient explains the result she is looking for – big or small breast, natural or more evident look, round or teardrop shape, full or more natural cleavage, etc. Some patients show us specific cases from our before and after gallery to better explain what they want.
2. Choosing the Size
After understanding the expectations of the patients, we showcase several samples of breast implants with different sizes. The patient shall try them out to ascertain which one she feels most comfortable with.
3. 3D simulation
We capture images with the Vectra XT 3D simulator. Afterwards, the patient will be able to see what kind of results can be achieved using breast implants of different sizes and shapes.
4. Q&A
The patient does not have to make a final decision at the medical appointment. Augmentation mammoplasty is an important decision and the patient must feel comfortable and confident with it. Our team is always available to review all the details so the patients are 100% comfortable with their decision.
TYPE OF BREAST IMPLANTS
Because no two women have the same physical structure or aim for the exact same result, different types of breast implants allow plastic surgeons at Clínica de Cirurgia Plástica LMR to choose implants adapted to the results each woman wants to achieve.
There is a great diversity of breast implants in terms of size, shape, projection and texture.
The choice of implants is discussed in a medical appointment, and will depend on the woman’s physical characteristics and the results she intends to achieve with the surgery.
Size: different brands offer different sizes of breast implants, ranging from 55cc to 1000cc and can, in some cases, be custom made.
Weight: B-lite implants are 30% lighter than conventional implants, presenting advantages in some situations.
Projection/Profile: the projection of the implant is as important as the size, as it will define the shape, height and projection of the breast. There are several types of projection: low, moderate, high and extra-high profile.
Format: the most common formats are round implants and anatomical or teardrop implants. There are however other formats that we do not use in our clinic.
Surface: As for the surface of the implant, it can be smooth, textured, microtextured or with polyurethane foam.
TYPE OF ANESTHESIA
Breast augmentation is usually performed with sedation and local anesthesia. Sedation is administered intravenously by the anesthesiologist so that the patient falls asleep and is neither aware nor feels anything during the entire surgery. The patient will still breathe by herself though, as if soundly asleep.
Local anesthetics are then administered in the area that will be intervened through injections, leading to loss of sensitivity to pain. As the patient is already asleep, she will not feel the stings. The anesthesiologist will be present throughout the surgery to ensure the patient’s comfort and safety and will wake her up at the end of the surgery, before being transferred to the recovery room.
TYPE OF INCISION - SCAR
Any type of surgery will leave scars and breast augmentation is no exception. However, the scars from breast augmentation are small and can be well disguised:
1. Inframammary scar
The inframammary scar is the most common, and gets hidden in the natural fold of the breast, invisible to the naked eye. This type of incision allows the plastic surgeon an excellent view of the area to be operated, with direct access to where the breast implant will be placed. It is the suitable incision for women who wish to breastfeed in the future as it does not affect the mammary gland or the ducts responsible for transporting milk to the outside of the breast.
2. Periareolar scar
The periareolar incision is performed in the lower part of the areola, in the transition from the areolar tissue to the skin of the breast. It is the region where the scar is more concealed, due to the natural color transition in this area. This approach is often used when a woman’s breasts are slightly sagging but not enough to justify a breast lift. Periareolar scars are also common for minor breast asymmetry corrections and tuberous breast corrections in which it is necessary to reduce the size of the areola.
3. Transaxillary Scar
The transaxillary scar is located in the armpit. The great advantage of this type of incision is the fact that it is performed in an area with little exposure and the scar itself can be confused with natural folds of the body. However, it is the less used type of incision due to the greater difficulty in accessing and visualizing the mammary structures. The transaxillary incision was originally designed for cases where, for some reason, it was not possible to use either of the other two types of incisions.
3D SIMULATION OF AUGMENTATION MAMMOPLASTY
We were the first clinic in Portugal to provide real-time simulation to our patients.
Vectra XT 3D is a revolutionary software that enables real time visualization of the “before and after” of a breast augmentation procedure, allowing patients to have an idea of the results they can achieve with different types and sizes of silicone prostheses, thus managing their expectations more realistically.
Additionally, if doubt still remains regarding size or shape, it is possible to define the best implant for each specific woman during the surgery itself, making use of “sizers”. “Sizers” are molds similar to the true breast implants, which can be tried out during the surgery in order to predict the best outcome.
BREAST AUGMENTATION SURGERY
mamário STEP-BY-STEP
Performing a augmentation mammoplasty is an
important decision and as such, the patient must
be aware of the
surgical procedure, its preparation
and its recovery.
MARKING PATIENTS WHILE STANDING
When the patient is standing, it is possible to correctly visualize the position of the breasts and the exact location where the incision will be made.
