Breast Augmentation in Mexico

Warning: Content may not be suitable for children as it contains nudity and graphic illustrations of surgical procedures.

Probably one of the most common cosmetic surgery procedures of our time is breast augmentation surgery or augmentation mammaplasty. The only safe device to use to increase the size of the breast is the breast implant - which can be made from Saline solution or silicone (both FDA approved). Keep in mind that they have to be replaced every 10 years.

Why do women choose breast lift and augmentation?

Throughout a woman’s life, there are many factors that can change the size and shape of their breasts - factors that may include pregnancy, changes in weight, genetics, and even exposure to the sun. Those women who become dissatisfied with the appearance of their breasts may choose to have plastic surgery. Breast implants or a breast lift can help to give women the fuller, more shapely breasts that they desire.

Breast augmentations involve the use of a breast implant - placed inside a pocket that has been created either under or over the pectoral muscle. The implant is what is responsible for balancing and shaping the breasts. Do keep in mind, however, that breast lift and augmentation are two different procedures. Breast augmentation will provide the breast with volume and shape; it will not correct sagging or excess of skin in the breasts. A breast lift - which can be performed in conjunction with breast augmentation - is necessary to correct excess skin and sagging.

Ultimately, the most important factor to ensure that you are happy with the results of your surgery is knowing what you want right from the start. The clearer that you are in what you want, the easier it will be to make it happen. In our facility, we normally send patients to examine different sizes and shapes of bras to get an idea for what they might want. We also ask our patients to look at before and after pictures of naked breasts that they like and to bring those pictures on the day of the operation.

Preoperative Instructions

Patients must have blood work completed before the surgery and a preoperative evaluation with a cardiologist if they have any medical conditions. Patients must also stop taking the following medications and supplements prior to surgery - aspirin, Motrin/ibuprofen, multivitamins, vitamin E, ginkgo biloba, ginseng , and green tea - all of these are blood thinners and can cause increased bleeding during the procedure. Patients should also avoid alcohol for several days prior to surgery. Patients must inform their doctor of all medical conditions and all medications/drugs currently being taking.

We ask that patients shower the morning of the procedure.

Types Of Breast Implant

There are basically two types of breast implants: saline solution and silicon implants.

Saline solution implants: The saline solution implant is a deflated bag made of silicon. This bag has a small valve where the surgeon will plug in a connector and fill the bag with saline solution - up to the manufacturer’s suggested volume. Once the saline bag is implanted into the patient and the size is ideal, we disconnect and close the valve. The most common problem with saline solution implants is leaking or gradual deflation of the implant from the valve; this deflation will typically result in rippling that is noticeable when you touch or see the breast. This can happen in as many as 30% of patients in the five years following their surgery.

Silicon Implants: There are two types of silicon implants - silicon gel and the cohesive gel (also known as the “gummy bear” implant).

Regular silicon gel: this implant is ideal as it is the most natural feeling; when you touch the breast it is very similar to the natural breast tissue. The new type of implant is very unlikely to leak, which is the most common concern for patients. The implant eventually has to be replaced - typically at around 10 years post-surgery and at no more than 15 years post-surgery.

The cohesive silicon gel implants have a firmer consistency that have given them the name “gummy bear” implants. However, because the implant is harder than regular silicon gel they do not feel as natural as their counterpart. This is often a downside for many patients.

Silicon Implant Leakage
The new type of silicon implants are tested so the implant will last up to 10 to 15 years before there is a threat of leakage.

We understand that silicon implant leakage is a major concern for many patients. What is important to remember, however, is that our bodies are very smart. As soon as the implant is placed in our body, we immediately began to create natural scaring tissue to isolate the implant from the rest of our body. All patients with implants will create a natural capsule around the implant; in up to 10% of the patients their body will react in a more exaggerated manner and build a thicker capsule (up to 10 times thicker than normal).

If an implant does leak, the silicon will be contained in the normal capsule created, so the silicon will not migrate to other areas or organs; it will stay inside the capsule. When a breast implant leaks or ruptures, your body will produce a thicker capsule and patients describe having one breast that is harder than the other.

