Our Summary

The research paper highlights the treatment of patients with uneven breasts or chest walls. These patients might have undergone a lot of chest-related surgeries since childhood and may have experienced significant emotional distress as a result. It’s important to accurately document all kinds of unevenness, from severe congenital syndromes to minor breast asymmetries, using measurements, photographs, and 3D simulations whenever possible. The use of specially shaped breast implants that can be customized to suit the patient’s needs offers plastic surgeons more options and precision. This approach allows doctors to make the necessary adjustments to the gel distribution and specific volumes needed to correct underdeveloped areas. The patient can achieve long-term symmetry if the implants are not too large and if precautions are taken to prevent visibility, palpability, and malposition issues.

FAQs

  1. How are complex congenital syndromes and mild breast asymmetries documented before correction?
  2. What advantages do shaped highly cohesive breast implants offer for breast augmentation procedures?
  3. How can long-lasting correction of breast asymmetry be achieved during breast augmentation?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about breast augmentation is to carefully consider the size and shape of the implants in order to achieve the desired results and avoid potential complications. It is important to have a thorough discussion with your surgeon about your goals and expectations, as well as to follow their recommendations for post-operative care to ensure a successful outcome. Additionally, regular follow-up appointments and monitoring are essential to maintain the results of the procedure over time.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for breast augmentation include those with congenital deformities of the chest wall, breast asymmetries, and those who have undergone thoracic procedures in early childhood. These patients may have suffered psychosocial effects and are seeking correction for their physical appearance. It is important to carefully document the patient’s condition using objective measurements, photography, and 3-dimensional simulations when available. Shaped highly cohesive breast implants can offer more possibilities and precision in correcting hypoplastic elements. It is important for patients to not be oversized and to avoid visibility, palpability, and malposition problems in order to achieve long-lasting correction of asymmetry.

Timeline

  1. Initial consultation: The patient meets with a plastic surgeon to discuss their goals, concerns, and medical history. The surgeon will evaluate the patient’s breasts and chest wall asymmetry.

  2. Pre-operative assessments: The patient undergoes various tests and assessments to ensure they are a suitable candidate for breast augmentation surgery. This may include physical examinations, blood tests, and imaging studies.

  3. Surgical planning: The surgeon and patient discuss the type of implant, size, and placement that will best achieve the desired results. 3-dimensional simulations may be used to help visualize the outcome.

  4. Breast augmentation surgery: The patient undergoes the surgical procedure, which typically lasts a few hours. The surgeon makes incisions, inserts the implants, and closes the incisions.

  5. Recovery: The patient will experience some discomfort, swelling, and bruising after surgery. They will need to follow post-operative care instructions provided by the surgeon.

  6. Follow-up appointments: The patient will have several follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor their healing and results. Any concerns or complications can be addressed during these visits.

  7. Long-term results: Over time, the patient will see the full results of their breast augmentation surgery. With proper care and maintenance, the implants can last for many years.

Overall, the patient can expect a significant improvement in the appearance of their breasts and chest wall asymmetry after breast augmentation surgery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the risks and potential complications associated with breast augmentation surgery?
  2. What type of breast implants do you recommend for my specific case, and why?
  3. How will the size and shape of the implants be determined for my individual anatomy?
  4. What is the expected recovery time and post-operative care for breast augmentation surgery?
  5. How long will the results of the breast augmentation last, and are there any potential long-term effects?
  6. Can I see before and after photos of previous patients who have undergone breast augmentation with similar concerns?
  7. Are there any alternative options to breast augmentation that I should consider?
  8. How many breast augmentation procedures have you performed, and what is your success rate?
  9. What is the cost of the procedure, and does it include any follow-up appointments or revisions if needed?
  10. What should I expect in terms of scarring and how can I minimize its appearance after surgery?

Reference

Authors: Glicksman CA, Ferenz SE. Journal: Clin Plast Surg. 2015 Oct;42(4):519-30. doi: 10.1016/j.cps.2015.06.009. Epub 2015 Aug 18. PMID: 26408441