SEDATION
Breast augmentation is usually performed with local anesthesia and sedation. Sedation is administered intravenously by the anesthesiologist who will be present throughout the surgery.
DISINFECTION AND DELIMITATION OF OPERATING FIELDS
The entire breast/chest area is disinfected with antiseptic solutions to reduce the risk of infection. Operative fields are set to isolate the area to be operated from the external environment.
LOCAL ANESTHETICS
Local anesthesia is injected - as the patient is already sedated, she will not feel neither the injections nor any sort of pain during the surgery.
INCISIONS
The incision is made according to what was previously determined - inframammary, periareolar or transaxillary.
POCKET LOCATION
A pocket is created to place the implants - subglandular, submuscular, subfascial or dual plane.
PLACEMENT OF SIZERS
Sizers are samples similar to real implants that are placed before real implants to ensure that the result meets the patient's expectations.
IMPLANT DESINFECTION WITH ANTIBIOTICS AND INSERTION
The goal is to decrease the risk of infection. After the triple antibiotic bath, the implant is then placed.
INCISION CLOSING
The incisions are closed using absorbable suture threads. The patient is then seated on the table to check the result and symmetry.
SURGICAL GLUE
The surgical glue seals the skin, does not require any dressings and falls off gradually after 15 days. The patient can shower because the scar is completely isolated.
POST-ANESTHESIA CARE
Once awake, the patient is transferred to a recovery room where the surgical bra and compression band are put on. Discharge is expected within 6 to 8 hours.
POST-OPERATIVE CARE
After discharge, our team is available to answer questions. In the post-operative period, the patient must perform manual lymphatic drainage, use the compressive bra and be observed by our team.
PREPARATION FOR THE AUGMENTATION MAMMOPLASTY
Any surgery requires preparation and breast augmentation is no exception.
We recommend that all our patients follow all medical instructions and get prepared a few days in advance, so that the day of the surgery is a peaceful one.
Before Surgery
- Do not take aspirin or any anticoagulant medication in the two weeks prior to the surgery. On the day of the medical appointment, the patient must inform the medical team of any medication she is on.
- Do not smoke two weeks before and after the surgery, as the consumption of nicotine compromises the oxygenation of the tissues, negatively affecting the healing process.
- If you get a cold or feel ill in any way in the days prior to the surgery, the medical team should immediately be informed.
- Read all the documentation a few days before the surgery, as some questions may arise.
- If you have babies or young children, organize your routines in advance. You should have help at home.
Surgery Day
- Both on the day of surgery and the day before you should have light meals only, in order to avoid indigestion. You should be fasting for 8 hours before the surgery - do not eat or drink any liquids including water.
- Shower with the prescribed antiseptic shower gel the day before and the day of surgery.
- Do not wear jewelry or a watch, do not wear makeup or nail varnish.
- Bring comfortable clothes to wear when you are discharged - preferably with buttons or a zip to avoid lifting your arms.
- After discharge, you can neither drive nor go home unaccompanied. If you have no one to take you home, you must inform us before the day of the surgery.
- If you live more than 60 minutes away from Lisbon, you cannot go home on the same day. You must either stay overnight at the clinic or choose accommodation nearby, and you shall be accompanied. Our team will be happy to help with your logistics.
IF YOU ALREADY HAVE AN IDEA OF THE
INTENDED RESULT, SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TO SIMULATE YOUR BREAST AUGMENTATION IN 3D!
THE BENEFITS OF BREAST AUGMENTATION
The benefits of breast augmentation are many and go beyond increasing the size and projection of the chest. Women who have had breast augmentation surgery report the following benefits:
Increased self-esteem: there is no doubt that a more beautiful breast has a direct impact on a woman’s self-esteem. The woman feels more feminine and attractive and therefore more self-confident.
More clothing options: with a fuller breast, women who undergo augmentation mammoplasty feel more comfortable wearing certain clothes, especially clothes with more pronounced cleavage.
Body proportions: augmentation mammoplasty can improve body proportionality. For example, a woman who is very thin in the upper limbs and with little breast but with broader hips, may benefit from a breast lift, improving the balance and proportion between the lower and upper body.
A younger look: fuller and rounder breasts are a sign of youth. Augmentation mammoplasty will make the woman feel attractive and rejuvenated.
“Cleavage by measure”: the result of breast augmentation is not standard. The woman can choose the size and shape she wants. Several types of breast implants are therefore available – different brands, sizes, shapes, projections and textures.