Most of the patients that we evaluate with breast implants that have been in for more than 15 years experience hardness - and a ruptured implant in 90% of the cases. At the time of the implant exchange, we remove the capsule - intact with the implant inside - and then we place a new implant in the patient’s body. This will make the procedure much cleaner.

FAQ

When is the best time to have breast augmentation surgery?

The recommended age to have breast lift and augmentation is after 18 years of age; that is the average time when the breast tissue has completed development and patients are of a good age to make a mature decision to change their body. If you just had a baby, it is important to wait until you finish breastfeeding and there is no milk production. Many patients ask me if there is an age that is considered too old for breast augmentation surgery. I don’t believe that age is as much of a factor as health. It is much more important to have a healthy patient than to have a patient that is of a particular age.

Do breast implants cause cancer?

No. Many studies have been conducted that have proven that breast implants do not increase the risk of breast cancer.

Where is the best place for breast implant placement?

The implant can be located over or under the pectoral muscle.The guideline is the amount of tissue on the chest. We perform a “pinch test” - if the patient does not have more than two inches of tissue in the upper part of the chest, we must go under the muscle to place the implant. If the patient has more than two inches of tissue, the implant can go over the muscle.

Advantages and disadvantages...when the implant is placed under the muscle, the patient should expect to have more gap in the center, as the muscle has the tendency to push the implants apart. Increased separation may be a big drawback for many patients. When the implant is placed over the muscle, increased cleavage can be created. However, one of the disadvantages of placing the implant over the muscle is there is more of a chance of capsular contraction; more chance of rippling and irregularities of the implant, especially in saline solution.

What happens during the procedure?

With breast augmentations, the most common incision is made around the areola and the inframammary crease. The procedure itself is very simple; normally we use twilight sedation or regional anesthesia with a sedation. The operation is done in one hour and the majority of patients go home the same day. You will wear a compression bra with a strap on the top for 3 to 4 weeks that will push the implant down.

Recovery time is usually 5 to 7 days before driving and office work and 3 to 4 weeks before exercise. Patients must have a daily shower, and minimize arm movement.

The most common complication of breast augmentations is capsular contraction and unfortunately we cannot predict when or to whom it may happen. Capsular contraction can happen to those who get saline or silicon implants, whose implants are put in over or under the muscle, to those who have the procedure performed in the United States or in Mexico, and to anyone of any ethnicity. Capsular contraction can also just as easily occur 10 years after the procedure as it can one month after the procedure.

Patients will be discharged from the clinic with an antibiotic, pain relief medication, and a special bra.

How do you minimize capsular contraction?

At the time of the breast augmentation surgery, I very thoroughly remove the powder on my surgical gloves before handling the implant. Nobody touches the implant but me. I dip the implant in Iodine solution, apply antibiotic in the pocket I create in the patient’s body, and introduce the implant. If there is more bleeding during the surgery than normal, I will place drainage. I then massage the implant - applying pressure in a circular motion to the implant to ensure that it fully occupies the entirety of the pocket I have created. The larger the pocket, the less chance there is that the implant will become encapsulated.

What are my post-operative instructions?

• You will take antibiotics for 7 days. Take antibiotics and pain relief medication as prescribed.


• The drainage must be emptied 2-3 times a day. Drainage tube must be removed after 7 days or when the fluid turns yellow for more than 24-hours.


• The breast implant should be massaged beginning 10-14 days following surgery when the breast is no longer tender. Massage the implant in a circular motion so it can occupy the entirety of the pocket. You must massage for 5 minutes in the morning and 5 minutes in the evening for at least 6 months.


• Minimal arm movement and no lifting anything heavier than 5 pounds.


• Patient should shower daily and blow dry the wound tape for 5 to 10 minutes.


• Apply ice to reduce swelling.


• Wear your compression bra for 4 weeks - day and night.

