A breast implant, or more commonly a ‘boob job’ is form of prosthesis to increase the size of the female breast. It is the most common form of cosmetic surgery in Thailand. It is often part of a male-to-female sex re-arrangement therapy.
Variations
Silicone gel breast implants
The traditional breast implant is made of silicone gel and has a round or slightly tapered shape. It feels realistic and is considered the best solution for women who have very little breast tissue.
Saline breast implants
Another solution is the saline breast implant. It is filled with a saltwater solution similar to the fluid that is common in our body. The saline breast implant requires a smaller incision but can have cosmetic down sides like wrinkling or a noticeable shape. In patients with more breast tissue excellent results can be obtained.
Procedure
The procedure lasts 1 - 2 hours. There are variations in the procedure based on implants uses, type of incision and placement of the implant.
The procedure starts with an incision for each breast, typically under the armpit, under the breast or under the nipple. Less common is the TUBA incision, which will be made above the belly button. The position depends on the placement and type of the implant. Care will be taken that the scar will be less noticeable. Ask your surgeon about the recommended type of incision and placement for your situation.
The tissue will be detached to make place for the implants. Often a sizer or temporary implant is used for positioning and determining the ideal size.
The implant will be inserted. In case of saline breast implants the implant will be empty when inserted and after filled to desired levels. After positioning the incisions will be closed with sutures.
Recovery after the procedure
The first few days it is sometimes recommended to do light arm movement exercises to reduce discomfort.
Patients can usually normal activity after one week. Exercise and strenuous activity should be avoided for the first 6 weeks. Scars will begin to fade a few months after the surgery. If implants are placed behind the muscle a longer recovery period can be expected.
Risks
A lot has been written about complications after breast surgery and ruptures within six years occur in about 1% of patients.
As with most implants, Capsular contracture can occur. This means that the body does not accept the implant and will try to ‘wall it off’. This can be painful and alter the shape of the breast.
Other possible complications include:
- Hematoma
- Unfavorable scarring
- Problems with breast feeding
- Infections
- Breast pain
- Asymmetric breasts
- Wrinkling of the skin
Who is a candidate for breast implants?
Typical candidates are females who are unhappy with the size of their breasts and wish to increase their size. You should be at least 18 years of age for saline breast implants and 22 years of age for silicone gel implants.
Male-to-female transgendered persons often have beast implants as part of sex re-assignment therapy.