Specialist Doctors
About
Dr. Luísa Magalhães Ramos / Plastic Surgery
PORTUGUESE MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, Nr. 42810
Graduated by the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto, she specialized in plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgery, at Hospital de São José, in Lisbon.
Throughout her training, she subspecialized in aesthetic plastic surgery, having worked in world-renowned clinics.
Currently, she is mainly dedicated to face and breast aesthetic plastic surgery and to intimate female surgery.
About
Dr. Marta Gouveia Duarte / Plastic Surgery
Member of The Portuguese Medical Association, Nº 57817
Licenciada em Medicina pela Escola de Ciências da Saúde da Universidade do Minho, onde concluiu a sua tese de Mestrado em Envelhecimento Humano.
Concluiu a especialidade em Cirurgia Plástica Reconstrutiva e Estética, no Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Central – Hospital de São José.
Colabora em vários projetos de investigação na NOVA Medical School.
About
Dr. Alice Varanda Pereira / Plastic Surgery
Member of The Portuguese Medical Association, Nr. 47051
Graduated by the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Lisbon, she completed her master’s degree in human sexuality and is currently developing her PhD at this same institution.
She joined the University faculty academic staff in 2008 as a lecturer of the Institute of Anatomy. It is in this unit that she produces most of her research projects, mainly in the area of surgical anatomy, whilst also supervising master’s thesis for undergraduate students.
About
Dr. Mariana da Rocha Martins / Plastic Surgery
Member of The Portuguese Medical Association – Nr. 55124
Graduated by the Abel Salazar Institute of Biomedical Sciences at the University of Porto and specialized in reconstructive and aesthetic plastic surgery at Hospital de São José, in Lisbon.
Throughout her specific training in plastic surgery, she worked in internationally renowned institutions such as Institut Kaplan (Barcelona), La Clinic (Montreux) and Great Ormond Street Hospital (London).
FAQ about
Breast Augmentation
IS AUGMENTATION MAMMOPLASTY A SAFE SURGERY?
Breast augmentation is the most commonly performed surgery worldwide, with a relatively low degree of complexity. However, like any other surgical procedure, it is not without potential risks and complications. It is extremely important that you choose a reconstructive and aesthetic plastic surgeon with several years of experience in augmentation mammoplasty and with proven results.
WHAT IS THE PRICE OF INCREASING MAMOPLASTY?
The price of a breast augmentation in Lisbon depends not only on the type of implants chosen, but also on the surgical techniques applied. Every procedure is unique and there are no standard solutions. If you are still evaluating the price of a breast lift and have not made your decision, it is important to consider the following aspects to avoid unexpected costs:
- Breast implants (consider brand and type of implants)
- Operating room
- Medical and nursing staff
- Anesthesia
- Postoperative medication
- Nursing care
- Follow-up medical appointments
- Surgical bra and compressive band
- Lymphatic drainage
As each case is unique, to get the best augmentation mammoplasty price for your specific case, get in touch with us through this Contact Form for a Quote Request.
DOES AUGMENTATION MAMMOPLASTY FIX SAGGING BREASTS?
Women with breast ptosis (sagging breast), can place breast implants. However, in most cases, breast implants are not sufficient to correct breast sagging. A sagging, low-volume breast can be improved by a mastopexy with implants, which simultaneously raises and increases the size of the breast.
IS IT PREFERABLE OVER OR UNDER THE MUSCLE?
Both techniques are used and each has its advantages and disadvantages. The placement of implants over or under the muscle depends on the patient’s physical characteristics and desired results. Over the muscle implants are generally indicated for patients with enough breast tissue / skin thickness to cover the implant and get a natural result. Under the muscle implants are generally indicated for patients with little breast tissue / thinner skin, without sufficient coverage for the implant.
ARE BREAST IMPLANTS FOR LIFE?
Breast implants are very resistant and are built to last for many years. However, a woman considering an augmentation mammoplasty should weight the advantages and disadvantages, as there are no lifetime prostheses and a revision surgery may be required some years past.
WHAT IMPLANT BRANDS DO WE USE?
At LMR Cirurgia Plástica, we use FDA approved and certified implants – Mentor, Polytech and Eurosilicone.
DO SCARS DISAPPEAR?
As with any surgery, breast augmentation involves permanent scarring. However, because they are located in the infra-mammary fold or in the transition between the skin of the breast and the areola, they are usually very well disguised. At first they are reddish, but as time goes by, they become thinner and lighter.
WILL I NEED DRAINS?
Drains are placed whenever necessary, being removed within 24 to 48 hours.
WHAT ARE THE RISKS AND POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS OF AN AUGMENTATION MAMOPLASTY?