Breast Lift in Mexico

There is nothing more connected to femininity than a woman’s breasts - no matter what their size and shape. Because of this strong connection - mirrored in advertisements and on our television and movie screens, women believe that the appearance of their breasts strongly defines their sensuality - their identity as a women. When they are unhappy with their breasts - whether they have always felt that the appearance of their breasts left much to be desired or they are unhappy with breast changes that have taken place over the years through weight change, pregnancy, breastfeeding, aging, and more - self-esteem can be dramatically impacted. For these and many reasons, a woman may decide to have a lift or breast augmentation. Mexico continues to be one of the top destinations for finding high-quality, affordable procedures of this kind. Our office is no exception and we have made a commitment to providing our patients with all the best that technology - and medical expertise - can offer in the pursuit of giving our women patients firmer, shapelier breasts that are the size and appearance that they envisioned.

Breast augmentation involves the introduction of an implant to increase the size and improve the shape and appearance of the breasts; a breast lift - or mastopexy - helps to correct sagging of the breasts - a result of the skin around the breasts losing elasticity and the resulting weakening and stretching of ligaments that attach the breasts to the chest wall.

While breast lift and augmentation are separate procedures that can be done separately - it is also possible to combine the breast lift and augmentation in one procedure. The only way to know which is the appropriate procedure - or if both procedures performed simultaneously is appropriate - is to start with a thorough consultation.

What size breast do you want; same, more, or less?

This will help me understand what type of procedure will be ideal. If my patient would prefer to stay the same breast size, I may recommend a traditional breast lift. I also make sure that they understand that a breast lift can give the breasts the appearance of being ½ cup smaller. If they don’t want the appearance of being smaller, I like to suggest that a small breast implant be placed at the time of the lift.

The second question I like to ask in the consultation is: How long do you want your breasts to be lifted?

This may seem like an odd question; but it’s important to remember the skin is an elastic organ so when we do a breast lift we are basically removing a lot of excess skin. The next day you will see your breasts lifted, perky, and firm. However, at the time the swelling and inflammation is reduced, the breast will have a “NATURAL DROP” in 3 to 6 months. If you are not going to like a natural drop I like to suggest a breast implant for enhancement and shape in the long run. An implant doesn’t mean you necessarily have to choose a large size; we can use a small implant so that your natural size is maintained. (I always insist my patients bring photos of breasts that they like; this will give me a better idea of what they want.)

Types of Breast Lifts

There are different types of breast lifts and choosing one will depend on the amount of breast tissue, the degree of sagginess, and the size breasts you would like to have after the procedure. The most important factor for a breast lift is the position of the nipple; the nipple has to be located in the middle distance of the arm and if the nipple has migrated down we must lift it up.

In a patient with an A or B cup that wants a small augmentation we normally suggest a per areola lift (only an incision around the areola). If the patient chooses, we can also reduce the size of the areola to a standard size of 3.5 to 4 cm.

If the patient has more than a C or D cup, we will most likely have to do the inverted T or the keyhole; this means the incision is located around the areola.

It is very common for us to suggest a breast implant to those desiring a breast lift. Breast lift and augmentation together will give the breasts additional firmness and a better appearance, especially in the long run.

The post-operative instructions for breast lifts are similar to those for augmentation.

Breast Reduction in Mexico

There are several reasons why patients choose a breast reduction - cosmetic or reconstructive. Excessive weight on the shoulders, heavier creases by the bra, upper back pain caused by bad posture, moisture accumulation in the infirmary crease that turns into mycosis, and cosmetic appearance are all reasons why a breast reduction can be a very gratifying procedure. The size of the scar is typically justified for patients who are finally without the discomfort of large breasts. In the end, the only difference between breast reduction procedures is the size of the reduction; the scar is the same - the typical scar is the keyhole for inverted T.

In most of our surgeries, we leave drains which are removed in one week. Sutures are removed in two weeks. Young patients who have not had children have to be suited to a technique that preserves the center of the breast tissue and all the milk ducts connected to the nipple; this is very important to allow breastfeeding in the future. (A breast reduction can be performed medially and laterally and preserve the center of the breast.) If the actual consistency of the breast tissue is fatter and does not have firm consistency, there is an alternative to remove excessive tissue and replace the excessive resection with a breast implant; this will provide long term internal support to the breast and maintain better shape in the long run.

If the patient has firmer breast tissue there is no need to add a breast implant.

Most of the large breast reduction patients can expect to lose sensitivity at the nipple areola complex, but patients can gradually recover during the first year.

The post-operative instructions for breast reductions are similar to those for breast augmentation and lift.