Albeit unusual, the most common complications with augmentation mammoplasty are the related to anesthesia, hematoma, edema, infection, capsular contracture, and displacement or rupture of the implant. Fortunately, augmentation mammoplasty is an extremely safe intervention as long as it is performed by a duly qualified professional and in a surgical unit accredited for the purpose. In order to minimize the likelihood of any complications, it is extremely important that you follow the medical advice regarding recovery and post-operative care.
WHAT IS CAPSULAR CONTRACTURE?
When the body receives the breast implant, it forms a membrane (scar tissue) around it. Over time, this membrane can become thicker, deforming the implant. There are 4 degrees of capsular contracture, the most severe being implant rejection. The treatment of capsular contracture involves removing the internal capsule and replacing it with new implants.
DOES AUGMENTATION MAMMOPLASTY INTERFERE WITH BREASTFEEDING?
Affecting breastfeeding is a potential risk of this surgery. However, most women who undergo breast augmentation are able to breastfeed their babies. The inframammary incision is the technique that least interferes with future breastfeeding. In the case of the areolar incision, in which implants are inserted through the areola, the cut is made in the mammary ducts (routes through which the milk passes to exit the breast). Due to the cut, these ducts can be damaged, affecting the milk flow or even its production. If motherhood is in your plans, you should share this fact with the medical team so that the most appropriate techniques can be chosen to preserve the integrity of the areola and nipple.
IS THERE AN INCREASED RISK OF BREAST CANCER IN WOMEN WITH IMPLANTS?
There are no studies showing that there is an association between breast cancer and breast implants. A follow-up question is whether it is possible to continue to perform screening tests (namely mammography and breast ultrasound) after undergoing an augmentation mammoplasty. Examinations can and should continue to be performed. In specific cases, or to clear any doubt, it may be necessary to carry out additional tests.
DOES AUGMENTATION MAMMOPLASTY ALTER SENSITIVITY IN NIPPLES?
Most women who undergo augmentation mammoplasty report changes in sensitivity after surgery. However, these changes are mostly transient, returning to normal after a few months. Permanent sensitivity changes are rare.
WILL I HAVE PAIN?
The post-operative of an augmentation mammoplasty is generally well tolerated. In the days following the surgery, you may experience moderate pain, discomfort and swelling. Resting and taking the prescribed medication will help relieve discomfort.
HOW LONG WILL THE SWELLING LAST?
After the surgery, the body begins the regeneration process, during which the operated area will need more nutrients and oxygen and therefore increased circulation, which results in edema (swelling). During this period, which may last a few weeks, visible swelling may occur, and a feeling of heaviness or tightness in the breast area is normal. However, this is a transient situation, which will improve over the weeks – usually 4 to 16 weeks. Lymphatic drainage therapy is extremely important, as it helps the body to eliminate the excess fluids responsible for post-operative swelling.
WHAT IS BIA-ALCL?
BIA-ALCL, anaplastic large cell lymphoma, is a rare immune system cancer. Recently, some articles have associated textured breast implants with this type of cancer. Research in this area is not yet conclusive about what are the causes of BIA-ALCL and its link with textured implants. BIA-ALCL is an extremely rare type of lymphoma, with an incidence of 1 in every 30,000 people, and if diagnosed early, it is curable. If you have textured implants but no symptoms, there is no reason for concern or any indication to remove the implants as a precaution. Recommended actions include monthly breast self-examination is, ultrasounds and mammograms according to medical indication and follow-up medical appointments determined by your plastic surgeon. If you suddenly experience swelling or pain, years after having your surgery, you should contact your plastic surgeon immediately.
WHAT IS BREAST IMPLANT ILLNESS (BII)?
Breast implant illness is a term that refers to the experiencing of some symptoms after implant placement. These symptoms can appear immediately or a few years after surgery. BII is not associated with a specific type of implant, and may arise with any type – silicone or saline, smooth, textured, microtextured or with polyurethane surface, round or teardrop shaped.
There are no medical tests that confirm the diagnosis of BII, nor are there studies that indicate the number of women with breast implants who have developed symptoms. These symptoms are common to other medical conditions, which makes it important to rule out other undiagnosed conditions.
The treatment of implant disease may consist on removing the implants or replacing them. Each case is unique and must be assessed individually.
IS IT TRUE THAT I SHOULD CHOOSE A BIGGER SIZE, BECAUSE THEY WILL DIMINISH?
For some time after surgery, the chest will be swollen due to post-operative edema. During the recovery process, the post-operative swelling decreases, as does the volume, until reaching the final result. The choice of the size of the breast implants is always made based on the patient’s physical characteristics and it is expected that, during the first months, the breast size may appear larger due to the edema.
